Functions, Data, and Models

... On initial viewing, ""Functions, Data and Models"" may seem like a typical textbook, with all the usual key parts, including appendixes and answers to selected problems in the back of the book. However, on closer examination, readers will see and understand how the eight-chapter work differs from classic algebra books. The detailed preface includes messages for the student, messages for the instructor, and information on the book's philosophy. ... The book would be a great resource for any algebra course. Highly recommended. — K.D. Holton, CHOICE Magazine This textbook certainly sets the hook early when authors explain in the preface that the book's philosophy is to allow students to focus on mathematical ideas, not mathematical calculations. ... As the authors point out in the introduction to this text, it contains enough material (in both depth and variety) to cover two semesters' worth of study. On the other hand, the interested instructor could easily design a syllabus covering a limited number of topics from the book to address the needs of a semester-long course. I highly recommend this text to instructors who seek to cultivate creativity and critical thinking in their college-algebra-level students"" — Hilary Fletcher, Mathematics and Computer Education

• Chapters1. Data Everywhere2. Functions Everywhere3. Linear Functions4. More about Linear Functions5. Families of Nonlinear Functions6. Polynomial Functions7. Extended Families of Functions8. Modeling Periodic PhenomenaAppendices