Analyzing trigonometry in textbooks used in Zambian Secondary Schools focusing on definitions and proofs

Abstract

The focus of this study was to analyse trigonometry in senior secondary school mathematics textbooks used in Zambia by examining how definitions and proofs had been treated and utilized. Five mathematics textbooks used in Zambia and one American textbook formed the sample. Information was obtained through content analysis, identification of proofs and definitions. Findings of this study showed that very few proof schemes were found in textbooks and the number kept on reducing. The common proof schemes found were Proof schemes of one case (IPS1), axiomatic proof scheme (APS) and (PS0). Textbooks didn’t justify results but instead, only applications of the theorems were done in examples and exercises.