College Algebra and Trigonometry Through Modeling and Visualization

This book, intended for a graphing required college algebra and trigonometry or precalculus course, offers an innovative approach by demonstrating the importance of mathematics to students and presenting the material in an accessible manner. The text consistently integrates mathematical concepts with real applications in order to enhance student intuition and understanding. Symbolic (algebraic), graphical, numerical, and verbal skills are continually reinforced throughout.When introducing mathematical ideas, the text moves from the concrete to the abstract, rather than the reverse. It is the authors' philosophy that learning is increased when students can relate a concept to something in their lives. Hence, mathematical concepts are often introduced through applications that help make the mathematics "real" to students. Students see the importance of a topic from a practical and intuitive point of view, with models and applications playing a central part in the learning process.

Gary Rockswold Dr. Gary Rockswold has been teaching mathematics for 25 years at all levels from seventh grade to graduate school, including junior high and high school students, talented youth, vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students, and adult education classes. He is currently employed at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he is a full professor of mathematics and the chair of the mathematics department. He graduated with majors in mathematics and physics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Iowa State University. He has an interdisciplinary background and has also taught physical science, astronomy, and computer science.

Dr. Rockswold has been writing for mathematics textbooks for over ten years. Currently he is an author for Addison Wesley, writing textbooks that integrate modeling, visualization, applications, and the graphing calculator into the curriculum.