Elementary Algebra: Student Manual

This text is written for the introductory algebra course offered at both two- and four-year colleges. The focus of this new series by Hutchison and Hoelzle is to make students better problem solvers. To accomplish this goal, the authors emphasize conceptual understanding. They ask students to critically explore and explain concepts in writing and to extend their understanding through group activities. The environmental essays that open each chapter connect algebra to real world problem solving and can be used to stimulate class discussion and promote collaborative learning. "Elementary Algebra" is written in a clear, concise style. The numerous examples are connected by thoughtful transitions that reinforce the student's understanding of the previous example or prepare them for the next one. Every example is followed by a "Check Yourself" exercise that facilitates the student's active involvement in the learning process. Examples frequently contain informal annotations within the solutions to clarify the more difficult algebraic steps.
Where appropriate there are examples that indicate how technology can enhance the study of algebra through exploration, visualization and geometric interpretation. They enhance students' conceptual understanding by allowing them to see the connection between algebra and the more intuitive graphic representation. These examples fall at the end of the section discussion and may be omitted if a graphing tool is not being used.