The fundamental goal in Tussy and Gustafson's INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA, Third Edition is to teach students to read, write, and think about mathematics through building a conceptual foundation in the language of mathematics. The book blends instructional approaches that include vocabulary, practice, and well-defined pedagogy, along with an emphasis on reasoning, modeling, communication, and technology skills to develop students' fluency in the "language of algebra". Tussy and Gustafson understand the challenges of teaching developmental students and this book reflects a holistic approach to teaching mathematics that includes developing study skills, problem solving and critical thinking alongside mathematical concepts. New features in this edition include a pretest for students to gauge their understanding of prerequisite concepts, problems that make correlations between student life and the mathematical concepts and study skills information designed to give students the best chance to succeed in the course. Additionally, the texts widely acclaimed Study Sets at the end of every section are tailored to improve students' ability to read, write and communicate mathematical ideas. - from Amzon