Elementary Algebra (Explore Our New Mathematics 1st Editions)

ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA offers a practical approach to the study of beginning algebra concepts, consistent with the needs of today's student. The authors place special emphasis on the worked examples in each section, treating them as the primary means of instruction, since students rely so heavily on examples to complete assignments. Many of the applications (both within the examples and exercises) are also uniquely designed so that students have an experience that is more true to life--students must read information as it appears in headline news sources and extract only the relevant information needed to solve a stated problem. This promotes the text's focus on developing better study habits, problem solving and critical thinking skills along with orienting students to think and reason mathematically. Through Elementary Algebra, students will not only be better prepared for future math courses, they will be better prepared to solve problems and answer questions they encounter in their own lives. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections http://gocengage.com/infotrac.

Laura Bracken, co-author of Investigating Prealgebra and Investigating Basic College Mathematics, teaches developmental mathematics at Lewis-Clark State College. As developmental math coordinator, Laura led the process of developing objectives, standardizing assessments, and enforcing placement including a mastery skill quiz program. She has worked collaboratively with science faculty to make connections between developmental math and introductory science courses. Laura has presented at numerous national and regional conferences and currently serves as the regional representative for the AMATYC Placement and Assessment Committee. Her blog, Dev Math Diary, is at http: //devmathdiary.wordpress.com/.

Ed Miller is a professor of mathematics at Lewis-Clark State College. He earned his PhD in general topology at Ohio University in 1989. He teaches a wide range of courses, including elementary and intermediate algebra. His terms as chair of the General Education Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics have spurred him to look at courses as part of an integrated whole rather than discrete units. A regular presenter at national and regional meetings, Ed is exploring the use of multiple choice questions as a teaching tool as well as an assessment tool.