Topics in Contemporary Mathematics

Motivational chapter and section opening vignettes contain applications drawn from a broad range of fields and introduce students to the techniques and ideas covered. Applications are further integrated throughout the text, examples and in the exercise sets to help students develop the skills to apply problem-solving techniques in the real-world.

The text incorporates suggestions of AMATYC's Standards for Introductory College Mathematics. For instance, the authors de-emphasize the more abstract and theoretical aspects of the subject matter, placing emphasis on promoting the understanding and use of concepts introduced.

A unique problem-solving approach emphasized throughout the text helps students learn the mathematical skills that will benefit them in their lives and careers. Using the RSTUV method (Read, Select, Think, Use, and Verify), this approach guides students through problems and includes references to similar problems in the exercise set.

A strong technology focus motivates students and shows them different ways in which mathematics can be applied. Web references and Web It exercises in the text offer students ways to utilize the Internet as an educational and creative tool to study mathematical concepts. Graph It, a feature found in the book margins, provides step-by-step directions for solving specific examples using the TI-83 graphing calculator.