Relative Viability of the Method of Conjugate Linear Equations in Solving Quadratic Equations: A Comparison with the Conventional Factorization Method

Abstract

This study sought to find out the viability of the method of conjugate linear equations in solving quadratic equations among senior high school (SHS) one students, by comparing the effectiveness of teaching quadratic equations using the conjugate linear equations method and the traditional factorization method. A quasi-experimental design involving two senior high school form one classes with twenty-eight (n=28) students for the control and twenty-nine (n=29) students for the treatment group and a total of 57 students was conducted. Pre-test, post-test, and retention test items with respective reliability coefficients; 0.80, 0.87 and 0.85 and their test scores were collected and analyzed using independent samples t-tests. At a significant alpha level of 0.05, the conjugate linear equations method showed significant post-test score differences in favour of the conjugales, with gender difference not significantly different. The method of conjugate linear equations also demonstrated higher retention potential. Although no significant time differences emerged between the two groups, the study highlights the conjugate linear equations method's viability and potential benefits. Recommendations include adoption of the method of conjugales, training of teachers on the pedagogy of the method of conjugales, further research, long-term assessment, and resource provision.