Intermediate Algebra

(1 review)

John Redden, College of the Sequoias

Pub Date:

ISBN 13: 9781453347485

Publisher: Saylor Foundation

Language: English

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Reviews

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Reviewed by D Bobzien, Mathematics Instructor, Central Lakes College on 1/7/16

The textbook covers all of the chosen topics very well. read more

Reviewed by D Bobzien, Mathematics Instructor, Central Lakes College on 1/7/16

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook covers all of the chosen topics very well.

Accuracy rating: 5

All of the problems I checked were correct and well presented.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

It is hard to be outdated in general math problems and the application exercises will stand the test of time. It is written using traditional notation as well as textual notation allowing for easier emailing. This helps a great deal so students don't need extra technology to use the book effectively. I will use and reuse the book as long as I am assigned courses that align with the objectives.

Clarity rating: 4

It is well written. Some of the presentation of the math work and problems might confuse some students but overall ok. I did love how ALL the steps were included in examples and exercise answers when there were multi-tiered problems. Students will clearly see how one step flowed to another.

Consistency rating: 5

Consistency is well done.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapters can be rearranged and skipped as needed without compromising the upcoming lessons. The book is very malleable as well. This book can fit many different Instructors' needs.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

I loved having objectives. It is easy using given objectives to plans lessons to meet course objectives and have students know immediately what is expected in that lesson. I have had expensive textbooks that didn't have written objectives. The organization is similar to his other book Elementary Algebra and I like the sequence in both. The author also sets students up for success with an eased in and early approach to concepts that are the foundation of future lessons (square root simplification for one). Embedded videos are nice but the reinforcement of the necessity of hand working math problems is clear.

Interface rating: 5

I had no issues.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I saw no grammatical issues, but I am also better at math than grammar.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

I saw no cultural relevance concerns.

Comments

Key Takeaways and Tips charts are so helpful to students and instructors. If student questions interrupt an instructor's flow these extras will help ensure no point goes unmentioned. The Try This! option gives immediate extra exercises too. As I mentioned, listed objectives are so useful. Students need to know what they are expected to learn from any given lesson. This book helps increase student success by having multiple application problems from the get go so students can become comfortable with word problems--well as comfortable as developmental math students usually become. Also, exercise summaries have problems split by topic so students can easily find which examples of problems they need to work on. And there are a ton of homework problems for both the students and the instructor. this is a nice book that can easily be adapted to fit many needs. I appreciate all the effort John Redden put into this textbook--especially as an OER book. If you are new to OER, give John Redden a try. I suspect he will make you a fan.

Chapter 1: Algebra Fundamentals
Chapter 2: Graphing Functions and Inequalities
Chapter 3: Solving Linear Systems
Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 5: Radical Functions and Equations
Chapter 6: Solving Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 7: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Chapter 8: Conic Sections
Chapter 9: Sequences, Series, and the Binomial Theorem

About the Book

It is essential to lay a solid foundation in mathematics if a student is to be competitive in today's global market. The importance of algebra, in particular, cannot be overstated, as it is the basis of all mathematical modeling used in applications found in all disciplines.

Traditionally, the study of algebra is separated into a two parts, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. This textbook by John Redden, Intermediate Algebra, is the second part. Written in a clear and concise manner, it carefully builds on the basics learned in Elementary Algebra and introduces the more advanced topics required for further study in applications found in most disciplines.

Used as a standalone textbook, Intermediate Algebra offers plenty of review as well as something new to engage the student in each chapter. Written as a blend of the traditional and graphical approaches to the subject, this textbook introduces functions early and stresses the geometry behind the algebra. While CAS independent, a standard scientific calculator will be required and further research using technology is encouraged.

Intermediate Algebra is written from the ground up in an open and modular format, allowing the instructor to modify it and leverage their individual expertise as a means to maximize the student experience and success.

A more modernized element, embedded video examples, are present, but the importance of practice with pencil and paper is consistently stressed. Therefore, this text respects the traditional approaches to algebra pedagogy while enhancing it with the technology available today.

The importance of Algebra cannot be overstated; it is the basis for all mathematical modeling used in all disciplines. After completing a course sequence based on Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, students will be on firm footing for success in higher-level studies at the college level.

About the Contributors

Author

John Redden earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree at California State University of Northridge. Before this he earned an associate’s degree at Glendale Community College and is now a professor of mathematics at the College of the Sequoias located in Visalia, California. With over a decade of experience working with students to develop their algebra skills, he knows just where students struggle and how to present complex techniques in more understandable ways. His student friendly and common sense approach carries over to his writing of Elementary Algebra and various other open source learning resources.