Mathematics is known to  have strong connection with real life, especially in relation to mathematical modelling. A real-world situation will be easily resolved if it is formulated in a mathematical relationship. Covid-19 pandemic as an undergoing issue in the world, is recognized as a real world  phenomenon that needs to be understood, analyzed, and resolved with the integration of all sciences including mathematics. Mathematical connections in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic is an appreciation of the contribution of mathematics and its application in problem solving. This study aims to describe the use of mathematics in analyzing the transmission of Covid-19 through a mathematical model perceived by students and understanding the graphs of Covid-19 transmission reports.

 

This descriptive study was conducted with 30 students taking part in online lectures at the beginning of the Pandemic period in March 2020. Data were obtained with assignments consisting of 3 mathematical problems. The problems were completed in 60 minutes using the open book system and using Google Forms. The analysis was carried out quantitatively descriptive and the documentation assessed the rationality and accuracy of the answers.

 

The results showed as many as 80.6% of participants identified the transmission of the Corona virus to follow an arithmetic pattern, 10.4% followed a geometry pattern, and 10% followed an exponential pattern. Students see a tendency that the spread will increase, and not decrease. Few of the responses are indicated to show that one day the data affected by the virus will be sloped or dropped by handling certain systems, such as by social distancing. Meanwhile, other responses were also found to focus on the pattern created in describing the number of people exposed to the Corona virus. However, the analysis shown in the responses has not yet compared the actual data in the field with the results of mathematical predictions. This condition indicates the need to understand mathematical connections and everyday life, so that the analysis of a situation is more meaningful