Prealgebra

About our authors Marvin Bittinger has been teaching math at the university level for more than 38 years. Since 1968, he has been employed at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and is now professor emeritus of mathematics education. Professor Bittinger has authored over 190 publications on topics ranging from basic mathematics to algebra and trigonometry to applied calculus. He received his BA in mathematics from Manchester College and his PhD in mathematics education from Purdue University. Special honors include Distinguished Visiting Professor at the United States Air Force Academy and his election to the Manchester College Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1999. His hobbies include hiking in Utah, baseball, golf and bowling. Professor Bittinger also has had the privilege of speaking at many mathematics conventions, most recently giving a lecture entitled "Baseball and Mathematics." He also has an interest in philosophy and theology, particularly in apologetics. Professor Bittinger currently lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife Elaine. He has 2 grown and married sons, Lowell and Chris, and 4 granddaughters.

Barbara Johnson has a BS in mathematics from Bob Jones University and a MS in mathematics from Clemson University, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies at Ball State University. She has taught high school and college math for 30 years, and she enjoys the challenge of helping each student grow in appreciation for and understanding of mathematics. As a Purdue Master Gardener, she also enjoys helping others learn gardening skills. Believing that the best teacher is always learning, she is also a student of karate.

David Ellenbogen has taught math at the college level for 22 years, spending most of that time in the Massachusetts and Vermont community college systems, where he has served on both curriculum and developmental math committees. He has also taught at St. Michael's College and The University of Vermont. Professor Ellenbogen has been active in the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges since 1985, having served on its Developmental Mathematics Committee and as a delegate, and has been a member of the Mathematical Association of America since 1979. He has authored dozens of publications on topics ranging from prealgebra to calculus and has delivered lectures at numerous conferences on the use of language in mathematics. Professor Ellenbogen received his BA in mathematics from Bates College and his MA in community college mathematics education from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. A co-founder of the Colchester Vermont Recycling Program, Professor Ellenbogen has a deep love for the environment and the outdoors, especially in his home state of Vermont. In his spare time, he enjoys playing keyboard in the band Soularium, volunteering as a community mentor, hiking, biking and skiing. He has 2 sons, Monroe and Zack.