A New York Times–bestselling author looks at mathematics education in America—when it’s worthwhile, and when it’s not. Why do we inflict a full menu of mathematics—algebra, geometry, trigonometry, even calculus—on all young Americans, regardless of their interests or aptitudes? While Andrew Hacker has been a professor of mathematics himself, and extols the glories of the subject, he also questions some widely held assumptions in this thought-provoking and practical-minded book. Does advanced math really broaden our minds? Is mastery of azimuths and asymptotes needed for success in most jobs? Should the entire Common Core syllabus be required of every student? Hacker worries that our nation’s current frenzied emphasis on STEM is diverting attention from other pursuits and even subverting the spirit of the country. Here, he shows how mandating math for everyone prevents other talents from being developed and acts as an irrational barrier to graduation and careers. He proposes alternatives, including teaching facility with figures, quantitative reasoning, and understanding statistics. Expanding upon the author’s viral New York Times op-ed, The Math Myth is sure to spark a heated and needed national conversation—not just about mathematics but about the kind of people and society we want to be. “Hacker’s accessible arguments offer plenty to think about and should serve as a clarion call to students, parents, and educators who decry the one-size-fits-all approach to schooling.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

College Algebra provides a comprehensive exploration of algebraic principles and meets scope and sequence requirements for a typical introductory algebra course. The modular approach and richness of content ensure that the book meets the needs of a variety of courses. College Algebra offers a wealth of examples with detailed, conceptual explanations, building a strong foundation in the material before asking students to apply what they've learned. Coverage and Scope In determining the concepts, skills, and topics to cover, we engaged dozens of highly experienced instructors with a range of student audiences. The resulting scope and sequence proceeds logically while allowing for a significant amount of flexibility in instruction. Chapters 1 and 2 provide both a review and foundation for study of Functions that begins in Chapter 3. The authors recognize that while some institutions may find this material a prerequisite, other institutions have told us that they have a cohort that need the prerequisite skills built into the course. Chapter 1: Prerequisites Chapter 2: Equations and Inequalities Chapters 3-6: The Algebraic Functions Chapter 3: Functions Chapter 4: Linear Functions Chapter 5: Polynomial and Rational Functions Chapter 6: Exponential and Logarithm Functions Chapters 7-9: Further Study in College Algebra Chapter 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 8: Analytic Geometry Chapter 9: Sequences, Probability and Counting Theory

Basic Algebra and Advanced Algebra systematically develop concepts and tools in algebra that are vital to every mathematician, whether pure or applied, aspiring or established. Advanced Algebra includes chapters on modern algebra which treat various topics in commutative and noncommutative algebra and provide introductions to the theory of associative algebras, homological algebras, algebraic number theory, and algebraic geometry. Many examples and hundreds of problems are included, along with hints or complete solutions for most of the problems. Together the two books give the reader a global view of algebra and its role in mathematics as a whole.

This introduction to the world of statistics covers exploratory data analysis, methods for collecting data, formal statistical inference, and techniques of regression and analysis of variance. 1983 edition.

Cynthia Young's Precalculus, 4th edition helps students take the guesswork out of studying by offering them an easy to read and clear roadmap that tells them what to do, how to do it, and whether they did it right. With this revision, the author focuses on the most difficult topics in precalculus, bringing clarity to challenging learning objectives.

REA's CLEP test preps are perfect for adults returning to college or attending for the first time, military service members, high-school graduates looking to earn college credit, or home-schooled students with knowledge that can translate into college credit. /Our review covers all the College Algebra topics found on the official exam: sets, number systems and operations, exponents and radicals, equations, inequalities, ratio and proportion, and more. /Students start their study by taking our half-length diagnostic practice test online. This timed test includes automatic scoring and diagnostic feedback, so students can pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses. The book includes 2 full-length practice tests that mirror the actual exam, allowing test-takers to become familiar with the test format before taking the CLEP. Each practice test comes with detailed explanations of answers, so students can identify areas in need of improvement and be prepared on test day.