Beginning Algebra

Beginning Algebra, 4/e

John Tobey, North Shore Community College
Jeffrey Slater, North Shore Community College

Published August, 1997 by Prentice Hall Engineering/Science/Mathematics

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Beginning Algebra-Mathematics

Summary

Suitable for beginning algebra courses including lecture-based classes, discussion oriented classes, self-paced classes, mathematics labs, and computer or audio-visual supported learning centers. This clear, accessible treatment of beginning algebra features an enhanced problem-solving strategy highlighted by A Mathematics Blueprint for Problem Solving that helps students determine where to begin the problem-solving process, as well as how to plan subsequent problem-solving steps. Also includes Step-by-Step Procedure, realistic Applications, and Cooperative Learning Activities in “Putting Your Skills to Work” Applications.

Features

NEW—15% new exercises, written to ensure smooth transition from confidence-building to more rigorous within each exercise set and to ensure correct matching of even and odd-numbered exercises.
NEW—30% new applications, written to incorporate more interesting, real-world data in order to increase student interest and help students apply math learned in the classroom to the world around them. Pg. 228-229, 380-382
NEW—80% new Putting Your Skills to Work applications, written to encourage students to explore mathematics in the world around them use an increased number of current, sourced data. Pg. 117, 157, 383, 426 (26 total)
NEW—Internet Connections are found at the end of every Putting Your Skills to Work page. Through the Prentice Hall website (www.prenhall.com), students will link to appropriate Internet addressed where they will gather data necessary to complete the problems. Pg. 117, 157, 383, 426 (26 total)
NEW—Graphing Calculator boxes have been added to the margins to enhance visualization of appropriate concepts. The use of the graphing calculator is entirely optional and intended as a gentle introduction to the capabilities and exploratory nature of this technology. Pg. 421, 439, 467, 583
NEW—An updated 4-color design that incorporates many graphs and charts to help students learn to read, analyze and interpret the types of data they see presented in many newspapers and magazines. FEATURES
A Mathematics Blueprint for Problem Solving provides a step-by-step strategy that helps students carry out and implement problem solving. This technique can be applied to solving single and multi-step problems, applications, and non-routine exercises. Especially appropriate for first time problem solving situations. Frequency lessens with progressing chapters as student ability increases. Pg. 54-57
Calculator Boxes— appear in the margin, and include optional graphing calculator keystrokes and tips as appropriate. Pg. 95, 205, 212, 421
A Diagnostic Pretest covers the entire course. Pg. xiii
Provides a section on estimation (Section 0.6) and encourages students to use estimation skills throughout the text as a way to check word problem solutions. Pg. 49-53
The Rules of Exponents appear in Chapter 4, where they are used with polynomials.
An entire chapter on applied problems is devoted to developing an overall problem solving strategy using algebraic equations and inequalities. Incorporates concepts of Geometry. Ch. 3.
Realistic, relevant applications appear in each chapter's Examples and Exercises. 30 % of the applications are new and incorporate more real-world data. Pg. 228-229, 380-382
Putting Your Skills to Work are full page applications, 80 % - 90 % of which are new. Pg. 117, 157, 383, 426 (26 total)

Each page application includes problems for both individual and group exploration.
Each application includes an optional “Internet Connection” problem in which students are encouraged to link to various websites in order to get information for problem solving.
Cooperative Learning: These problems are included involve critical thinking skills that can be applied to answer the many open response questions found in Putting Your Skills to Work sections.

Developing Your Study Skills—are written to help students develop successful study habits that will benefit them in all their courses, not just in mathematics. Pg. 99, 160, 279
Examples and Exercises Have been carefully chosen to guide students through Beginning Algebra. (Each example is followed by a Practice Problem).

Chapter Pretests: Each chapter opens with a concise pretest to familiarize the student with the learning objectives for that particular chapter.
Practice Problems: These are found throughout the chapter, after the examples, and are designed to provide your students with immediate practice of the skills presented. Solutions to the Practice Problems are provided in the Selected Answer section at the end of the text.
To Think About: These critical thinking questions follow many of the examples in the text and also appear in the exercise sets. Designated by a special icon, they extend the concept being taught; providing the opportunity for all students to look for patterns and to make conclusions based on their previous experience. Pg. 318, 435, 460
Exercise Sets: 15 % brand new exercises written to create a better flow of exercises, progressing from the easy to the more difficult. This design helps to ease the students into the problems; and the answers provide students with immediate feedback.
Cumulative Review Problems: Each exercise set concludes with a section of Cumulative Review Problems. These problems review topics previously covered within that particular chapter, and are designed to assist students in retaining the material. Pg. 308, 373
Technology Problems: Technology boxes in the margin of text have been updated to insure relevance to the material presented. New graphing calculator boxes and exercises have been added and incorporated. In the exercise section a calculator icon is used to indicate problems that are designed for solving with a calculator. Pg. 95, 297, 421

Chapter Organizers: The concepts and mathematical procedures covered in each chapter are reviewed at the end of the chapter in the Chapter Organizer. It not only lists concepts and methods, but provides a completely worked out example for each type of problem. Pg.331, 447

Review Problems: These problems are grouped by section as a quick refresher at the end of the chapter. May also be used by the student as a quiz of the chapter material. Pg. 332, 449
Tests: Found at the end of the chapter, the Chapter Test is a representative review of the material from that particular chapter that simulates an actual test format. This provides the students with a gauge to their level preparedness for the actual examination. Pg. 335, 453
Cumulative Tests: At the end of each chapter, beginning with chapter 2, is a Cumulative Test. One-half of the content of each Cumulative Test is based on the math skills learned in previous chapters. By completing these tests for each chapter, students build confidence that they have mastered not only the contents of the present chapter but of the previous chapters as well. Pg. 337, 455

John or Jeff will be glad to talk with you or any potential faculty adopters. You can reach them at the college at (508) 762-4000 ext. 5585 or on email at johntobey@aol.com or jeffslater@aol.com. Feel free to call or email them with any questions or requests for help.

Table of Contents

(NOTE: Each chapter begins with a Pretest and concludes with a Chapter Organizer, Review Problems, Chapter Test, and Cumulative Test.)