Intermediate Algebra: Functions and Authentic Applications [Hardcover]

Jay Lehmann has taught for the past 25 years at College of San Mateo, where he received the “shiny apple award” for excellence in teaching.  He has presented at over 80 conferences including AMATYC and ICTCM over the past 16 years. Jay is currently the newsletter editor for California Mathematics Council, Community Colleges (CMC3).  Still young at heart, he plays in a rock band appropriately named the Procrastinistas.  Jay has authored several algebra textbooks published by Pearson and is has also recently completed a Prestatistics textbook.

In the words of the author:

Before writing my algebra series, it was painfully apparent that my students couldn't relate to the applications in the course. I was plagued with the question, What is this good for? To try to bridge that gap, I wrote some labs, which facilitated my students in collecting data, finding models via curve fitting, and using the models to make estimates and predictions. My students really loved working with the current, compelling, and authentic data and experiencing how mathematics truly is useful.

My students' response was so strong that I decided to write an algebra series. Little did I know that to realize this goal, I would need to embark on a 15-year challenging journey, but the rewards of hearing such excitement from students and faculty across the country have made it all worthwhile! I'm proud to have played even a small role in raising people’s respect and enthusiasm for mathematics.

I have tried to honor my inspiration: by working with authentic data, students can experience the power of mathematics. A random-sample study at my college suggests that I am achieving lsL