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This research aims to determine the difficulties experienced by students in solving mathematical problems in Pythagoras material. This type of research is descriptive qualitative research. The research subjects taken were high-ability students in class VIII A 39 Public Middle School Semarang academic year 2017/2018. Data collection is carried out namely written test methods, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques are carried out in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing or data verification. The validity of the data using time comparing the written test data with the first and second interviews at the time. The analysis framework is developed based on the problem solving stages according to Polya (1973) and the types of student difficulties according to Yeo (2009). Based on the results of the study showed that high-ability subjects did not experience difficulties in unsderstanding problems, translating problems into mathematical models, determining strategies, and performing correct mathematical procedures.
Keywords: Student difficulties, Problem solving, Pythagoras, High ability