Preface  (Page 2/3)

Section exercises

The problems are paired so that the odd-numbered problems are equivalent in kind and difficulty to the even-numbered problems. Answers to the odd-numbered problems are provided with the exercise when viewed online, or at the back of the chapter in the print version.

Exercises for review

Summary of key concepts

Exercise supplement

Proficiency exam

Content

The writing style is informal and friendly, offering a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to algebra. We have made a deliberate effort not to write another text that minimizes the use of words because we believe that students can be study algebraic concepts and understand algebraic techniques by using words and symbols rather than symbols alone. It has been our experience that students at the elementary level are not experienced enough with mathematics to understand symbolic explanations alone; they also need to read the explanation.

We have taken great care to present concepts and techniques so they are understandable and easily remembered. After concepts have been developed, students are warned about common pitfalls.

Arithmetic review

This chapter contains many examples of arithmetic techniques that are used directly or indirectly in algebra. Since the chapter is intended as a review, the problem-solving techniques are presented without being developed. Therefore, no work space is provided, nor does the chapter contain all of the pedagogical features of the text. As a review, this chapter can be assigned at the discretion of the instructor and can also be a valuable reference tool for the student.