Offering the fundamentals of college algebra using an approach readers can relate to and use throughout their lifetime, this innovative book, the product of an NSF-funded grant, leads the way in revitalizing college algebra. The book contains essays which correlate to the materials to allow for a qualitative understanding of algebra.

Designed in the spirit of the calculus reform movement this innovative textbook changes college algebra from an instructor-centered lecture format to a student-centered learning experience. The first half explores algebra applied to social sciences and the latter half to physical and life sciences. Throughout, students collect data, organize data sets, and share their observations in both written and verbal form. An anthology of readings in the back of the book deepens the understanding of special topics and demonstrates how mathematics relates to everyday life.