Synopsis
This book has been designed to present the material, reinforce major concepts, and test student understanding using a variety of instructional methods and features. The authors had seven objectives in writing this text: 1.) To teach students the language of algebra--how to read, write, speak, and think mathematically (Graphics, examples, and Study Sets throughout text emphasize key phrase and translation); 2.) To use a group of fundamental algebraic concepts as the foundation of the text (introduce equations, variables, problem solving, functions, and graphing in Chapter 1) and constantly reinforce those major concepts of algebra throughout the text (Key Concept feature); 3.) To aid student comprehension and confidence by introducing concepts in one context and revisiting throughout the book in other contexts (coverage of problem solving is one good example); 4.) To gain and keep students' attention through creative applications (See any Applications section in Study Sets), an interactive approach to instruction (Self Checks), and a visually appealing design; 5.) To have top-notch problem sets (purposefully named Study Sets, not Problem or Exercise Sets) that break learning into smaller pieces so that students do not become overwhelmed; 6.) To constantly show how the material being studied can be used to solve real-world problems; 7.) To blend traditional and reform instructional approaches--from vocabulary, practice, and well-defined pedagogy to place an emphasis on problem solving, reasoning, communicating, and technology (Study Sets).
About the Authors
Alan Tussy received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Redlands and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from California State University, Los Angeles. He has taught across a variety of course and curriculum areas from pre-algebra to differential equations at Arcadia High School and Citrus Community College in Glendora, CA. He has authored best-selling paperback and hardcover developmental mathematic series now in their 6th editions published by Cengage. An extraordinary author, he is dedicated to his students' success and is a relentlessly meticulous and creative visionary who maintains a keen focus on the greatest challenges students of today face in mathematics. He is a well-received conference speaker and has recently focused on mentoring and counseling the next generation of mathematics instructors.
R. David Gustafson is professor emeritus of mathematics at Rock Valley College in Illinois and has also taught extensively at Rockford College and Beloit College. In addition to this best-selling college algebra resource with Jeffrey Hughes, he has co-authored Gustafson/Karr/Massey's BEGINNING ALGEBRA; INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA; BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA; BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA: A COMBINED APPROACH; and the Tussy/Gustafson and Tussy/Gustafson/Koenig Developmental Mathematics series. His numerous professional honors include Rock Valley Teacher of the Year and Rockford's Outstanding Educator of the Year. He has been very active in the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) as a Midwest vice president. He has also served as president of IMACC, AMATYC's Illinois affiliate. Professor Gustafson earned a master of arts from Rockford College in Illinois as well as a master of science from Northern Illinois University.
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