Investigating Basic College Mathematics (with CD-ROM, BCA Tutorial, and InfoTrac)

INVESTIGATING BASIC COLLEGE MATHEMATICS is a flexible worktext that supports a variety of teaching methods. The book engages students in active learning, allowing them to discover knowledge and describe their understandings. Through a blend of lecture-type Discussions and Investigations, this book provides a comprehensive foundation in basic mathematical concepts. While the table of contents for this text is similar to others on the market, the presentation is unique. Carefully designed INVESTIGATIONS lead students to discover key concepts, while DISCUSSIONS offer a more traditional explanation. The INVESTIGATIONS can be completed as a class led by the instructor, in cooperative groups, or by the student alone. Instead of passively listening to an explanation of the concept, the student participates in its development, followed immediately by practice and application of the concept. This method helps developmental students understand and retain concepts. Selected for their high interest, the application problems are drawn from the media and everyday situations. Students find the problems relevant and easy to visualize; a variety of applications provides substantial practice. The authors also provide an organizer (the five step method) to help students learn to get started and finish problems successfully. Because students are constantly asked to apply their skills in application problems, systems of measurement are introduced early. This also prepares students for success in related classes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and technology.