Brooks/Cole Introductory Algebra: Equations and Graphs

Product Description This text was written with two goals in mind: to present the skills of algebra in the context of modelling and problem solving; and to engage students as active participants in the process of learning. Unlike other introductory algebra texts, it builds an intuitive framework for the future study of functions in intermediate algebra. The text emphasizes the study of tables and graphs, and the concept of the variable is developed from that platform. Graphs are used extensively throughout the book to illustrate algebraic technique and to help students visualize relationships between variables. The numerous labelled grids paired with exercises throughout the text reinforce the need to draw graphs by hand while helping students to focus on the properties of the graphs by eliminating the time-consuming task for beginning students of choosing the appropriate scales for the axes. Suggestions for calculator activities are included on the text website but the authors believe that this skill must be learned through practice with pencil and paper. Review "The large number of applications that have been researched carefully for relevancy to students' lives is impressive. Because of this the homework sections do not look like traditional texts with hundreds of problems."