Street Mathematics as an Applied Technique in Solving Problems of the Market Vendors in the Municipality of Talavera, Nueva Ecija: A Case Study: Street Math as an Applied Technique in Solving Problems

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying and analyzing the techniques applied in street mathematics in solving problems. It involved a total of ten(10) market vendors selling different products in the public market of Talavera, Nueva Ecija.  Using the Descriptive Case Study Design, the following were the findings of the study: (1) The salt, shoe and utensil vendors did not finish elementary; chicken vendor completed elementary; fish and fruit vendor were not able to finish high school; vegetable and cloth/RTW vendor were high school completers; grocery/cooking oil vendor have reached college; and school supply vendor finished college. (2) The techniques used by the participants in solving problems are learned through their personal experiences, which include mental computations, finger counting, arithmetic, computations by pattern, question analysis, guess and check method, and written computations; (3) The market vendors’ calculations, sometimes, end up with wrong summation of the total amount of items. However, it can be overcome through written computations; (4) The instructional module can be used as a teaching guide to teach students the strategies for using street mathematics to solve mathematical problems. So that, students will discover the beauty of mathematics and learn how to approach problems in an informal way. In view of the aforementioned findings, the following conclusions are drawn; (1) Regardless of the educational background, the participants have mastered the principles of street mathematics which they apply when they perform calculations while selling. (2) The selected market vendors solved the given problems in pragmatic way. (3) The problem-solving skills of the market vendors have limitations because not all the techniques taught in school can be learned through their experiences in their workplace. (4) The instructional module will help the students learn some other strategies in solving mathematical problems independently, not only through formal approach but through informal approach as well.