Beginning Algebra: Keeping it Simple

"For many students, study skills and confidence are the biggest hurdles in being successful in learning algebra. In contrast to bulky, expensive conventional texts for developmental math courses, Beginning Algebra: Keeping it Simple introduces the material in a clear and concise manner with advice on how to study and persevere when the material seems too difficult. Students learn how to evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions and solve first degree equations and inequalities. The material covers integer exponents, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, and graphs of lines. Students also learn to solve polynomial and rational equations, as well as the dreaded word problem. Designed to enhance confidence and minimize math anxiety, Beginning Algebra keeps explanations simple and illustrates them with numerous sample problems. Concise yet thorough, the book provides plenty of practice problems designed to help students master the skills needed to succeed in math studies. Beginning Algebra is an excellent text for developmental education departments and pre-college programs offering courses in elementary or introductory algebra. Based on successful classroom teaching and response to student-feedback, Beginning Algebra not only teaches math, it teaches students that math is something they can master, and encourages them to never let it stand in their way. Judith Atkinson earned her master's degree in mathematics and her Ph.D. in civil engineering at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks where she currently teaches both face-to-face and online courses as a tenured professor. Her main focus has been developmental level algebra courses. Dr. Atkinson also teaches a math course for non-science majors, business algebra and calculus, and math for elementary school teachers. She helped develop the UAF Math Fast Track program and coauthored a textbook to go along with the program. Prior to entering the field of teaching Dr. Atkinson worked as a civil engineer for the Alaska Department of Transportation."