When I took my college algebra course in 2006, I had no idea on the degree of the difficulties I was about to take. My high school algebra background was not enough to keep me relaxed. The professor discussed and projected the syllabus as he recommended the book, 'Algebra for College Students' by Mark Dugopolski. I bought the second edition of the book and used it until the semester ended.
A quick run through of its features:
Algebra for College Student Book Features
- Application oriented
- Side Notes with Study Tips
- Math at Work Section
- Strategy Box
- Detailed Examples
- Exercises and Chapter Test
- Quick Wrap Up
- Graphing Calculator Exercises
Application Oriented
The book has an index of application which is a compilation of practical problems that is commonly found in the professional field. Problems related to construction, business, statistics, chemistry, geometry, sports were presented to help students relate to specific field of interest. This problem can be found in the Chapter Test section, in which the odd numbers has answer at the end pages of the book. If you are asking for the answers of even numbered problems, it cannot be found on the book since it is very related to the odd numbered problems preceding or succeeding the given problem.
Side Notes
These are sticky notes-like posted in the margin area, these are helpful hints and tips for students in making an ace with the subject plus a graphing calculator close-up. This is one of the features i loved since it keeps my mind calm at times after analyzing problems and solving it afterwards. It has a soothing effect for the mind of the reader due to its assurance tone. Example:
Math At Work Section
This section features real professionals who uses algebra or simply mathematics in determining different factors for their businesses to make it functional and progressive. In one of the Math at Works section, a fabric designer is featured since she deals with fractions to ensure standardized measurement is attained. Her job is a proof that knowledge in numbers is very important to have a quality output or product.
Strategy Box
A box that is filled with lists of concepts and procedure to follow in solving problems. This is an organized approach that helps student understand thoroughly on the proper steps that should be done to solve algebra problems. This is filled with important points in the section within each chapter.
Detailed Examples
The presentation of the book is structured accordingly with the chapter opener that welcomes the reader on the section that follows. Each section has a detailed examples that is presented in a simplified manner. The example can be easily understood by anybody who has at least an average IQ. There are more than one example and each of it is directly related to the succeeding problems. The result is good since it prepare the student to fully understood the subject before jumping into chapter test problem.
Warm- Up, Exercises, Chapter Test, and Wrap- Up
Practice solving math problems in the exercises section after learning about the law of equality or other theories and theorems. It is because the flow of the presentation is perfectly organized to let its readers learn effectively and do a follow- up exercises with or without a graphing calculator. However, there is warm-up section which is answerable with true or false to check your readiness to take a Chapter Test. Each chapter ends with a Wrap- Up, this is a short rundown of the topic or summary. Do not think this is an overload since this is done step-by-step.
The book of Mark Dugopolski, "Algebra for College Students" has more than one edition. It has its sixth edition published already. Like its predecessors, it is very useful and the essence of the text is still contained within the books. It is updated by rearranging and adding new learning essentials to keep on the current trend and needs of the student as well as of the professors.
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