It is essential to lay a solid foundation in mathematics if a student is to be competitive in today’s global market. The importance of algebra, in particular, cannot be overstated as it is the basis of all mathematical modeling used in applications found in all disciplines.

Traditionally, the study of algebra is separated into a two parts, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. This textbook by John Redden, Elementary Algebra, is the first part written in a clear and concise manner, making no assumption of prior algebra experience. It carefully guides students from the basics to the more advanced techniques required to be successful in the next course.

John Redden's Elementary Algebra takes the best of the traditional, practice-driven algebra texts and combines it with modern amenities to influence learning, like online/inline video solutions, as well as, other media driven features that only a free online text can deliver. Using the online text in conjunction with a printed version of the text could promote greater understanding (at a lower cost than most algebra texts).

From the traditional standpoint, John employs an early and often approach to real world applications, laying the foundation for students to translate problems described in words into mathematical equations. It also clearly lays out the steps required to build the skills needed to solve these equations and interpret the results. With robust and diverse exercise sets, students have the opportunity to solve plenty of practice problems. Elementary Algebra has applications incorporated into each and every exercise set. To do this John makes use of the classic “translating English sentences into mathematical statements” subsections in chapter 1 and as the text introduces new key terms.

A more modernized element; embedded video examples, are present, but the importance of practice with pencil and paper is consistently stressed. This text respects the traditional approaches to algebra pedagogy while enhancing it with the technology available today.

In addition, textual notation is introduced as a means to communicate solutions electronically throughout the text. While it is important to obtain the skills to solve problems correctly, it is just as important to communicate those solutions with others effectively in the modern era of instant communications.

While algebra is one of the most diversely applied subjects, students often find it to be one of the more difficult hurdles in their education. With this in mind, John wrote Elementary Algebra from the ground up in an open and modular format, allowing the instructor to modify it and leverage their individual expertise as a means to maximize the student experience and success.