Experiencing Algebra

Experiencing Algebra, 1/e

JoAnne Thomasson, Pellissippi State Technical CC
Bob Pesut, Pellissippi State Technical CC

Published August, 1998 by Prentice Hall Engineering/Science/Mathematics

See other books about:
Beginning & Intermediate Algebra (Combined Books)-Mathematics

Summary

For courses in Beginning and Intermediate Algebra that fully incorporate graphing calculators. This text was written specifically to incorporate—throughout—all the AMATYC standards for intellectual development, content, and pedagogy. Experiencing Algebra combines beginning and intermediate algebra concepts and actively involves students in a “total algebra experience.” Thomasson and Pesut integrate the use of technology (assuming no prior graphing calculator skills on the part of students); allow students to experience algebra through discovery and visualization; illustrate multiple approaches (numerical, graphical, algebraic, and verbal) to problem solving; use real-world situations to help students connect algebra to other fields of mathematics as well as other disciplines; and ask students to communicate mathematically as well as work collaboratively in groups.

Features

= Page references are from “Experiencing Algebra”
Presents multiple approaches to problem solving — to accommodate the needs of different learning styles of students. Ex. Pg. 313, 518, 519
Discovery Exercises allow students to discover rules and then justify mathematically why the rules exist — expanding their reasoning skills and ability to communicate their discoveries. Ex. Pg. 276

Statement of the rule and a discussion of the mathematical basis of the rules follows each “discovery”.

Real-World Situations help students understand the connection between algebra and other areas of mathematics as well as other disciplines. Ex. Pg. 283

Each chapter and each section begins with applications of situations in which the concepts will be applied to solve problems. Ex. Pg. 298
Section ends with an objective examining real-world situations that may be addressed after completing the section objectives. Ex. Pg. 272

Graphing calculator applications and exercises are integrated throughout. Ex. Pg. 255

Technology Boxes — include calculator keystrokes and print screens — to help students learn how to use a graphing calculator. Ex. Pg. 263

Approximately 125 worked examples are included in each chapter— with step-by-step directions — and multiple approaches as appropriate. Ex. Pg. 326
Features extensive exercise sets that help students “experience” algebra from several perspectives:

Experiencing Algebra the Checkup Way — Students check their understanding of each section objective before the next objective is introduced, and communicate this understanding verbally or in writing. Ex. Pg. 327
Experiencing Algebra the Exercise Way — Students develop their problem-solving skills on a variety of exercises, including real-world situations. Ex. Pg. 330
Experiencing Algebra the Calculator Way — Students experience additional calculator activities and methods of exploring topics with the calculator. Ex. Pg. 332
Experiencing Algebra the Group Way — Students learn to work cooperatively in groups on projects as well as modeling activities. Ex. Pg. 333
Experiencing Algebra the Write Way — Students learn to communicate mathematically. Ex. Pg. 333

Helping Hand sections help students develop confidence in their mathematical ability. Ex. Pg. 346
Lists objectives for each section, subdivides each section by objectives, and provides a set of checkup questions at the end of each objective. Ex. Pg. 349
Chapter reviews incorporate:

Reflections— students compare and contrast major concepts in a chapter. Ex. Pg. 384
Section Reviews— students complete additional exercises organized by sections. Ex. Pg. 384
Mixed Reviews— students test their retention of concepts in a random mix of exercises. Ex. Pg. 386
Cumulative Reviews— students test their cumulative retention of earlier concepts. Ex. Pg. 631

Test-Taking Tips and a Practice Chapter Test occur in each chapter. Ex. Pg. 630