College Algebra

College Algebra, 1/e

Arthur Goodman, City University of New York, Queens College
Lewis Hirsch, Rutgers University

Published January, 1995 by Prentice Hall Engineering/Science/Mathematics

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College Algebra-Mathematics

Summary

These renowned authors have crafted an acutely accurate, pedagogically rich text that is traditional in content, but embraces a unique approach that teaches students to (1) view questions from various perspectives, (2) analyze problems carefully until they are fully understood, (3) reformulate problems in more familiar terms, and (4) recognize that most mathematical problems require significantly more thinking than writing.

Features

spends more time than other texts in introducing and developing the concept of function and graph in Chapters 3 and 4.

particular attention has been paid to pointing out the connection between the algebraic and geometric interpretations of important concepts
an entire section (3.6) is devoted to graph interpretation, extracting geometric information and recognizing algebraic relationships

offers Different Perspectives boxes wherever there is an opportunity to highlight the connection between the algebraic and geometric interpretation of the same idea (see page 150).
integrates mathematical modelling in word problems and applications wherever possible throughout the text, for example:

Section 4.3 offers a broad introduction to the idea of mathematical modelling, giving students opportunities to put the function concept to use in a variety of situations
Section 4.4, on quadratic functions, includes optimization problems that demonstrate how the connections between algebraic, graphical, and numerical perspectives can offer particular insight into a problem
Chapter 6 includes a variety of exercises that illustrate the remarkable range of disciplines in which quantities are related by exponential or logarithmic functions

includes optional problems in “GRAFFIX” boxes that make use of the graphics calculator (or computer graphics software) as a learning tool, allowing students to explore or gain insight into upcoming material, or clarify points of a previous discussion.
reinforces concepts of problem analysis by offering question-and- answer solutions to particular problems.

Example 7 on page 120 and Example 3 on page 204, show students the thought processes involved in approaching and solving new or unfamiliar problems, and develop effective problem-solving strategies