Elementary Algebra is a work text that covers the traditional topics studied in a modern elementary algebra course. It is intended for students who:

1. Have no exposure to elementary algebra,
2. Have had a previously unpleasant experience with elementary algebra, or
3. Need to review algebraic concepts and techniques.

Use of this book will help the student develop the insight and intuition necessary to master algebraic techniques and manipulative skills. The text is written to promote problem-solving ability so that the student has the maximum opportunity to see that the concepts and techniques are logically based and to be comfortable enough with these concepts to know when and how to use them in subsequent sections, courses, and non-classroom situations. Intuition and understanding are some of the keys to creativity; we believe that the material presented will help make these keys available to the student.

This text can be used in standard lecture or self-paced classes. To help students meet these objectives and to make the study of algebra a pleasant and rewarding experience, Elementary Algebra is organized as follows.