Jane A. Jamsen, Northern Michigan University
Gwen K. Hetler, Northern Michigan University

Published August, 1996 by Prentice Hall Engineering/Science/Mathematics

Copyright 1997, 448 pp.
Paper
ISBN 0-13-570979-2

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    Beginning Algebra-Mathematics

This text is based upon NCTM and AMATYC Standards as well as the authors' five main goals for beginning algebra students:
(1) to develop conceptual thinking
(2) to develop algebraic skills
(3) to integrate topics so that students experience a “holistic” math curriculum
(4) to provide practical application problems within all topics
(5) to provide students with the experience of working collaboratively on exploratory problems.
An emphasis is placed upon conceptual development through thinking, reasoning, description and justifying. Topics are integrated so that students see them as connected, and not as isolated entities. Practical applications are the basis for, and not supplements to, the material and problem sets.
Algebraic work is developed through the themes of Integers, Rational Numbers, Probability and Statistics, Linear Equations and Inequalities, Exponents and Radicals and Functions.




Chapters are based on themes and different mathematical topics are covered within that context.
Integrated topics highlight the relationships that exist between them.
A variety of problem-solving strategies are presented to expand students' critical thinking skills and approaches.
Concept-oriented problem sets with solutions, guiding students from problem to solution and from solution to problem.
Exploration problems require students to collaborate to pursue solutions in each section.
Practical applications relevant to today's students' own experiences.
A hands-on approach to subject matter encourages students to explore mathematical relationships using manipulatives.
Each chapter ends with a chapter review with complete solutions.
Graphing and functions are developed conceptually throughout the text.

1. Building the Foundation.

Integers: Concepts, Models, and Operations. Properties of Integers and Algebraic Expressions. Development and Use of the Order of Operations. Integers in Problem Solving. Connecting Integers and Geometry.

2. The Role of Rational Numbers in Algebra.

Rational Numbers: Concepts, Models, and Operations. Development and Use of the Properties of Rational Numbers. Informal Equation Solving. Ratios and Unit Rates. Relationships Among Fractions, Decimals, and Percents. Rational Numbers in Problem Solving.

3. Probability and Statistics.

Concepts of Probability. Tree Diagrams and Compound Events. Statistics. Measures of Clustering and Box Plots.

4. Linear Equations and Inequalities.

Development of Algebraic Equations. Formal Equation Solving. Literal Equations. Using Variables in Problem-Solving. Inequalities in One and Two Variables.

5. Exponents and Radicals.

Integral Exponents. Exponents in Applications. Radicals and Rational Exponents. Applications of Rational Exponents and Radicals.

6. Functions.

The Function Concept. Linear Functions. Quadratic and Exponential Equations and Functions. Functional Relationships. Explorations with the Graphing Calculator.

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