CONCEPT IMAGE AND CONCEPT DEFINITION SCHEMES AS TOOLS FOR ANALYZING STUDENTS’ COMPREHENSION OF LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

This paper aims to analyze one’s understanding of limit of a function based on Concept Image and Concept Definition schemes, which can be used as powerful tools in research that have mathematical comprehension as part of their object of study. For that, we developed and applied a set of tasks involving limits of functions to students who had already been in a Calculus course. Vinner’s study about concept image and concept definition was the theoretical framework of this paper. The results obtained let us observe the plurality of interpretations about limits and other adjacent concepts, which allowed us to trace, in this paper, a reflection upon the cognitive conflicts concerning the (lack of) understanding of these concepts.