Ninth-Grade Students’ Difficulties in Solving Systems of Equations With Three Variables in UAE High Schools

This study explores grade nine students' views about solving systems of equations with three variables in UAE high schools.To determine students' challenges and difficulties, the researcher conducted clinical interviews with five ninth-grade students with different performance levels (A, B, C, and D).The researcher interviewed each student individually and asked them about different difficulty levels, starting with easy questions and ending with difficult ones.After the interviews, the researcher presented the results using four themes: students' main struggles, students' emotions, students' choice of approach, and students' reflections.The researcher found that the students have difficulties solving linear equation systems with three variables related to basic arithmetic and algebraic skills and determining the best approach to solving the system of equations.Also, students felt anxious and unconfident when solving equations with three variables.The study results will help mathematics teachers develop instruction methods to support students' learning.The researcher provided some recommendations for mathematics teachers to improve their students' ability to solve systems of equations with three variables.