This book is not intended for budding mathematicians. It was created for a math program in which most of the students in upper-level math classes are planning to become secondary school teachers. For such students, conventional abstract algebra texts are practically incomprehensible, both in style and in content. Faced with this situation, we decided to create a book that our students could actually read for themselves. In this way we have been able to dedicate class time to problem-solving and personal interaction rather than rehashing the same material in lecture format.

Drawing on rich classroom observations of educators teaching in China and the U.S., this book details an innovative and effective approach to teaching algebra at the elementary level, namely, "teaching through example-based problem solving" (TEPS). Recognizing young children’s particular cognitive and developmental capabilities, this book powerfully argues for the importance of infusing algebraic thinking into early grade mathematics teaching and illustrates how this has been achieved by teachers in U.S. and Chinese contexts. Documenting best practice and students’ responses to example-based instruction, the text demonstrates that this TEPS approach – which involves the use of worked examples, representations, and deep questions – helps students learn and master fundamental mathematical ideas, making it highly effective in developing algebraic readiness and mathematical understanding. This text will benefit post-graduate students, researchers, and academics in the fields of mathematics, STEM, and elementary education, as well as algebra research more broadly. Those interested in teacher education, classroom practice, and developmental and cognitive psychology will also find this volume of interest.

This short but rigorous book approaches the main ideas of linear algebra through carefully selected examples and relevant applications. It is intended for students with various interests in mathematics, as well as established scientists seeking to refresh their basic mathematical culture.The book is also a good introduction to functional analysis and quantum theory since it discusses the general principles of linear algebra without finiteness assumptions.

American national trade bibliography.

Presents a systematic approach to one of math's most intimidating concepts. Avoiding the pitfalls common in the standard textbooks, this title begins with familiar topics such as rings, numbers, and groups before introducing more difficult concepts.