© 2025 JETIR August 2025, Volume 12, Issue 8 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) JETIR2508488 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org e654 A Focused Analysis of Common Difficulties Faced by Class IX Students in Algebra Ashish Kumar Sethi Ph.D. Scholar Department of Education Regional Institute of Education, NCERT Bhubaneswar, Odisha Abstract Students’ Mathematics performance in schools is one of the major concerns in Mathematics education. Students face several difficulties while learning mathematics in their school years. Among the sub-branches of Mathematics, students are found to have greater difficulties in algebra, which moves beyond basic mathematics and prepares for higher mathematics. This study is conducted with an objective to find out the specific difficulties faced by secondary school students while solving algebraic problems. For this, a descriptive survey method is employed. Samples are randomly selected from 4 CBSE schools in Bhubaneswar city of Odisha. A self-developed criterion-referenced test is administered based on the NCERT class IX mathematics textbook. The error analysis technique is used to analyze the data. Among the specific difficulties solving word problems using the variables, factorization of the polynomials using the identity, finding the degree of polynomials, applying the identities to solve algebraic problems, finding the zeros of the polynomials, factorizing the quadratic polynomials are found to be some of the areas where maximum number of students struggle. Few students face difficulties even with the simplest of the problems of algebra like finding the solutions of a linear equation. The difficulties faced by students and the types of errors with examples are detailed in the article. Major findings with discussion along with their implications for students, teachers and also for teacher education programs are highlighted. Thus, it helps to gain a better understanding into learning of algebra and try out possible solutions for students while solving algebraic expressions. Keywords: Mathematics, Secondary School Students, Specific Difficulties, Algebra, Class IX 1. INTRODUCTION Mathematics is one of the most important subjects for the everyday life of human beings. Without the basic understanding of it, we can say nothing is possible. Mathematics has been accepted as an important component of formal education from the ancient period to the present day (Kandeel, 2019). Students learn mathematics well only when they construct their mathematical understanding and this understanding requires them to examine, represent, transform, solve, apply, prove, and communicate. The main goal of mathematics education is to develop children's abilities for mathematization (NCF, 2005). But in fact, difficulties make mathematics less desirable, feared, and boring for students. This can be seen from the students’ poor results in mathematics. For this, educationists as well as the state are facing the challenges with the problems of failure in board examinations in mathematics. The mathematical concept is a mental construct. These concepts are hierarchically related. The process of concept acquisition involves the process of associating understanding gained from real or partly real experiences with the