The fundamental goal in Tussy and Gustafson's BASIC MATHEMATICS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS, 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. Also students planning to take an introductory algebra course in the future can use this text to build the mathematical foundation they will need. 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 text's widely acclaimed Study Sets at the end of every section are tailored to improve students' ability to read, write, and communicate mathematical ideas.

Designed to teach students how to become analytic thinkers through a variety of instructional approaches that embody the recommendations of NCTM and AMATYC, Tussy and Gustafson build the strong mathematical foundation necessary to give students confidence to apply their newly acquired skills at home or on the job. In this thorough review of arithmetic and geometry, the authors also introduce the fundamental algebraic concepts that students who intend to take an introductory algebra course in the future will need.