THE PERFORMANCE OF MATHEMATICS IN RELATION TO PHYSICS. (A CASE STUDY OF TWO SELECTED PRAVITE SCIENCE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN GOMBE METROPOLIS)

Abstract

The research was designed to study the correlation between students’ academic performance in mathematics and their performance in physics in some selected secondary schools in Gombe metropolis. Senior Secondary school Certificate Examination (SSCE) results for 2006-2011 of the two selected Science schools were used for data collection. The Pearson-product moment correlation coefficient, regression analysis and t-test statistics were used for data analysis. Results showed that there was a statistical significance relationship between mathematics and physics students’ academic performance at P≤0.05. This suggests that physics students must understand that mathematics play commentary role to physics performance since physics involves calculations. Also correlations of r= 0.37 and 0.23 were found in the two Secondary Schools respectively which indicates that there was positive relationship between physics and mathematics. The researchers recommended among others that sufficient and qualified mathematics and physics teachers should be recruited, students should be made to realize that the knowledge of Mathematics enhance good performance in Physics. An average student in mathematics is expected to perform averagely in Physics.