The traditional high school and college mathematics sequence leading from algebra up through calculus could leave one with the impression that mathematics is all about algebraic manipulations. This book is an exploration of the wide world of mathematics, of which algebra is only one small piece. The topics were chosen because they provide glimpses into other ways of thinking mathematically, and because they have interesting applications to everyday life. Together, they highlight algorithmic, graphical, algebraic, statistical, and analytic approaches to solving problems.

Edition 2 has been heavily revised to introduce a new layout that emphasizes core concepts and definitions, and examples. Based on experience using the first edition for three years as the primarily learning materials in a fully online course, concepts that were causing students confusion were clarified, and additional examples were added. New “Try it Now” problems were introduced, which give students the opportunity to test out their understanding in a zero-stakes format.