Elayn Martin-Gay s success as a developmental math author starts with a strong focus on mastering the basics through well-written explanations， innovative pedagogy and a meaningful， integrated program of learning resources. The revisions to this edition provide new pedagogy and resources to build reader confidence and help readers develop basic skills and understand concepts. New and revised topic coverage includes linear graphing， slope， equations of lines， and introduction to functions; direct and inverse variation; factoring trinomials by grouping; slope as a rate of change; and interval notation. In addition， Martin-Gay s 4-step problem solving process-Understand， Translate， Solve and Interpret-is integrated throughout. Also includes new features such as Study Skills Reminders， "Integrated Reviews"， and "Concept Checks." For readers interested in learning or revisiting essential skills in beginning algebra through the use of lively and up-to-date applications.