Reviewed by G. Brock Williams, Professor, Texas Tech University, on 3/28/2018.
This book covers all the standard topics of both a college algebra and trigonometry course. I could only find two topics that I wish were included … read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 5 read less
This book covers all the standard topics of both a college algebra and trigonometry course. I could only find two topics that I wish were included (neither are typically included college algebra and trigonometry texts).
The first was a discussion of the importance of proof in mathematics. Otherwise students can (and usually do) just see the trig identity section as "a bunch of stuff to memorize and symbols to push around" without understanding their importance.
The second was the inclusion of Euler's formula when covering the polar form of complex numbers.
Accuracy rating: 5
I could find no mistakes.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 5
The actual course material hasn't changed of course in the last 200 years, so there is little chance of the material itself rendering the text obsolete. The greater danger is in examples that could seem dated in a few years. Care seems to have been taken in this regard. The only examples I noticed that I thought might seem out of place were problems that involved the cost of phone service. They seem to have been written with land lines in mind, and might have been better expressed as costs for data plans.
Clarity rating: 4
The book is clear and straightforward. It could be described as "no-nonsense". It doesn't "sparkle" or contain moments of humor that would draw students in.
Consistency rating: 5
Notation and assumed pre-requisites are consistent.
Modularity rating: 4
Modularity is not very easy to achieve (and often not highly desirable) in a math text that by necessity builds step by step on prior knowledge. However, this book does present the trigonometry in a way that could be separated from the algebra, making this a suitable book for a course on just college trigonometry.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5
One of the things I most like about this text (especially the algebra half) is that topics are organized in a way that requires revisiting and deepening the understanding of earlier topics.
For example, the book introduces polynomials and factoring polynomials in chapter 1, then comes back to solving quadratic equations (completing the square, etc) in the middle of chapter 2, then graphing quadratics by completing the square in chapter 5, then graphs and roots of general polynomials.
Its treatment of linear functions is similar beginning with solving (one-variable) linear equations at the beginning of chapter 2, then linear inequalities at the end of chapter 2, before graphing and linear regression in chapter 4.
This spiraling back to re-visit topics is one of the best features of the text.
Interface rating: 4
The online version of the book is reasonably easy to navigate with no significant problems. The high-quality pdf version is a bit large, however, and slower machines may have trouble scrolling through the whole file.
Grammatical Errors rating: 5
I noticed no grammatical errors.
Cultural Relevance rating: 5
I noticed no culturally offensive material.
Comments
Reviewed by Cristina Hansen Ruiz, Associate Lecturer, University of the West of England, on 8/16/2017.
The text covers all areas related to algebra and trigonometry, starting from the very basics, such as numbers or plotting coordinates, and taking the … read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 5 read less
The text covers all areas related to algebra and trigonometry, starting from the very basics, such as numbers or plotting coordinates, and taking the student to a minimum level from which to start further studies. Added value are the final chapters regarding geometry, sequences and probability. An appropriate index has been added at the end of the book.
At the end of each chapter there is a glossary under the term “key terms”.
Accuracy rating: 5
The book seems to be accurate and very thorough.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 5
The book is relevant for students that are weak with their algebra and need to revise key areas in order to attempt further studies. Final chapters about geometry, sequences and probability, questions about real world applications make the content up to date. Examples and real world applications show that the book can be used by students that want to attempt further studies in very different areas, such as biology and physics. The clear sections within the text and questions makes it easy to update.
Thus the book seems to have a long longevity.
Clarity rating: 5
Technical terminology is introduced with examples and stories. These stories relate to the abstract ideas that the student needs to learn. An example of this can be seen on page 74, where the use of coordinate axis is introduced with the story of where to position a fly within the ceiling with the use of perpendicular walls. Thus an adequate context is being provided, that will help the student go back and forward in order to learn the abstract ideas that are needed to progress.
Consistency rating: 5
The same terminology and ideas are being used throughout the book. An example of this is the consistency between chapter 2, where the coordinate system is introduced , and the subsequent chapters, such as chapter 6, where the same coordinate system is used with other functions.
Modularity rating: 5
The text has been divided into smaller reading sections with the use of different type of headings. It makes it easy to skip parts, or concentrate more on others.
Due to the nature of Mathematics, it is clear that some ideas need to have been worked upon while progressing through the book. However, the clear index and headings make it easy to jump to a different section, and also give hints of where to find appropriate information, examples, and questions if needed.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5
Topics in the text are presented in a logical fashion, starting from the very basics, building on top of them and reaching out for more difficult topics. This structure is clear in the index and throughout the chapters. Starting with examples to introduce the basic abstract ideas, makes the content flow.
Interface rating: 4
I downloaded the PDF version of the text. Navigating, making it smaller or bigger, writing a comment or highlighting parts of the text was very easy. However I did miss the same index that appears on the contents pages (iii to vi) on the left hand side of the PDF reader interface. That could be improved to make navigation throughout different topics easier.
Grammatical Errors rating: 5
Grammar was fine.
Cultural Relevance rating: 5
The text is not culturally insensitive.
Comments
PDF version could be improved adding an index to the left of the interface.
A chapter about statistics could be added and linked with probability.
All in all, it is a good introductory text to be used across faculties.
Reviewed by John Salisbury, Mathematics Instructor, Rogue Community College, on 8/16/2017.
The text covers numerous subject's that would be covered in several different courses where I teach. The book covers several more topics than the … read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 5 read less
The text covers numerous subject's that would be covered in several different courses where I teach. The book covers several more topics than the title would indicate. There are glossaries at the end of each section of each chapter which I found to be effective and useful.
Accuracy rating: 5
I found the text to be accurate, error-free, and not biased.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 5
The applications and the introductory sections seem timely and unlikely to be obsolete any time soon. Most of the material is unchanging and it would not be difficult to rewrite the introductory sections which tend to deal with real word situations.
Clarity rating: 5
The book is really straightforward and clear and free from a lot of the razzle dazzle that current mathematics textbooks tend to have. The glossary sections are a good innovation and the terminology is well explained.
Consistency rating: 5
I found no problem with consistency of the terminology or framework of the book.
Modularity rating: 5
The sections are not too long. There are numerous subheadings and an instructor could pick and choose (and, indeed, would have to) topics to cover. The book is over 1000 pages long so it could be used for several individual courses. It covers elementary algebra, trigonometry, topics from precalculus, probability, and several other topics.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3
It covers so many topics that it is a little hard to say that the topics appear in a logical, clear fashion. Because so many topics are covered, it could be argued that the book is compelled to jump around a bit.
Interface rating: 5
The book is totally straightforward and simple in its presentation without trying to be flashy in any way. I found this simple, straightforward interface appealing.
Grammatical Errors rating: 5
No problem in the grammar at all that I found.
Cultural Relevance rating: 3
I found nothing culturally insensitive or offensive, but on the other hand, I don't the that that book makes use of multiple races, ethnicities or backgrounds.
Comments
It would could be used for many different courses at the community college where I teach. Each department or teacher would have to know which sections of the book should go with which course.
Reviewed by Bill Heider, Instructor, Hibbing Community College, on 6/21/2017.
The text covers the topics you would typically expect to be covered in a combined college algebra/Trigonometry text. The text does allow for … read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 5 read less
The text covers the topics you would typically expect to be covered in a combined college algebra/Trigonometry text. The text does allow for students with varying levels of readiness, as the first two chapters covers topics typically encountered in an "Intermediate Algebra" course. Topics covered include all the algebra and trigonometry to prepare a student for an introductory level calculus course. Contextual problems are included throughout. A comprehensive index lists major topics and links to the appropriate page when utilizing the pdf file provided.
Accuracy rating: 5
Sampling homework sets and examples no errors were found.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 4
Applications are up to date. In addition, technology is incorporated in a generic way so as to allow for various models of calculators or utilizing software, web- based calculators or spread sheets. The book provides links to you tube videos and provides support for online homework using service including webassign, xyz homework and others.
Clarity rating: 4
Examples are presented in a clear manner. the book uses liberal diagrams and illustrations to facilitate understanding as appropriate.
Consistency rating: 5
Each section and each chapter follows the same pattern to facilitate usage of the book. Each chapter concludes with a summary and a set of practice problems in addition to problems at the end of each section of the text. In addition the book divides chapters into major sections
Modularity rating: 5
Each section of each chapter can be completed reasonably in a day or two of a typical course. There is some option to re order chapters and topics.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5
the book is well organized and laid out in a very understandable fashion. Each section starts with some motivation of the content, examples of problems, followed by relevant applications. Links to videos are included and the chapter ends with a comprehensive set of problems. The PDF file conveniently links both the table of contents and index to the relvant section, simplifying navigation to the desired sections
Interface rating: 5
the interface of the book is excellent. The pictures and diagrams are claer. The pdf file links both the table of contents and index to the appropriate page in the text.
Grammatical Errors rating: 5
No grammar issues.
Cultural Relevance rating: 5
Examples are generally culture and gender neutral. There is no bias in the presentation of material.
Comments
This book would be an excellent choice for any combined college algebra/Trigonometry course. Any course utilizing the text would be well prepared for a claculus course aor any other program requiring a typical background in these topics of mathematics.
Reviewed by Robert Strozak, Senior lecturer, Old Dominion University, on 6/21/2017.
This book covers more than I require in PreCalculus I, and may be useful in our PreCalculus II course.… read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 4 read less
This book covers more than I require in PreCalculus I, and may be useful in our PreCalculus II course.
Accuracy rating: 5
I didn't find any mistakes or content irregularities.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 4
I think the homework sets will need to be expanded or updated.
Clarity rating: 4
it is well written. I think my students can use it as a useful reference.
Consistency rating: 5
This book matches or current text very closely, so it will follow the same terminology and style we already use.
Modularity rating: 4
It has a series of "mini lessons" that can be used effectively.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5
The topics follow our current text, which I find very logical.
Interface rating: 5
The book is very "clean."
Grammatical Errors rating: 4
None, as far as I have found.
Cultural Relevance rating: 5
I see nothing that would be offensive.
Comments
Reviewed by Mingshen Wu, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout, on 8/22/2016.
This book is a comprehensive textbook. It does cover all the materials that we need to cover by our college mathematics course MATH-120 and … read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 1 read less
This book is a comprehensive textbook. It does cover all the materials that we need to cover by our college mathematics course MATH-120 and MATH-121.
This book does not provide an effective index and glossary. However, users can use the content list to find the section needed. Yes, this is a good question: the authors should spend a little more time to develop an index and glossary that may help students and other learners.
Accuracy rating: 5
The contents in this book are basic algebra and trigonometry. I did not find significant error. I believe it is unbiased.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 4
The contents are fundamental algebra and trigonometry concepts/skills that have not been changed too much over long period of time. So, it is fine. The teachers who use this book may add in other application problems as needed -- this happen to my teaching all the time whenever what textbook I use.
I do feel this book is a little bit too long though. Properly shorten it may be a good idea.
Clarity rating: 4
Yes, I think this book provides adequate context for the jargon/technical terminology used.
Based on my experience this book is easy to read by students.
Consistency rating: 5
I would say that it is not easy to keep internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework by these many authors. I was surprised that it is just fine. I feel it is quite consistent.
Modularity rating: 5
Yes, the book contents are arranged into 13 chapters. It is quite easy to select the topics needed to make a course with 3-credit, 4-credit, or 5-credit. This book certainly provides enough optional contents for our sequence of two 4-credit courses (algebra and trigonometry)
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5
Yes, the topics in the text are presented in a logical, clear fashion.
Interface rating: 4
I reviewed this book using the online book version. Book loading is relatively slow. Navigating from chapter to chapter online takes a while to load. This book has over a thousand pages!
Once it loaded up, the text is clear, the pictures are very nice, too.
Grammatical Errors rating: 3
I didn't see grammatical errors.
Cultural Relevance rating: 5
This book definitely is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. This book should be acceptable by all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds including international usage.
Comments
1. For convenience, I would suggest the authors to add an index and/or glossary that may help students to learn.
2. Some chapters were a little bit too long. Try to avoid including several quite similar examples.
3. The online content list has no page number -- I am not sure the paper copy since I didn't see -- better add it on. It would be nice if user can online navigate using page numbers.
Attribution
All reviews are licensed under a CC BY-ND license.