To the Students

Mathematics evolved over the past few thousand years in many stages

All the early stages were centered around the use of mathematics to

answer questions about real life. This is very much like the way we

wrote Algebra 1. We centered the concepts around the real-life use of

mathematics.

As mathematics development matured, people began to collect and

categorize the different rules, formulas, and properties that had been

discovered. This took place independently in many different parts of

the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

The mathematics that we use today is a combination of the work of

literally thousands of people.

As you study our algebra book, be sure you understand the value and

purpose of the concepts you re learning. Knowing why you are learning

a concept helps you master it--and understand its relevance to your

own life. That s why we begin each lesson explaining what you should

learn and why you should learn it.

Remember, math is not a

can use in everyday life!

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spectator sport--it s a valuable tool you