(1) Departamento de Didáctica de la Matemática Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Abstract:
In this paper we describe an ontological and semiotic model for mathematical knowledge, using elementary combinatorics as
an example. We then apply this model to analyze the solving process of some combinatorial problems by students with high mathematical
training, and show its utility in providing a semiotic explanation for the difficulty of combinatorial reasoning. We finally
analyze the implications of the theoretical model and type of analysis presented for mathematics education research and practice.