Algebra and Trigonometry 2e

Reviewed by Yanwu Ding, Associate Professor, Wichita State University on 10/12/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The book explores the algebraic principles and meets scope and sequence requirements for a typical introductory algebra and trigonometry

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The book provides good examples

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book provides helpful resources for audience

Clarity rating: 4

The book is clear about the concepts and calculations related

Consistency rating: 4

The book provides solid explanations for the terms of terminologies.

Modularity rating: 4

The book breaks down to small sections for easy to read

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The book is very organized

Interface rating: 4

it is good

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not notice grammatical errors

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book uses example considering various backgrounds of audiences

Comments

The examples in the book are very helpful

Reviewed by Tracy McCoy, Math Instructor, Midlands Technical College on 4/20/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

I did not find any holes in the topics where a topic my college covers was not in this text.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

This book has been vetted. I did not find errors.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

I found the examples relevant and the topics organized in a good way. For instance, when teaching the Law of Sines, I was so happy to see Abramson included area. Also, I liked the organization of the section on Vectors. We are lucky in algebra and trigonometry where the topics are not changing.

Clarity rating: 4

I am unsure if my confusion with the Identities chapter was just me or if others will feel the same. I try to keep identities as simple as possible, but that is hard to do. Many problems were set as true or false, so would have liked to have more true examples. Well, I would have preferred to not have them set as true or false. Again, this may be just me.

Consistency rating: 5

The text was consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

I enjoyed experimenting with the html version and pdf version. Both have navigation panels for good movement through the text by section. In the HTML version of the book, the solutions of the examples in the section are hidden. This feature will be helpful for anyone using a touchscreen device, and OpenStax has an App for this.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I found the topics well organized.

Interface rating: 5

Nothing stands out. The topics are organized in a coherent way. The sections are easy to follow. The examples make sense.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

This book has been vetted. I did not find errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

I did not find any issues. In fact, I have not read a problem with any gender. It would be "a scientist" or "a skateboarder."

Comments

I found Algebra and Trigonometry on OpenStax a while ago. When I had to find a book quickly for a dual enrollment (DE) class this semester, I began using the book. The class went well. Students did not have any complaints with not having a book in hand. Now that I have approval from my department chair to run a pilot in Fall 2021, I will have the book in our bookstore for purchase and copies in our library on reserve. The pilot classes will use this text for MAT 110- College Algebra and MAT 111-Trigonometry, but could have used Precalculus as it has the same layout and text.

There are several support documents in Instructor Resources on OpenStax. One is the Solutions Manual. I used this regularly, which had good explanations. I did not like the formatting being in Word but it was easy to find what I needed. Also, the site has recorded lectures and notes for you to use. There are two support documents I will definitely use for the pilot, the PowerPoint slides and the Corequisite Skillsheets. One caution, the PowerPoint slides are not whole presentations but instead are the slides of graphs to embed in your presentations. Since I change all presentations from books to my own style, this is perfect for me. Finally, I cannot wait to utilize the Corequisite Skillsheets that provide a little more background for students who may need that.

Overall, I enjoyed using this book and highly recommend checking it out. I hope you will decide to use it.

Reviewed by Valeria D'Orazio, Assistant Professor, Massachusetts Maritime Academy on 6/30/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This book covers all topics and more of a standard Precalculus course.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

No errors were found in the online version. An errata document is provided for early editions of the textbook.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Many examples from different fields of study are presented. They are classic problems arranged by level of difficulty. In addition, the use of a graphing calculator to model real life data makes the problems interesting and real.

Clarity rating: 5

The structure of his textbook makes it easy for students to follow the presentations of the topics. Important concepts and formulas are highlighted to promote easy access to information, understanding, and retention of the subject.

Consistency rating: 5

The book is organized in a consistent format, common to other Precalculus textbooks, so that its content can be easily accessed by both students and instructors.

Modularity rating: 5

Topics are clearly explained and organized in subsections. Consistently, introductions and explanations of new concepts are backed up with examples explained in details and extra practice exercises. PowerPoint slides are also corresponding in pattern with the textbook

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization and choice of topics presented follow standard Precalculus textbooks.

Interface rating: 5

Interface is clear and offers a schematic and synthetic representation of the subject. Both textbook and additional resources can be easily located and downloaded.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No errors found.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I find course materials to be current, accurate, fair, and inclusive of a diverse population of students.

Comments

n/a

Reviewed by Carl Yao, Math Instructor, Portland Community College on 5/14/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook coveres all possible topics in Precalculus.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I didn't find any error.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The textbook is general enough not to be outdated soon.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook is easily readable.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook uses good terminology.

Modularity rating: 5

The textbook is in traditional sequence.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The textbook is in a traditional sequence.

Interface rating: 5

No navigation issues at all.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I didn't find too many grammar errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

n/a

Comments

This is a great resource for Precalculus classes. Instructors passionate about saving students money should choose this textbook. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Laura Stapleton, Instructor, Marshall University on 3/10/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook is comprehensive. I've used the Algebra and Trigonometry textbook in a face-to-face co-requisite College Algebra class for 2 years without problems. Most students utilize the textbook digitally. The textbook is set up as a traditional textbook with definitions, examples, objectives, and practice questions. Very easy to follow.

There is a variety of problems to keep the learner engaged. The textbook is helpful for learners who have differing levels of readiness.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I've had no issues with inaccuracies.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Applications and word problems are engaging and interesting. The content is up-to-data and relevant.

Clarity rating: 5

The book does a wonderful job of presenting the material in a logical manner. Diagrams and illustrations are clear and understandable. The book is written in an appropriate manner for learners of varying levels of readiness.

Consistency rating: 5

Notations are consistently used throughout the book. The book uses a consistent format for each chapter which assists learners as they use the book.

Modularity rating: 5

The textbook can be subdivided into smaller sections. I have changed the order of topics covered to match my individual style of teaching. The subheadings break the material down into logical units so that the instructor can pick and choose topics.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization of topics are logically ordered. Topics are revisited, much like a spiral curriculum, where students see concepts in several places. Students are able to see the relevancy of the topics and deepen understanding as the course progresses.

Interface rating: 5

The online version is easy to navigate. Images and charts are clear and do not distract. I like that students who use the online version can click on the Show Solution option to display the answer. This allows the learner to try the problem on their own without seeing the solution. Many of my students routinely use this interactive feature.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not view any grammatical errors within the textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The textbook contains no cultural insensitive material.

Comments

This is an excellent textbook and is used in more than one course at my institution. It is well written with good flow.

An index or glossary would be a helpful addition to the textbook. I would also like the selection of practice problems to be expanded in varying degree of difficulty so that learners, who are at different levels of readiness, can practice.

Reviewed by Babul Saha, Adjunct Lecturer, LAGCC on 5/17/19

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This book is perfect to teach one semester course. It has all the material that we cover in a semester.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The author maintained all the topics and sequence for this book.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

There is no issue for the relevance of the book. It full fill the requirement.

Clarity rating: 5

This book is clearly readable for all level of students including non native speaker.

Consistency rating: 5

I have seen the author maintained the consistency of the topics.

Modularity rating: 5

It maintained the order of the topics. There is no need to shuffle the topics of this book.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I like the book the way it is organized. First, the author explained the theoretical concept, then example and finally the exercise. I think most of our students need this pattern to succeed the course.

Interface rating: 5

I strongly agree that students can easily access the e book and they also can download the pdf version of this book.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find any grammatical mistake.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This book can be used for diverse group of students.

Comments

Overall, I like this this book.

Reviewed by Matt Brown, Director, Quantitative Reasoning Center, Earlham College on 5/14/19

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

I use this text for a semester course. There is more than enough content for a semester course. I doubt there is enough for a full year.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

No issues with accuracy at all.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content is practical and engaging for the students.

Clarity rating: 5

The clarity is very accessible even for ESL students.

Consistency rating: 5

I found no circumstances of inconsistent terminology in this text.

Modularity rating: 5

Every time that I use this text I change something in the order of the content delivery, and the book is written in a way works.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I particularly like the way the concept of functions is presented.

Interface rating: 5

While I still like to have a words-on-paper textbook, the students almost exclusively used the ebook version with no complaints.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I found no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I use this book in a highly diverse setting and have never had an issue raised to me regarding insensitivity.

Comments

I use this book in foundational math class. There are three things in particular that make this book appeal to me. I like the modularity of this book as it allows me jump around to shape each class based on the students' needs. I also utilized the accompanying PowerPoints as a foundation for my presentations. Lastly and most importantly is the connection to WebAssign for online homework. The ability of WebAssign to deliver additional content to supplement this text in the modality that each student desires based on their learning style makes a huge impact in outcomes. I highly recommend this text.

Reviewed by Marissa Ford, Assistant Professor, Trine University on 5/13/19

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

I did not see a glossary, but there was an effective index. From what I see, you cannot get to the index unless you download the book from the website. Once I downloaded it, I could see the index.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The problems I saw had no errors and were unbiased. The content was accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

There were some real-world applications considered, some real objects in life, but none that would be considered obsolete any time soon.

Clarity rating: 5

The book was very clear. There are definitions were they need to be.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook is consistent in how it is written.

Modularity rating: 5

The book is not hard to read. Students can read through this without much difficulty.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are in a logical order, there is nothing I would change. This is how I would teach the class.

Interface rating: 5

There were no navigation problems that I ran into. The pictures were nice and there was no distortion.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not see any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book is not insensitive or offensive.

Comments

There were some formatting things I noticed in the online version. Specifically, on page 605, any time there is a formula, after it, there is a space that is missing between it and the next word. However, when I downloaded the PDF version, that formatting error is gone.

Reviewed by Brandy Williams, Instructor , Northshore Technical Community College on 4/24/19

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

All areas of the subject are covered. The index is easy to use. Each section contains a glossary which can be helpful and convenient, but for instructors who limit their teaching to specific sections, a comprehensive glossary that is easily identified in the index would be much more helpful.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

I have not found inaccuracies. I found the introductions to the material and real world applicable examples to be unbiased. However, the explanation of factoring trinomials with leading coefficients not 1 only explains one method (grouping) instead of explaining the general principle. Some instructors prefer to teach factoring trinomials using trial and error with a focus on students understanding the general principle as the publisher explains for factoring trinomials with coefficients of 1 and factoring by pulling out the GCF. I also disagree with the explanation of power functions in that variables raised to fractional powers were said to also be power functions.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

I really appreciated the fact that the text has links to youtube videos in some sections. This will make the text much more interactive and relevant to the student. The real life examples seemed quite relevant to today's culture. However, one example in section 1.1 talked of using money to purchase MP3's. To my knowledge, that term is not used in this current generation of graduating high school students.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is well written, and the examples are interactive. The real-life examples do not contain technical terminology which would be difficult for the average reader to understand.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is consistent in how it presents material. Each section has an introduction to material, interactive examples, practice problems, and a glossary at the end.

Modularity rating: 4

While I do feel the text is well organized, some sections contain an enormous amount of material. If considering the book for a Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry course, the layout is appropriate to give a brief overview of previously taught Algebra topics. I would not prefer this book for College Algebra.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are appropriately structured; concepts flow from simple to complex.

Interface rating: 4

The links work well; the images/charts contain no errors. I have a great appreciation for the interactive examples. However, some examples do not state the solutions as others do, which could be confusing to some readers.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not observe any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The introduction to each section uses material from a variety of cultures throughout history such as Egyptians, Grecians, Haitians. The introduction also explains applications in a variety of fields such as business, science, engineering, and architecture.

Comments

I appreciated many qualities about this book. I enjoyed Section 1.1 which did a great job of explaining our number system in an understandable and relate able way. The interactive examples are set up in a way that it gives students a chance to consider solutions before they are told what they are. Students can then click on the link to receive either validation or correction for their thoughts. As stated earlier, the youtube links make the text user friendly to students today. Improvements to the text could include more common types of factoring examples in Section 1.5 (particularly the factoring by grouping example) instead of ones that are hardly encountered in the general practice of factoring. The explanation of factoring trinomials with a leading coefficient not 1 could explain the general principle of factoring as was done for factoring by grouping and factoring trinomials with leading coefficient of 1 before describing a particular method. The explanation of converting degrees to radians and radians to degrees could be more straightforward by offering a formula early one instead of using the concept of rotations. The examples for this are also quite complicated. All in all, it is a great option for a Trigonometry class.

Reviewed by Stacy Jurgens, Instructor, Mesabi Range College on 8/2/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text was very thorough. In fact, when using it in my Advanced Algebra course I skipped many sections. The homework problems were plentiful and offered a lot of variety. However, the word problems all felt a little too similar. A student doing a few problems in a row could settle into a "routine" versus apply their problem solving skills. As for the index and glossary, they were comprehensive and useful. However, when a student downloaded the text as a PDF, the numbers in the index/glossary did not match the page numbers of the PDF, causing confusion. Also, the math type often downloaded garbled.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I never found an Instructors Manual so I can't comment on accuracy. However, the different sections with examples were accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Math is Math, it doesn't require updates. However, I wish that the complex number sections and hmwk problems requiring the use of complex numbers was seperated from the main content. If an instructor does not have complex numbers in their course content, they run the risk in later sections of assigning problems that use them.

Clarity rating: 5

Minimal text is how I prefer to teach Algebra and Trig. I focus on the symbolic language. The text in this book was adequate and not superfluous.

Consistency rating: 5

Very good consistency.

Modularity rating: 4

Please see the above comments on Complex Numbers.
Other than that, I thought the topics were maybe broken down too far. It at times felt like it was less than College or even Advanced Algebra level.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

See above about Complex Numbers.

Interface rating: 2

Some of the math text did not download correctly, preventing students from being able to do assigned homework.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Looked good to me, but I am a Math person...

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Mathematics is the universal language and shows no bias.

Comments

It was my first experience with an OER and I intend to use it again. I believe the second time around will be as insightful as the first.

Reviewed by Cecilia Weingartner, Lecture of Mathematics, Southern Utah University on 8/2/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text book is comprehensive, covering most of the materials for College Algebra and Trigonometry in a standard, traditional way. It has an introduction, learning objectives, contents with definitions, key points, graphs, and examples with similar practice questions. It lacks the integrated connection between concepts within the book.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not come across any mistakes while skimming the text.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The concept does not change. The applications could be broader.

Clarity rating: 4

Examples and graphic displays are quite standard and clear. I especially like the video using the wolfram graphic to illustrate the polar graphs in trigonometry functions.

Consistency rating: 4

The notations are quite consistent throughout the book.
The online version of the textbook and the pdf version of the textbook are a little different.
In the pdf version, the highlighted region is mainly for the definition, formulas and key points, which are very consistent. However, in the online version, the highlighted region is also including the special feature with show/hide solution button, which has lessen the important of the highlighted definitions, formulas and key points.

Modularity rating: 4

The textbook is written in a way that can be subdivided into smaller sections. I created a module called Solving Zero for Polynomial Equation in degree two. I combined parts from chapter 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9. I added few examples or graphs for the completeness to some topics. I also added some examples requiring software to estimate the zero. It works well.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The topics are presented in a logical and clear fashion.
In the textbook, Linear Equations in Two Variables are in the same section of Linear Equation in One Variable.

Interface rating: 4

This book covered many topics. It is not easy to navigate the reference materials within the textbook. For example, there are no links between key terms and definitions within shaded boxes.

For the online version, it contains a good feature for having the “show solution” options for the examples. However, they are in shaded boxes as well as the definitions. It is a little bit confusing. And the sizes of graphs and fonts for those examples in shaded boxes are not consistent. It looks a little odd sometimes.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I have not found any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I do not think there is any culturally insensitive or offensive content in the text.

Comments

I did not care much for the calculator explanations. Aside from this, the textbook is easy to adapt into one to two courses. I like the wolfram YouTube video on polar graphing. The textbook can implement more application-based questions to increase some challenging exercises for students to explore.

Reviewed by Meryem Abouali, Adjunct lecturer, Laguardia Community College on 5/21/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Algebra and Trigonometry text covers a standard typical topics for Algebra course. Within each concept there is an appropriate level of critical thinking and application. There is a perfect level of comprehensiveness.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Overall , the accuracy of the text was very good. The authors have separate important definitions, results, concepts , and theorems in blue text boxes that direct the reader's attention. Notations and explanations seems fairly accurate .

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This text is adequately relevant to the subject as it is taught today . The authors use real world examples in the chapters and the homework. The real -life applications provided in the book are general enough that changes would not be necessary . They are good for all time.

Clarity rating: 5

The text has a good clarity and it is very readable to students at this level. The use of common fronts, text boxes, and overall the language and organization of the text is excellent . It is a user- friendly because the layout makes it easier for students .The text is very consistent in the language used from section to section as will as its terminology and symbols.

Consistency rating: 4

The text is very consistent in its approach to explanation and students engagement . Additionally , the notations used lead students to strong comprehension. The flow is consistent and clear in each section in terms of how concepts are introduced . The authors used consistent terminology as in most other math textbooks.

Modularity rating: 4

The text is breaking down the content into easy parts . It is appropriately designed and ordered from section to section which makes the learning easier.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Overall the organization of the text is logical and seems pedagogically justified. The layouts such as the transition from topic to topic from within a section and between sections is easy . Topics are organized from easier to more difficult in a logical manner.

Interface rating: 5

The navigation is a quite user- friendly. The links within the text that allow the user to jump to specific topic in the text are useful. All the links work well. The text uses appropriate organization of graphics and text highlights important concepts. The colors for text, front, and headings are all appropriate and help to focus the readers's attention to what is truly important.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text appears to be grammatically correct. It is error -free. It is obvious that the authors took their time to eliminate errors from this text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. The text doesn't have as many culturally inclusive examples as other traditional text books, it would be beneficial to incorporate more culturally diverse examples for our diverse student population.

Comments

I would thank the authors for their great effort in putting together this text. I am planning on adapting this text for my classroom within the next year . It 's a well written , I like the format and the flow of the concepts.

Reviewed by G. Brock Williams, Professor, Texas Tech University on 3/27/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see 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.

Content 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.

Reviewed by Cristina Hansen Ruiz, Associate Lecturer, University of the West of England on 8/15/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see 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”.

Content 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 8/15/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see 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.

Content 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 6/20/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see 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.

Content 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 6/20/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This book covers more than I require in PreCalculus I, and may be useful in our PreCalculus II course.

Content 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.

Reviewed by Mingshen Wu, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout on 8/21/16

Comprehensiveness rating: 1 see 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.

Content 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.