Main Article Content
Abstract
Understanding and applying mathematical representation are essential in math education. However, many students face challenges in effectively using mathematical representation. Previous research has mainly focused on evaluating students' proficiency in mathematical representation rather than developing strategies to improve their skills. This has led to limited insights into research trends and information related to mathematical representation. Therefore, this SLR is crucial to fill the gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of research trends on mathematical representation. This the study aims to analyze previous research related to mathematical representation, particularly the connection between the theories used, methodological features, the relationship between subjects and mathematical representation skills, as well as learning barriers and interventions to enhance these skills. At the end of the study, it was concluded that the relationship between all these variables was concluded. An examination of 52 scholarly papers on mathematical representation showed that most studies focus on assessing students' ability to use different types of mathematical representation to solve problems, drawing on theories proposed by Goldin and standards outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The review also highlighted students' difficulties with mathematical representation and identified various methods for evaluating it, with written assessments and interviews being the most common approaches. Additionally, the review revealed numerous recommended activities to help students enhance their mathematical representation competency. In conclusion, the theoretical framework used in these studies significantly influences evaluation methods and recommended interventions in this field of study.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Amelia Putri, Imam Sujadi, Yuli Bangun Nursanti, Farida Nurhasanah

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
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- Anwar, R. B., Yuwono, I., As’ari, A. R., Sisworo, & Dwi, R. (2016). Mathematical Representation by Students in Building Relational Understanding on Concepts of Area and Perimeter of Rectangle. Educational Research and Reviews, 11(21), 2002–2008. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2016.2813
- Arnidha, Y., & Fatahillah. (2021). Membentuk Karakter Logis, Kritis, Kreatif dan Inovatif dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Melalui Pendekatan Saintifik. e-DuMath: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 7(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.52657/je.v7i1.1359
- Asnawati, S., & Dewi, I. L. (2020). Mathematical representation ability using website for learning transformation geometry in a teacher education classroom. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1511(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1511/1/012115
- Björklund, C., & Palmér, H. (2022). Teaching Toddlers the Meaning of Numbers--Connecting Modes of Mathematical Representations in Book Reading. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 110(3), 525-544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-022-10147-3
- Calderon, A., & Ruiz, M. (2015). A Systematic Literature Review on Serious Games Evaluation: An Application to Software Project Management. Computer & Education, 87, 396-422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.07.011
- Fadhilah, N., Budiarto, M. T., & Rahaju, E. B. (2019). Mathematical Representation of Middle School Students in Solving Fractional Problems Based on Sex Difference. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1417(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1417/1/012048
- Fitrianna, A. Y., Dinia, S., Mayasari, & Nurhafifah, A. Y. (2018). Mathematical Representation Ability of Senior High School Students: An Evaluation from Students' Mathematical Disposition. Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education, 3(1), 46-56. Retrieved from http://journals.ums.ac.id/index.php/jramathedu
- Goldin, G. A. (2020). Mathematical Representation. In S. Lerman, Encyclopedia of Mathematics Education (pp. 566-572). Springer, Cham.
- Gumilar, A. C., Siti Afrian, N. F., & Pramiarsih, E. E. (2020). The Effect of Mathematics Learning with Improve Method to the Mathematical Representation Ability of Junior High School Students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1477(4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1477/4/042047
- Hanifah, Waluya, S. B., Isnarto, Asikin, M., & Rochmad. (2021). Analysis mathematical representation ability by self-efficacy of prospective mathematics teachers. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1918(4), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1918/4/042118
- Hanifah, Waluya, S. B., Rochmad, & Wardono. (2020). Mathematical Representation Ability and Self -Efficacy. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1613(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1613/1/012062
- Hevardani, K. A., Yerizon, Yarman, & Arnellis. (2024). Use of GeoGebra in Mathematics Learning. Proceedings of The 6th International Conference of Mathematics and Mathematics Education. AIP Publising. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0204591
- Istadi, Kusmayadi, T. A., & I, S. (2017). Students' mathematical representations on secondary school in solving trigonometric problems. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 855, pp. 1-9. Surakarta: Institute of Physics Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/855/1/012021
- Kadunz, G., & Sträßer, R. (2001). Visualisation in Geometry: Multiple Linked Representations? Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Utrecht.
- Kemendikbud. (2023). Capaian Pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka. Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Kebudayaan Indonesia.
- Kitchenham, B., Brereton, O. P., Budgen, D., Turner, M., Bailey, J., & Linkman, S. (2009). Systematic Literature Reviews in Software Engineering – A Systematic Literature Review. Information and Software Technology, 51(1), 7-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2008.09.009
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- Lesh, R., Post, T., & Behr, M. (1987). Representations and Translations among Representations in Mathematics Learning and Problem Solving. Problems of Representation in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics, 21, 33-40.
- Lutfi, J. S., & Juandi, D. (2023). Mathematical Representation Ability: A Systematic Literature Review. Union: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika, 11(1), 124-135. https://doi.org/10.30738/union.v11i1.14048
- Mainali, B. (2021). Representation in Teaching and Learning Mathematics. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (IJEMST), 9(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.1111
- Minarni, A., Napitupulu, E. E., & Husein, R. (2016). Mathematical Understanding and Representation Ability of Public Junior High School in North Sumatra. Journal on Mathematics Education, 7(1), 45-58.
- NCTM. (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.
- Ningrum, M. P., & Hw, S. (2022). Analisis Kemampuan Representatif Matematis Peserta Didik dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Teorema Pythagoras. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 11(3), 2151-2159. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v11i3.5183
- Pape, S. J., & Tchoshanov, M. A. (2001). The Role of Representation(s) in Developing Mathematical Understanding. Theory Into Practice, 40(2), 118-127.
- Pedersen, M. K., Bach, C. C., Gregersen, R. M., Højsted, I. H., & Jankvist, U. T. (2021). Mathematical representation competency in relation to use of digital technology and task design—a literature review. Mathematics, 9(4), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9040444
- Priyadi, H. G., & Yumiati. (2021). The Effect of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) Model with Outdoor Approach towards the Students’ Ability of Mathematical Representation. Education Quarterly Reviews, 4(3), 441-450. https://doi.org/10.31014/aior.1993.04.03.352
- Purwadi, I. M., Sudiarta, I. G., & Suparta, I. N. (2019). The Effect of Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Strategy toward Students' Mathematical Conceptual Understanding and Mathematical Representation on Fractions. International Journal of Instruction, 12(1), 1113-1126.
- Putra, F. G., Lengkana, D., Sutiarso, S., Nurhanurawati, Saregar, A., Diani, R., . . . Umam, R. (2024). Mathematical Representation: A Bibliometric Mapping of The Research Literature (2013-2022). Infinity: Journal of Mathematics Education, 13(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v13i1.p1-26
- Rohana, Sari, E. F., & Nurfeti, S. (2021). Analisis Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Materi Persamaan Linear Dua Variabel. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 10(2), 679-691. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v10i2.3365
- Rosdianah, Kartinah, & Muhtarom. (2019). Analisis Faktor Penyebab Kesulitan Belajar Matematika pada Materi Garis dan Sudut Kelas VII Sekolah Menengah. Imajiner: Jurnal Matematika dan Pendidikan Matematika, 1(5), 120-132. https://doi.org/10.26877/imajiner.v1i5.4458
- Rum, A. M., & Juandi, D. (2023). Students’ Mathematical Representation Ability In Solving PISA Problem. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 12(2), 1692-1703. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v12i2.7283
- Safitri, G., Sarhim, & Dasari, D. (2023). Student’s Obstacles in Learning Surface Area and Volume of a Rectangular Prism Related to Mathematical Representation Ability. Al-Jabar: Pendidikan Matematika, 14(1), 55-69.
- Sari, D. P., Darhim, & Rosjanuardi, R. (2018). Errors of Students Learning with React Strategy in Solving the Problems of Mathematical Representation Ability. Journal on Mathematics Education, 9(1), 121-128.
- Sari, I. J., & Sari, A. (2019). Pengaruh Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Think Pair Share terhadap Kemampuan Representasi Matematis ditinjau dari Kemampuan Awal Matematis Siswa. Juring, 2(3), 191-198.
- Septian, A., Darhim, & Prabawanto, S. (2020). Mathematical Representation Ability through Geogebra-Assisted Project-Based Learning Models . 2nd ISAMME. IOP Publising. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1657/1/012019
- Septian, A., Darhim, & Prabawanto, S. (2020b). Mathematical representation ability through geogebra-assisted project-based learning models. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1657(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1657/1/012019
- Tamam, B., & Dasari, D. (2020). The Use of Geogebra Software in Teaching Mathematics. SEA-STEM. IOP Publising. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012042
- Umam, K. (2018). Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Matematis Siswa Melalui Pembelajaran Reciprocal Teaching. JPMI: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Indonesia, 3(2), 57-61. https://doi.org/10.26737/jpmi.v3i2.807
- Utami, C. T., Mardiyana, & Triyanto. (2019). Profile of students' mathematical representation ability in solving geometry problems. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 243, pp. 1-8. Jember: Institute of Physics Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/243/1/012123
- Widakdo, W. A. (2017). Mathematical Representation Ability by Using Project Based Learning on the Topic of Statistics. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/895/1/012055
- Widyastuti, M. (2021). The Role of Culture in The World of Education. Jurnal Kebhinnekaan dan Wawasan Kebangsaan, 1(1), 54-64.
- Wiggins, G., & Tighe, J. M. (2005). Understanding By Design: Expanded 2nd Edition. United States of America: ASCD.
- Williams, C. (2007). Research Methods. Journal of Business & Economic Research, 5(3), 65-72.
- Zaenuri, Nastiti, P. A., & Suhito. (2019). Mathematical Creative Thinking Ability Based on Students’ Characteristics of Thinking Style Through Selective Problem Solving Learning Model With Ethnomatematics Nuanced. Unnes Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(1), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.15294/ujme.v8i1.29192
References
Amir, M. F., Wardana, M. D., & Usfuriah, D. (2021). Visual and Symbolic Representation Forming: A Case of Relational Understanding on Elementary Student. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 10(4), 2014-2028. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v10i4.4361
Anwar, R. B., Yuwono, I., As’ari, A. R., Sisworo, & Dwi, R. (2016). Mathematical Representation by Students in Building Relational Understanding on Concepts of Area and Perimeter of Rectangle. Educational Research and Reviews, 11(21), 2002–2008. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2016.2813
Arnidha, Y., & Fatahillah. (2021). Membentuk Karakter Logis, Kritis, Kreatif dan Inovatif dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Melalui Pendekatan Saintifik. e-DuMath: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 7(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.52657/je.v7i1.1359
Asnawati, S., & Dewi, I. L. (2020). Mathematical representation ability using website for learning transformation geometry in a teacher education classroom. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1511(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1511/1/012115
Björklund, C., & Palmér, H. (2022). Teaching Toddlers the Meaning of Numbers--Connecting Modes of Mathematical Representations in Book Reading. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 110(3), 525-544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-022-10147-3
Calderon, A., & Ruiz, M. (2015). A Systematic Literature Review on Serious Games Evaluation: An Application to Software Project Management. Computer & Education, 87, 396-422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.07.011
Fadhilah, N., Budiarto, M. T., & Rahaju, E. B. (2019). Mathematical Representation of Middle School Students in Solving Fractional Problems Based on Sex Difference. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1417(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1417/1/012048
Fitrianna, A. Y., Dinia, S., Mayasari, & Nurhafifah, A. Y. (2018). Mathematical Representation Ability of Senior High School Students: An Evaluation from Students' Mathematical Disposition. Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education, 3(1), 46-56. Retrieved from http://journals.ums.ac.id/index.php/jramathedu
Goldin, G. A. (2020). Mathematical Representation. In S. Lerman, Encyclopedia of Mathematics Education (pp. 566-572). Springer, Cham.
Gumilar, A. C., Siti Afrian, N. F., & Pramiarsih, E. E. (2020). The Effect of Mathematics Learning with Improve Method to the Mathematical Representation Ability of Junior High School Students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1477(4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1477/4/042047
Hanifah, Waluya, S. B., Isnarto, Asikin, M., & Rochmad. (2021). Analysis mathematical representation ability by self-efficacy of prospective mathematics teachers. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1918(4), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1918/4/042118
Hanifah, Waluya, S. B., Rochmad, & Wardono. (2020). Mathematical Representation Ability and Self -Efficacy. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1613(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1613/1/012062
Hevardani, K. A., Yerizon, Yarman, & Arnellis. (2024). Use of GeoGebra in Mathematics Learning. Proceedings of The 6th International Conference of Mathematics and Mathematics Education. AIP Publising. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0204591
Istadi, Kusmayadi, T. A., & I, S. (2017). Students' mathematical representations on secondary school in solving trigonometric problems. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 855, pp. 1-9. Surakarta: Institute of Physics Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/855/1/012021
Kadunz, G., & Sträßer, R. (2001). Visualisation in Geometry: Multiple Linked Representations? Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Utrecht.
Kemendikbud. (2023). Capaian Pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka. Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Kebudayaan Indonesia.
Kitchenham, B., Brereton, O. P., Budgen, D., Turner, M., Bailey, J., & Linkman, S. (2009). Systematic Literature Reviews in Software Engineering – A Systematic Literature Review. Information and Software Technology, 51(1), 7-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2008.09.009
Lee, M. Y., & Lee, J. E. (2019). Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Representations and Suggestions for Students’ Incorrect Use. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 15(9), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/103055
Lesh, R., Post, T., & Behr, M. (1987). Representations and Translations among Representations in Mathematics Learning and Problem Solving. Problems of Representation in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics, 21, 33-40.
Lutfi, J. S., & Juandi, D. (2023). Mathematical Representation Ability: A Systematic Literature Review. Union: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika, 11(1), 124-135. https://doi.org/10.30738/union.v11i1.14048
Mainali, B. (2021). Representation in Teaching and Learning Mathematics. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (IJEMST), 9(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.1111
Minarni, A., Napitupulu, E. E., & Husein, R. (2016). Mathematical Understanding and Representation Ability of Public Junior High School in North Sumatra. Journal on Mathematics Education, 7(1), 45-58.
NCTM. (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.
Ningrum, M. P., & Hw, S. (2022). Analisis Kemampuan Representatif Matematis Peserta Didik dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Teorema Pythagoras. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 11(3), 2151-2159. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v11i3.5183
Pape, S. J., & Tchoshanov, M. A. (2001). The Role of Representation(s) in Developing Mathematical Understanding. Theory Into Practice, 40(2), 118-127.
Pedersen, M. K., Bach, C. C., Gregersen, R. M., Højsted, I. H., & Jankvist, U. T. (2021). Mathematical representation competency in relation to use of digital technology and task design—a literature review. Mathematics, 9(4), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9040444
Priyadi, H. G., & Yumiati. (2021). The Effect of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) Model with Outdoor Approach towards the Students’ Ability of Mathematical Representation. Education Quarterly Reviews, 4(3), 441-450. https://doi.org/10.31014/aior.1993.04.03.352
Purwadi, I. M., Sudiarta, I. G., & Suparta, I. N. (2019). The Effect of Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Strategy toward Students' Mathematical Conceptual Understanding and Mathematical Representation on Fractions. International Journal of Instruction, 12(1), 1113-1126.
Putra, F. G., Lengkana, D., Sutiarso, S., Nurhanurawati, Saregar, A., Diani, R., . . . Umam, R. (2024). Mathematical Representation: A Bibliometric Mapping of The Research Literature (2013-2022). Infinity: Journal of Mathematics Education, 13(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v13i1.p1-26
Rohana, Sari, E. F., & Nurfeti, S. (2021). Analisis Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Materi Persamaan Linear Dua Variabel. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 10(2), 679-691. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v10i2.3365
Rosdianah, Kartinah, & Muhtarom. (2019). Analisis Faktor Penyebab Kesulitan Belajar Matematika pada Materi Garis dan Sudut Kelas VII Sekolah Menengah. Imajiner: Jurnal Matematika dan Pendidikan Matematika, 1(5), 120-132. https://doi.org/10.26877/imajiner.v1i5.4458
Rum, A. M., & Juandi, D. (2023). Students’ Mathematical Representation Ability In Solving PISA Problem. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 12(2), 1692-1703. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v12i2.7283
Safitri, G., Sarhim, & Dasari, D. (2023). Student’s Obstacles in Learning Surface Area and Volume of a Rectangular Prism Related to Mathematical Representation Ability. Al-Jabar: Pendidikan Matematika, 14(1), 55-69.
Sari, D. P., Darhim, & Rosjanuardi, R. (2018). Errors of Students Learning with React Strategy in Solving the Problems of Mathematical Representation Ability. Journal on Mathematics Education, 9(1), 121-128.
Sari, I. J., & Sari, A. (2019). Pengaruh Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Think Pair Share terhadap Kemampuan Representasi Matematis ditinjau dari Kemampuan Awal Matematis Siswa. Juring, 2(3), 191-198.
Septian, A., Darhim, & Prabawanto, S. (2020). Mathematical Representation Ability through Geogebra-Assisted Project-Based Learning Models . 2nd ISAMME. IOP Publising. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1657/1/012019
Septian, A., Darhim, & Prabawanto, S. (2020b). Mathematical representation ability through geogebra-assisted project-based learning models. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1657(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1657/1/012019
Tamam, B., & Dasari, D. (2020). The Use of Geogebra Software in Teaching Mathematics. SEA-STEM. IOP Publising. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012042
Umam, K. (2018). Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Matematis Siswa Melalui Pembelajaran Reciprocal Teaching. JPMI: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Indonesia, 3(2), 57-61. https://doi.org/10.26737/jpmi.v3i2.807
Utami, C. T., Mardiyana, & Triyanto. (2019). Profile of students' mathematical representation ability in solving geometry problems. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 243, pp. 1-8. Jember: Institute of Physics Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/243/1/012123
Widakdo, W. A. (2017). Mathematical Representation Ability by Using Project Based Learning on the Topic of Statistics. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/895/1/012055
Widyastuti, M. (2021). The Role of Culture in The World of Education. Jurnal Kebhinnekaan dan Wawasan Kebangsaan, 1(1), 54-64.
Wiggins, G., & Tighe, J. M. (2005). Understanding By Design: Expanded 2nd Edition. United States of America: ASCD.
Williams, C. (2007). Research Methods. Journal of Business & Economic Research, 5(3), 65-72.
Zaenuri, Nastiti, P. A., & Suhito. (2019). Mathematical Creative Thinking Ability Based on Students’ Characteristics of Thinking Style Through Selective Problem Solving Learning Model With Ethnomatematics Nuanced. Unnes Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(1), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.15294/ujme.v8i1.29192
