Ranking Students Preferences for Mathematics Mobile Applications Using Fuzzy Grade Matrix with Degree of Optimism and Statistical Analysis Approach

Abstract

Mathematics mobile applications have the potential to significantly enhance students' interest and learning in mathematics by taking advantage of the widespread use of smartphones and tablets. These applications offer interactive and engaging tools, such as real-time feedback, personalised learning paths, and access to a vast library of mathematical resources. This study explores students' preferences for different mathematics mobile applications by combining the fuzzy grade matrix with the degree of optimism and statistical analysis. The fuzzy grade matrix is particularly useful for addressing subjective opinions, uncertainty, and optimism, providing a flexible approach to managing complex decision-making processes. The process involves six steps: determining the importance of each criterion, assigning performance grades, constructing the grade matrix, calculating the overall scores, ranking the alternatives, and finally selecting the best options. The combined results show that functionality is the most important factor for students when choosing a mathematics mobile application, followed by efficiency and quality, with features being less critical. Symbolab was ranked as the top choice, followed by Photomath, Mathway, and Malmath, while Cymath was the least favoured. Complementing the fuzzy grade matrix, the statistical analysis further supports these findings, showing that Symbolab obtained the highest overall mean score (3.33) across all major criteria where Features (3.42), Efficiency (3.20), Quality (3.27), and Functionality (3.33) and followed by Photomath, Mathway, and Malmath, while Cymath recorded the lowest mean ratings. This integration of fuzzy evaluation with statistical validation provides a comprehensive and meaningful reflection of students’ varied perspectives and preferences.