Topics In Contemporary Mathematics

Topics in Contemporary Mathematics is uniquely designed to help students see math at work in the contemporary world by presenting problem solving in purposeful and meaningful contexts.

• Strong technology focus encourages students to learn and apply their knowledge using the most up-to-date web links maintained by the author on a companion web site. Instructors may also use this site to access PowerPoint slides for convenient class presentations. In addition to these web resources, lecture and practice test videos have been developed to provide extra support and foster confidence outside of the classroom. For those students in Florida, a CLAST Test software package and video are available as well.
• A variety of pedagogical features reinforce ideas and motivate students to learn. Getting Started offers a motivating introduction for the techniques and ideas in each section. Through web references and Web It exercises, students utilize the Internet as an educational and creative tool to study mathematical concepts. Collaborative Learning encourages student interaction as they work together to solve problems. The Graph It feature found in the book margins provides step-by-step directions for solving specific examples using the TI-83 graphing calculator.
• Problem-solving approach throughout the text helps students learn techniques and methods that will benefit them throughout their lives and careers. These special examples use George Polya's problem-solving strategy (RSTUV?Read, Select, Think of a plan, Use the techniques, Verify) and a unique two-column format for describing the general problem-solving method and demonstrating specific uses.