Fundamentals of Mathematics

Abstract

Fundamentals of Mathematics is a work text that covers the traditional study in a modern prealgebra course, as well as the topics of estimation, elementary analytic geometry, and introductory algebra. It is intended for students who:

have had previous courses in prealgebra

wish to meet the prerequisites of higher level courses such as elementary algebra

need to review fundamental mathematical concenpts and techniques

This text will help the student devlop the insight and intuition necessary to master arithmetic techniques and manipulative skills. It was written with the following main objectives:

to provide the student with an understandable and usable source of information

to provide the student with the maximum oppurtinity to see that arithmetic concepts and techniques are logically based

to instill in the student the understanding and intuitive skills necessary to know how and when to use particular arithmetic concepts in subsequent material cources and nonclassroom situations

to give the students the ability to correctly interpret arithmetically obtained results

We have tried to meet these objects by presenting material dynamically much the way an instructure might present the material visually in a classroom. (See the development of the concept of addition and subtraction of fractions in section 5.3 for examples) Intuition and understanding are some of the keys to creative thinking, we belive that the material presented in this text will help students realize that mathematics is a creative subject.