Name that function!

Abstract

This study explores the ability of students to produce the algebraic representation of a function given in various other representations. It is hypothesized that when tested on function recognition, mathematics majors will perform better than non-mathematics majors; however, both will perform poorly, that is below 75%. Students in four classes, two lower-level mathematics courses composed of non-mathematics majors and two upper-level mathematics courses composed of only mathematics majors, were given an eight-problem test that asked them to determine the algebraic representation of functions shown pictorially, in tables, in sequences, and graphically. This study provided evidence that mathematics majors outscored non-mathematics majors as the mean scores were 2.93/8 and 0.49/8, respectively.