Intermediate Algebra (with CD-ROM and Printed Access Card Enhanced iLrn(TM) Math Tutorial, iLrn(TM) Math Tutorial, The Learning Equation Labs, Student Resource Center) [Paperback]

Alan S. Tussy (Author), R. David Gustafson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534493947 | ISBN-13: 978-0534493943 | Publication Date: March 23, 2005 | Edition: 3

The fundamental goal in Tussy and Gustafson's INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA, Third Edition is to teach students to read, write, and think about mathematics through building a conceptual foundation in the language of mathematics. The book blends instructional approaches that include vocabulary, practice, and well-defined pedagogy, along with an emphasis on reasoning, modeling, communication, and technology skills to develop students' fluency in the "language of algebra". Tussy and Gustafson understand the challenges of teaching developmental students and this book reflects a holistic approach to teaching mathematics that includes developing study skills, problem solving and critical thinking alongside mathematical concepts. New features in this edition include a pretest for students to gauge their understanding of prerequisite concepts, problems that make correlations between student life and the mathematical concepts and study skills information designed to give students the best chance to succeed in the course. Additionally, the texts widely acclaimed Study Sets at the end of every section are tailored to improve students' ability to read, write and communicate mathematical ideas.

Editorial Reviews

Review

You have done a great job explaining to the students how to read and write mathematically. The writing component helps the student to retain the information and [it will] be helpful to them in a subsequent math course.

I really like these explanatory [author's] notes. They are similar to ones that I like to write on the chalkboard when I am lecturing. This is perhaps my favorite feature of the text. Martin-Gay does have similar explanatory notes, but Tussy/Gustafson has more detail. The authors have done a good job with this.

About the Author

Alan Tussy has written nine mathematics books -- a soft cover series and a hard cover series. He belongs to the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC). He has taught at Citrus College since 1988 in the Mathematics department, educating in many levels of Mathematics from Prealgebra to Differential Equations. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 779 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 3 edition (March 23, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534493947
• ISBN-13: 978-0534493943
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,368,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Intermediate Algebra Refund needed; no reply from seller on procedure, September 18, 2008

By 

Demetra Tillman Roberts "Demetra" (St. Louis Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Intermediate Algebra with CD-ROM, Third Edition (Hardcover)

Can't rate the book overall because the instructor decided we would use another product. There was no return or refund instructions in the box and I need to return the book to the seller. I sent an e-mail over a week or two ago and have not had a response as to how to return and/or obtain a refund for this book. Overall, I was pleased with the timeliness of receiving the book but I really need to know the procedure for returns and refunds. I think I would avoid any purchases not directly from Amazon or go ahead and pay the 10-20 more at the school bookstore to avoid errors and confusion of this type. Demetra Roberts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No variable quality here, October 18, 2005

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intermediate Algebra (with CD-ROM and Printed Access Card Enhanced iLrn(TM) Math Tutorial, iLrn(TM) Math Tutorial, The Learning Equation Labs, Student Resource Center) (Paperback)

One of the first things that jumps out at the reader of this text book is the colour - I remember algebra texts from nearly three decades ago when I first learned the subject, and they were usually fairly boring black-and-white texts. This has colour on every page. There are marginal pull-quote boxes that explain in simpler, verbal language some of the algebraic and mathematical concepts being demonstrated in the problems. There are also marginal notes that give hints (Success Tips, Caution, and Notation pieces) to remind students of key concepts or introduce important and special elements.

Each chapter begins with a new chapter opener, introducing in broad strokes the content of each chapter. This is also keyed to TLE (The Learning Equation) labs that are part of the internet components to this text. The text also includes a CD-ROM supplement for students. Each chapter includes worked examples in great detail, self-check problems and strategy/property boxes that give short explanations of the key concepts in the worked examples.

The progression of topics in the text is familiar to those who know algebra:

Chapter 1 is a review, including review of numbers, basic equations and variables. Chapter 2 begins the introduction of simple lines and graphs, including graphs of functions. The third chapter looks as systems of equations and how to solve them in different methods, including algebra, matrices and determinants. The fourth chapter introduces inequalities, including compound inequalities and absolute value issues.

From chapter five forward are issues of exponents, polynomials, rational equations, radical equations, quadratic equations and attendant issues. These include issues of factoring, dividing, geometric applications, and introduces imaginary and complex numbers.

The final three chapters explore exponential and logarithmic functions (very useful in science), conic sections (two-dimensional analytic geometry), and some theoretical considerations for algebra, especially of interest to those going on to higher math. These include some elemtns of interest to those who will need statistics, too.

The preface includes some study tips for students to follow, which are very important. This is a checklist worthwhile for students in any math class (and can be adapted for students in any other class, too).

Algebra is the kind of subject that few can master on their own without classroom or tutorial instruction; I have yet to meet the textbook that will teach algebra to everyone without teaching assistance, and this book is no different. But as a classroom book, and as a book we use in our Tutoring Center, this is a very useful, helpful and clearly written text.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Condition!, September 2, 2009

By 

Jacky R. (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intermediate Algebra with CD-ROM, Third Edition (Hardcover)

This book was exactly what I needed and at a great price! It also looked brand spankin' new which was awesome! I couldn't have gotten through the semester without it. THANKS!