Beginning Algebra

This book offers a sound mathematics presentation, useful pedagogy, and a superb problem-solving framework. The Second Edition features a greater incorporation of AMATYC and NCTM standards, reflected in an increased emphasis on visualization and graphing, carefully revised problems and exercises, and more data analysis. A six-step problem-solving approach is woven consistently throughout -- 1) Understand; 2) Assign; 3) Illustrate; 4) Translate into a model (or equation); 5) Complete; 6) Interpret a variety of realistic problems. Increased emphasis on data interpretation, with real data integrated throughout, beginning with an introduction to bar graphs in Section 1.1. With the emphasis on interpreting data via graphs, readers reinforce what they've learned visually and see math's tangibility. Graphing is introduced earlier and developed in-depth in more than one chapter in line with AMATYC and NCTM standards. An early introduction to graphing helps readers see the math in Chapter 3. An emphasis on visualization through graphing is carried throughout; by Chapter 7, readers are ready to master functions and equations of lines.