Functions, Data, and Models
An Applied Approach to College Algebra
Will be published approx. on 31. December 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
492 pages
978-1-4704-7988-6 (ISBN)
Description
This is a college algebra-level textbook written to provide the kind of mathematical knowledge and experiences that students will need for courses in other fields, such as biology, chemistry, business, finance, economics, and other areas that are heavily dependent on data either from laboratory experiments or from other studies. The focus is on the fundamental mathematical concepts and the realistic problem-solving via mathematical modeling rather than the development of algebraic skills that might be needed in calculus. Functions, Data, and Models presents college algebra in a way that differs from almost all college algebra books available today. Rather than going over material covered in high school courses the Gordons teach something new. Students are given an introduction to data analysis and mathematical modeling presented at a level that students with limited algebraic skills can understand. The book contains a rich set of exercises, many of which use real data. Also included are thought experiments or what if questions that are meant to stretch the student's mathematical thinking.
Reviews / Votes
... On initial viewing, ""Functions, Data and Models"" may seem like a typical textbook, with all the usual key parts, including appendixes and answers to selected problems in the back of the book. However, on closer examination, readers will see and understand how the eight-chapter work differs from classic algebra books. The detailed preface includes messages for the student, messages for the instructor, and information on the book's philosophy. ... The book would be a great resource for any algebra course. Highly recommended. - K.D. Holton, CHOICE Magazine This textbook certainly sets the hook early when authors explain in the preface that the book's philosophy is to allow students to focus on mathematical ideas, not mathematical calculations. ... As the authors point out in the introduction to this text, it contains enough material (in both depth and variety) to cover two semesters' worth of study. On the other hand, the interested instructor could easily design a syllabus covering a limited number of topics from the book to address the needs of a semester-long course. I highly recommend this text to instructors who seek to cultivate creativity and critical thinking in their college-algebra-level students"" - Hilary Fletcher, Mathematics and Computer EducationMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Providence
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
ISBN-13
978-1-4704-7988-6 (9781470479886)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Chapters
1. Data Everywhere
2. Functions Everywhere
3. Linear Functions
4. More about Linear Functions
5. Families of Nonlinear Functions
6. Polynomial Functions
7. Extended Families of Functions
8. Modeling Periodic Phenomena
Appendices
1. Data Everywhere
2. Functions Everywhere
3. Linear Functions
4. More about Linear Functions
5. Families of Nonlinear Functions
6. Polynomial Functions
7. Extended Families of Functions
8. Modeling Periodic Phenomena
Appendices