Teaching on differentiation topic is “Effectiveness of Basic Mathematics Principles for

Algebra Expression” for STEM students. However, lectures are facing difficulty when
students are unable to apply the concepts and basic problem solving skills on differentiation
when applied to science and engineering related problems at higher levels. The aim of this
study is to determine students’ performances on algebraic and differentiation concept. An
analysis had been carried out to identify the algebraic concepts in solving mathematical
expressions and to relate the misconceptions with the basic technical errors done in solving
the first derivatives.