For one-semester undergraduate courses in algebra for the middle grades. Strong mathematics performance in the middle grades is more important than ever--and teachers entering the field need to prepare for this endeavor in new and innovative ways. This new approach introduces some basic concepts of number theory and modern algebra that underlie middle grade arithmetic and algebra, with a focus on collaborative learning combined with extensive in-class and out-of-class assignments. The primary goal is to help future teachers (both in-service and pre-service) gain a fundamental understanding of the key mathematical ideas that they will be teaching so that, in turn, they can help their students learn important mathematics. This text presents is designed to equip future middle grade mathematics teachers with the skills needed for teaching NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Standards-based curricula. Throughout the text, the reader will find a number of Classroom Connections, Classroom Discussions, and Classroom Problems. These instructional components are designed to deepen the connections between the college-level abstract algebra and number theory the students are studying now and the algebra they will teach. Other titles in the Prentice Hall Connections in Mathematics Courses for Teachers include: * Geometry Connections: Mathematics for Middle School Teachers * Algebra Connections: Mathematics for Middle School Teachers * Data and Probability Connections: Mathematics for Middle School Teachers * Calculus Connections: Mathematics for Middle School Teachers