First Course In Algebra : An Interactive Approach - 02 edition

Summary: This book was written to address the challenge of the NCTM and AMATYC Standards and technology integration in the classroom. The authors address the standards using a variety of methods, including Numerical, Graphical, and Algebraic Models; Guided Discovery Activities; Problem Solving; Technology; Collaborative Learning.

Benefits:

• Activity Sets. Nearly every section of the text begins w ...show moreith an Activity Set. These introductory-level activities are designed to guide students to discover the major concepts of the section. While students at home can do some of the activities, they are most effective when done in class, in teams, to gain the benefits of collaborative learning.
• Discussions. In this portion of the text, the concepts of the section are discussed, when possible, in the context of applications. Students must read the Discussions section. This textbook should be read by students with paper, pencil, and calculator in hand. Students are expected to communicate their ideas, processes, and understanding orally and in writing.
• Definitions. As concepts are presented, new vocabulary is introduced and important ideas are highlighted.
• Examples. As noted above, concepts are discussed, when possible, in the context of applications, necessitating that some examples are longer and more involved than in a traditional textbook. As students read the text, it is very important that they work through each and every example.
• Strategy Boxes. Throughout the text, "Strategy" boxes provide problem-solving strategies for skill-oriented tasks. There is an index of these strategies in the back of the book.
• Verification. Students are required to verify simplification results and solutions to equations and formulas. Students must always check the reasonableness of their results and accuracy of their models. These processes empower students in their learning of mathematics.
• Problem Sets. The problem sets include skill problems, conceptual questions, applications, and open-ended questions. In these problem sets, we are asking students to communicate in writing their thought processes, conjectures, comparisons, and mathematical arguments.
• Cumulative Reviews. There are three cumulative reviews in the book. These sections allow students to test their understanding of the concepts learned in the previous chapters. Students must realize that although a concept may have been tested when a chapter was completed, the skills learned are needed throughout the course.

Edition/Copyright: 02
Cover: Paperback
Publisher: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
Published: 05/10/2000

View Author Bio

Warr, Alison : Mt. Hood Community College

Curtis, Cathy : Mt. Hood Community College

Slingerland, Penny : Mt. Hood Community College

View Table of Contents

0. AN INTRODUCTION TO LEARNING MATHEMATICS, PROBLEM SOLVING, AND TEAMWORK. 1. NUMERICAL CONCEPTS.
The Language of Mathematics and Term-by-Term Evaluation. Estimation. Approximate Numbers and Error. Unit Conversion. Summary.

2. AN INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA-NUMERICALLY, GRAPHICALLY, AND ALGEBRAICALLY.
Using Block Patterns to Introduce Variables and Graphs. The Rectangular Coordinate System. Graphing Equations. Modeling with Tables, Graphs, and Equations. Evaluating Expressions with Units. Formula Evaluation. Summary.

3. WORKING WITH ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS AND EQUATIONS.
Simplification of Algebraic Expressions. The Distributive Property. Solving Linear Equations. Solving Linear Literal Equations. Solving Linear Literals Using Common Factoring. Summary. Chapter 1-3 Review.

4. LINEAR EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES.
Linear Relationships: Numerically and Graphically. The Graphs of Linear Equations. Summary.

5. POSITIVE INTEGER EXPONENTS.
Language and Evaluation. Properties and Simplification. Summary.

6. WORKING WITH ALGEBRA.
Multiplication of Multiterm Expressions. Division. Simple Quadratics. Rational Equations. Summary. Chapter 4-6 Review.

7. MORE LINEAR EQUATIONS.
Solving Linear Equations Graphically. Writing Equations of Lines. Systems of Linear Equations. Solving Linear Inequalities in One Variable. Summary.

8. ZERO AND NEGATIVE INTEGER EXPONENTS.
Language and Evaluation. Properties and Simplification. Summary.

9. GEOMETRY. Angles and Triangles. Polygons and Circles. Similar Triangles. Scale Drawings. Geometric Solids and Surface Area. Volumes of Prisms and Cylinders. Summary.

10. STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY.
Graphical Displays of Data. Descriptive Statistics. Probability. Summary. Chapter 7-10 Review.

APPENDIX A: THE REAL NUMBER SYSTEM
APPENDIX B: ARITHMETIC WITH SIGNED NUMBERS
APPENDIX C: READING AND MEASURING WITH RULERS
APPENDIX D: PERIMETER AND AREA CONCEPTS.
GEOMETRY REFERENCE.
CONVERSION TABLES.
SELECTED ANSWERSINDEX.
INDEX OF STRATEGIES.