Beginning Algebra with Applications and Visualization offers an innovative approach to the beginning algebra curriculum that allows students to gain both skills and understanding. This text not only prepares students for future mathematics courses, but it also demonstrates to students the relevance of mathematics. Real data, graphs, and tables play an important role in the course, giving meaning to the numbers and equations that students encounter. This approach increases student interest, motivation, and the likelihood for success. Many students think in visual, concrete terms and not abstractly. This text helps students learn mathematics better by moving from the concrete to the abstract. It makes use of multiple representations (verbal, graphical, numerical, and symbolic), applications, visualization, and technology.
Gary Rockswold is a professor of mathematics at Minnesota State University—Mankato. He received his BA in mathematics and physics from St. Olaf College and his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Iowa State. He was elected to the honor societies of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Xi. He has been a principal investigator at the Minnesota Supercomputer Institute and has published several research articles discussing parallel processing and numerical analysis. He is also the author or coauthor of more than 10 current textbooks. At regional and national meetings, he has given numerous presentations related to teaching mathematics. During his thirty-five-year career, Gary has taught mathematics, physical science, astronomy, and computer science at a variety of student levels, ranging from junior high to graduate. Making mathematics meaningful and relevant for students at the developmental and precalculus levels is of special interest to him. He also has a passion for professing mathematics and for communicating the amazing impact that mathematics has on our society.
Terry Krieger has taught mathematics for over fifteen years at the middle school, high school, vocational, community college, and university levels. He graduated summa cum laude from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota with a BA in secondary mathematics education. He received his MA in mathematics from Minnesota State University—Mankato. In addition to his teaching experience in the United States, Terry has taught mathematics in Tasmania, Australia and in a rural school in Swaziland, Africa, where he served as a Peace Corps volunteer. Outside of teaching, Terry enjoys wilderness camping, trout fishing and home improvement projects. His past experiences include running two marathons, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and watching the sunset from the banks of the Nile. He currently resides in Rochester, Minnesota with his wife and family. Terry has been involved with various aspects of mathematics textbook publication for more than ten years.
