Prealgebra

Designed to accommodate students from a variety of math backgrounds, Prealgebra provides instructors with the flexibility to choose the order and presentation of topics that suits their course. All algebraic content is presented in separate sections so that topics can be easily omitted or covered later. Use of a graphing or scientific calculator is not required for the text, however the authors emphasize these tools where appropriate for those who allow and encourage their use in the course. Combining a highly visual presentation, an abundance of real-world applications, and a friendly, engaging style, Prealgebra is designed to fully support students with weak study habits, math anxiety, or those returning to school after an absence. Whenever possible, the material encourages students to visualize the concepts, giving them a logical basis for definitions and promoting discovery of basic rules and principles. Engaging, two-page Chapter Openers feature a photo with applicable graph, application description, and Chapter Snapshot to help motivate students to learn the material. Sections open with Suggestions for Success, which offer advice on study habits, ways to approach the coming material, and general observations on ways to think about mathematics. Developing the Concept provides background and reasoning for definitions, rules, and the procedures that follow. The feature also poses "What if?" questions, allowing students to experiment, explore, and discover. Worked-out examples/solutions enable students to see a detailed example side-by-side with a Your Turn exercise that encourages them to try the math as they\'re learning it. Answers to Your Turn exercises appear upside down, underneath their corresponding exercise in both the Student and Instructor\'s Annotated Edition. Full solutions to Your Turn exercises appear at the end of the Student Edition. Learning Tips in the margin offer students helpful strategies and alternative ways of thinking about concepts. Every section has at least one Learning Tip. Keys to the Calculator boxes, including exercises for immediate reinforcement, appear throughout the text at relevant points to aid students in the appropriate use of a calculator. Hubbard and Robinson are unique in their treatment as they give the scientific and graphing calculators equal emphasis where appropriate. Displays from the graphing calculator appear in the boxes. Warm-Up Skills, approximately 10 skill-and-drill exercises at the beginning of each chapter, help students review previously covered concepts and skills that will be needed in the chapter. (In the Instructors Annotated Edition the answers for these features are in place while in the Student Edition, the answers are in the back of the book.) A wealth of features and exercises at the end of most sections includes: Quick Reference highlights of key concepts; Speaking the Language, which reinforces vocabulary and contextual meanings; collaborative Explorations with Real-World Data; Writing and Concept Extension exercises, ideal as a basis for classroom discussion; Bringing It Together exercises that bridge topics within the section; Estimation exercises; and real-world Applications. Each section offers thorough integration of supportive technology resources into the chapter material, with icons for a CD-ROM, videos, and web site to which students can go for extra hElaine Hubbard is the author of 'Prealgebra', published 2004 under ISBN 9780618017324 and ISBN 0618017321.