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Section exercises

The exercises at the end of each section are graded in terms of difficulty, although they are not grouped into categories. There are an ample number of problems; after working through the exercises, the student will be capable of solving a variety of challenging problems.

The problems are paired so that the odd-numbered problems are equivalent in kind and difficulty to the even-numbered problems. Answers to the odd-numbered problems are provided with the exercise when viewed online, or at the back of the chapter in the print version.

Exercises for review

This section consists of problems that form a cumulative review of the material covered in the preceding sections of the text and is not limited to material in that chapter. The exercises are keyed by section for easy reference.

Summary of key concepts

A summary of the important ideas and formulas used throughout the chapter is included at the end of each chapter. More than just a list of terms, the summary is a valuable tool that reinforces concepts in preparation for the Proficiency Exam at the end of the chapter, as well as future exams. The summary keys each item to the section of the text where it is discussed.

Exercise supplement

In addition to numerous section exercises, each chapter includes approximately 100 supplemental problems, which are referenced by section. Answers to the odd-numbered problems are included with the problems when viewed online and in the back of the chapter in the print version.

Proficiency exam

Each chapter ends with a Proficiency Exam that can serve as a chapter review or a chapter evaluation. The proficiency Exam is keyed to sections, which enables the student to refer back to the text for assistance. Answers to all Proficiency Exam problems are included with the exercises when viewed online, or in the back of the chapter in the print version.

Content

The writing style is informal and friendly, offering a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to algebra. We have made a deliberate effort not to write another text that minimizes the use of words because we believe that students can be study algebraic concepts and understand algebraic techniques by using words and symbols rather than symbols alone. It has been our experience that students at the elementary level are not experienced enough with mathematics to understand symbolic explanations alone; they also need to read the explanation.

We have taken great care to present concepts and techniques so they are understandable and easily remembered. After concepts have been developed, students are warned about common pitfalls.

Arithmetic review

This chapter contains many examples of arithmetic techniques that are used directly or indirectly in algebra. Since the chapter is intended as a review, the problem-solving techniques are presented without being developed. Therefore, no work space is provided, nor does the chapter contain all of the pedagogical features of the text. As a review, this chapter can be assigned at the discretion of the instructor and can also be a valuable reference tool for the student.

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Source:  OpenStax, Elementary algebra. OpenStax CNX. May 08, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10614/1.3
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