College Algebra (with CD-ROM, BCA/iLrn Tutorial, and InfoTrac)

by Roy David Gustafson, Peter D. Frisk

Clearly written and comprehensive, the eighth edition of Gustafson's popular book provides in-depth and precise coverage, incorporated into a framework of tested teaching strategy. David Gustafson combines carefully selected pedagogical features and patient explanation to give students a book that preserves the integrity of mathematics, yet does not discourage them with material that is confusing or too rigorous. Long respected for its ability to help students quickly master difficult problems, this book also helps them develop the skills they'll need in future courses and in everyday life.

Genres: Mathematics

720 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I'm giving a textbook five stars – not because it is great literature, or because of some deep significance it conveys, or because it exhibits any of the other qualities that are usually attributed to five-star reviews on Goodreads. This is a five-star review simply because this textbook, in my opinion, is exactly what a math textbook should be like.

Its organization was great. It transitioned smoothly from one topic to another through each of its many chapters. Its descriptions and explanations were detailed enough that pretty much anyone should be able to understand them. The examples were great with detailed instructions on how the answers could be determined. The large variety of problems available at the end of each section were great for honing the skills taught by that section. Finally, the accompanying Student Solution Manual shows the solutions – not just the answers – to all the odd-numbered problems in the book, allowing the students to build self confidence.

I spent about six months going through the book, little-by-little, on a nearly daily basis, and I feel that my comprehension of the mathematical principles taught in this book have improved considerably.