Intermediate Algebra: Functions & Authentic Applications - Hardcover

Lehmann, Jay

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0131953338 ISBN 13: 9780131953338

Publisher: Pearson College Div, 2007

Synopsis

Unique and enthusiastic in its approach, Lehmann's book is a rich combination of important skills, concepts, and applications. This book captivates readers' interest as they use curve fitting to model current, compelling, and authentic situations. The curve fitting approach emphasizes concepts related to functions in a natural, substantial way and encourages readers to view functions graphically, numerically, and symbolically as well as to verbally describe concepts related to functions. The examples in the test demonstrate both how to perform skills and how to investigate concepts. Students learn why they perform skills to solve problems as well as how to solve the problems. Explorations deepen users' understanding as they investigate mathematics with graphing calculator and pencil and paper activities. Topics discussed include linear functions, modeling with linear functions, systems of linear functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, polynomial functions, using quadratic functions to model data, rational functions, radical functions, and modeling with sequences and series. For individuals interested in deepening their understanding of algebra.

About this title

From the Back Cover

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Unique in its approach, theLehmann Algebra Seriesuses curve fitting to model compelling, authentic situations, while answering the perennial question “But what is this good for? Lehmann begins with interesting data sets, and then uses the data to find models and derive equations that fit the scenario. This interactive approach to the data helps students connect concepts and motivates them to learn. The curve-fitting approach encourages students to understand functions graphically, numerically, and symbolically. Because of the multi-faceted understanding that they gain, students are able to verbally describe the concepts related to functions.

 

Linear Equations and Linear Functions, Modeling with Linear Functions, Systems of Linear Equations, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions, Polynomial Functions, Quadratic Functions, Rational Functions, Radical Functions, Sequences and Series, Additional Topics

 

For all readers interested in algebra. ]]>

About the Author

In the words of the author:

            Before writing my algebra series, it was painfully apparent that my students couldn't relate to the applications in the course. I was plagued with the question, "What is this good for?" To try to bridge that gap, I wrote some labs, which facilitated my students in collecting data, finding models via curve fitting, and using the models to make estimates and predictions. My students really loved working with the current, compelling, and authentic data and experiencing how mathematics truly is useful.

            My students' response was so strong that I decided to write an algebra series. Little did I know that to realize this goal, I would need to embark on a 15-year challenging journey, but the rewards of hearing such excitement from students and faculty across the country has made it all worthwhile! I'm proud to have played even a small role in raising peoples' respect and enthusiasm for mathematics.

            I have tried to honor my inspiration: by working with authentic data, students can experience the power of mathematics. A random-sample study at my college suggests that I am achieving this goal. The study concludes that students who used my series were more likely to feel that mathematics would be useful in their lives (P-value 0.0061) as well as their careers (P-value 0.024).

            In addition to curve fitting, my approach includes other types of meaningful modeling, directed-discovery explorations, conceptual questions, and of course, a large bank of skill problems. The curve-fitting applications serve as a portal for students to see the usefulness of mathematics so that they become fully engaged in the class. Once involved, they are more receptive to all aspects of the course.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson College Div
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0131953338
• ISBN 13: 9780131953338
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 694