Explorations in college algebra Book

Algebra is developed from real-world applications. These materials are based on problems using actual data drawn from a wide variety of sources including: the U.S.Census, medical texts, Educational Testing Services, United States Olympic Committee, and the Center for Disease Control. The first half of the text focuses on applications in the social sciences, and the second half on applications in the physical and life sciences. Students are actively involved. The book advocates the active engagement of students in class discussions and team work. The Explorations included at the end of each chapter are designed for use by group work in or out of class. They stress the use (or misuse) of algebra in the social, physical, and life sciences. The Explorations often pose open ended problems with no single "correct" solution. Students work collaboratively to synthesize information from class lectures, the text, and the readings, and most importantly from their own discoveries. Verbal and written communication is emphasized. This text encourages students to verbalize their ideas in small group and class discussions. Suggestions for writing strategies are included in the first chapter, and many of the assignments require students to describe their observations in writing. Students are asked to read the variety of essays, articles, and reports in the Anthology of Readings. Many of the Explorations conclude with group presentations to the class. Algebra Aerobics are short exercise sets at the end of almost every section. They include warm-up problems for students to practice their algebraic mechanical skills. The answers are providedin the back of the book. Something to Think About are short thought provoking questions are scattered throughout the text. To generate class discussion, they are an excellent tool to give students. Technology is integrated. While the materials promote the use of technology and include many explorations and exercises using graphing calculators and computers, there are no specific technology requirements. Some schools use graphing calculators only, others use just computers, and some use a combination of both. This flexible approach allows Explorations in College Algebra, Second Edition, to meet the needs of many varying courses. The Explorations in College Algebra, Second Edition, website contains: Graphing Calculator Manual: Downloadable manual includes basic instructions for using the TI-82 and TI-83. Graph Link Files: Files for the TI-82 or TI-83 that contain all the major data sets used in the course. Interactive Software for MAC and PC: Programs for visualizing mathematical concepts, simulations, and practice in skill building. This software can be used with Explorations or an in-class demonstration. Readings: A variety of articles are available in a downloadable format. Spreadsheet files: Excel files containing all the major data sets used in the course. These files are also available as graph link files for the graphic calculator which can be downloaded into the students' calculator the first day of class.