Preface

To the next generation of explorers: Kristi, BreAnne, Lindsey, Randi, Piper, Meghan, Wyatt, Lara, Mason, and Sheanna.

Fundamentals of Mathematics is a work text that covers the traditional topics studied in a modern prealgebra course, as well as the topics of estimation, elemen­tary analytic geometry, and introductory algebra. It is intended for students who

1. have had a previous course in prealgebra,
2. wish to meet the prerequisite of a higher level course such as elementary algebra, and
3. need to review fundamental mathematical concepts and techniques.

This text will help the student develop the insight and intuition necessary to master arithmetic techniques and manipulative skills. It was written with the following main objectives:

1. to provide the student with an understandable and usable source of information,
2. to provide the student with the maximum oppor­tunity to see that arithmetic concepts and techniques are logically based,
3. to instill in the student the understanding and intuitive skills necessary to know how and when to use particular arithmetic concepts in subsequent material, courses, and nonclassroom situations, and
4. to give the student the ability to correctly interpret arithmetically obtained results.

We have tried to meet these objectives by presenting material dynamically, much the way an instructor might present the material visually in a classroom. (See the development of the concept of addition and subtraction of fractions in [link] , for example.) Intuition and under­standing are some of the keys to creative thinking; we believe that the material presented in this text will help the student realize that mathematics is a creative subject.

This text can be used in standard lecture or self-paced classes. To help meet our objectives and to make the study of prealgebra a pleasant and rewarding experi­ence, Fundamentals of Mathematics is organized as follows.

Pedagogical features

The work text format gives the student space to practice mathematical skills with ready reference to sample problems. The chapters are divided into sections, and each section is a complete treatment of a particular topic, which includes the following features:

• Section Overview
• Sample Sets
• Practice Sets
• Section Exer­cises
• Exercises for Review
• Answers to Practice Sets

The chapters begin with Objectives and end with a Summary of Key Concepts , an Exercise Supplement , and a Proficiency Exam .

Objectives

Sample sets

1. They serve as a representation to be imitated, which we believe will foster understanding of mathematical concepts and provide experience with mathematical techniques.
2. Sample Sets also serve as a preliminary representation of problem-solving techniques that may be used to solve more general and more complicated problems.