Beginning Algebra - Textbook Directions to the Student

It is important to use this text correctly to achieve its full benefits. Its format encourages you to become a responsible participant in your own learning as you enter a dialogue with the book. The majority of the book involves giving you information, asking you a question about it, waiting for your answer, and then confirming or denying your understanding. You need to respond thoughtfully just as if you were in a conversation with a close friend about some matter of particular interest.

Each of these question-answer cycles is numbered and is called a frame. The first sentence of a frame will generally tell you what to look for or focus upon. Then you will be asked a question about the focus of the frame. Think about it and then write your answer. After you have written your answer, look in the right-hand column to see whether you completely understood the purpose of the frame. When you have completely understood, proceed to the next frame. When something is not completely understood, try to see what was not clearly communicated. If the misunderstanding continues, then seek personal assistance and resolve the matter before continuing.

Each frame contains something to be learned. Read the first sentence to find where the authors want you to focus your attention. Writing your answers to the question is important because it requires a commitment and that commitment is necessary if you are to learn. Checking your answer immediately is important. When the answer is correct, the learning is reinforced and, therefore, remembered. When the answer in incorrect, you are immediately alerted to some misunderstanding. This is not necessarily bad because many of your most important learning experiences will occur following some awareness of a problem. Treat these situations as good learning opportunities.

Each chapter begins with a set of problems that illustrate the objectives of the chapter. You are not expected to know how to do the problems on an Objectives Test. Each problem indicates the unit in which it will be learned. Use these problems to acquaint yourself with what is to be learned in the chapter and do not allow yourself to be frightened by any new symbols or seemingly difficult situations. In the rare case that all the problems on an Objectives Test are truly easy, it is possible to consider jumping to the Chapter Mastery Test.

Each unit concludes with a Feedback exercise for you to test your understanding of the particular skills learned in the unit. In general, it is best not to take the Feedback immediately after finishing the frames of a unit. Give yourself some time before assessing your understanding; it will improve your progress.

Each chapter ends with a Mastery Test for you to assess your understanding of all the material in the chapter. Each problem is accompanied by a designation indicating where it is taught in the chapter. Use that information to restudy any portions of the chapter that the text indicates you have not mastered.

Throughout your study of this book, put your emphasis on understanding the material rather than memorizing without understanding. Regardless of your past experiences with learning mathematics, do not be tempted into memorizing. Those that memorize may remember for a week or a month, but then suffer a complete loss and must start anew. Those who understand, rather than memorize, have something that will sustain them throughout life. You’ll find that every problem taught in this book has a purpose which is explained to you. Memorizing isn’t necessary to your successful dialogue. Understanding will definitely improve your achievement level and your satisfaction.

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