Intermediate Representations in the Learning of Combinatorial Situations

ABSTRACT: The article analyses identification, conversion and treatment of registers in combinatorial situations. Two studies were carried out: 1) identification of conversions and 2) with intermediate representations between registers in natural language and in numerical expression. Hypotheses of greater difficulties in the combination situation and in the conversion to numerical expression were confirmed. Intermediate representations (tree of possibilities or systematized listing) for the teaching of Combinatorics were indicated, however, working with trees resulted in better performance - because they have more congruence with numerical expressions. It is recommended, therefore, the intermediation of representations in the identification, conversion and treatment of combinatorial situations.