About This Book

Introductory Algebra: Concepts and Graphs is a traditional, one-semester, textbook for a first course in algebra. We cover graphing early. Systems of equations are covered in Chapter 7, but can easily be moved up to follow the chapter on graphing. The last chapter of the book is an introduction to both roots and radicals, and quadratic equations. Most books cover these topics in more detail in two separate chapters. If you prefer that treatment, we can put the two traditional, more detailed chapters online for you.

Features

Getting Ready for the Next Section

These problems appear at the end of every problem set. They are the exact problems that students will see when they read through the next section of the text. Students who consistently work these problems will be much better prepared for class than students who don't work these problems.

Anticipating Problems in the Problem Set

We try to anticipate problems students have and build features into the text that address these problems. For example, we know students don't always pay attention to instructions when they are doing their homework, and it gets them into trouble on tests and quizzes. So, we build problems into the text that require that they read instructions.

Real-Data Application Problems

This book includes many new problems that use real-world applications for the mathematical subject, making the concepts easier to understand. Many times the charts and graphics in the text look like the types of charts and graphics students see in the media.

Blueprint for Problem Solving

These are detailed outlines of the steps needed to successfully solve application problems. Intended as a guide to problem solving in general, the Blueprint overlays the solution process to all the application problems early in the book. As students become more accomplished at problem solving, the steps are streamlined.

Using Technology

Scattered throughout the book are exercises that demonstrate how graphing calculators, spreadsheets and computer graphing programs can be used to enhance the topics being covered.

Facts from Geometry

This feature gives students a chance to see how topics from geometry are related to the algebra they are using.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR