Book Description
Check your work-and your understanding-with this manual, which provides worked-out solutions to the odd-numbered problems in the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not the best finite book but good enough
In the last three years, I have been using "Finite Mathematics: An Applied Approach"
by Sullivan and Abe Mizrahi in my finite class. While the book is adequate, I didn't consider it exceptional. I recently examined "Finite Mathematics" by Frank Wilson and consider it the book that I will use if and when I teach finite again. Since I am always on the lookout for new and better books, I examined this one as well.
I rank it lower that the Wilson book and slightly higher than the Sullivan book. The order and depth of coverage is equivalent to the Sullivan book and there is the usual amount of exercises at the ends of the sections. Answers to most of the odd-numbered ones are included. The exposition is slightly better that that in Sullivan but not a good as in Wilson. Example/solution is the technique used and there are sections on how to solve the problems using a TI-83 and with Microsoft Excel. I don't use these technology aids in my class, the students have enough trouble learning the concepts of the math, so I don't burden them any further. However, if you do use those techniques in your class, then you will find these sections helpful.
While I will say that I could use this book in my finite class, I won't for the simple reason that I found a book that I consider superior.
... Read more

Book Description

Designed to be accessible, this book develops a thorough, functional understanding of mathematical concepts in preparation for their application in other areas. Coverage concentrates on developing concepts and ideas followed immediately by developing computational skills and problem solving.

This book features a collection of important topics from mathematics of finance, linear algebra, linear programming, probability, and statistics, with an emphasis on cross-discipline principles and practices.

For the professional who wants to acquire essential mathematical tools for application in business, economics, and the life and social sciences.

Customer Reviews (10)

Lacking in going from abstract to application
This review is for the 11th edition of the book.I am using this for a business math course and overall the book is lacking.Many of the examples presented in the chapters are simplistic and have no relation to the difficulty of the application examples.It's unfortunate that the solutions manual while containing the solutions to the examples does not go into more detail in how to solve these type of problems.While it appears the authors goal is to go from abstract to application, he misses the mark.I find myself consulting external resources for almost every chapter. Not recommended.

Finite Mathematics for Business Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences (10th Edition)
They sent me the wrong book. I ordered theFinite Mathematics for Business Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences (10th Edition)by Raymond A. Barnett and received the solution manual. I feel very disapointed with this purchase.

NOT USER FRIENDLY!
I am using this textbook for my Math for Business and Economics class and it is terrible.This book is not written taking into consideration the audience "Business Majors". Concepts are better explained in the Chapter review than under the sections they are being presented.There is only 1 example for each new concept and definitions are written using one or two definitions of new concepts within it.If this book is intended to take the student from the abstract concept to the real world it sure doesn't do this.I understood the material better in my Intermediate Algebra class than I do now.

Sound choice for a finite math textbook
This is a very sound choice as a textbook for a course in finite mathematics. The coverage is appropriate, the level suitable for the non-math major, the explanations are excellent and the authors take the title seriously.
The topics are covered in the following order:

* Elementary functions and their graphs.
* The mathematics of finance.
* Matrices and systems of linear equations.
* Linear inequalities and linear programming.
* Logic, set theory and basic counting.
* Probability and probability distributions.
* Basic game and decision theory.
* Markov chains.

There are many exercises and at the end of each section there is a set of basic exercises followed by a collection of applied problems. The set of applied problems is split into three categories: business & economics, life sciences and social sciences. Since finite mathematics is often a preparation for students to work in these fields, this format is what impressed me the most. With all of these "real world" problems to work as part of their study, no student using this book could ever legitimately say that they see no purpose to their studies. Solutions to the odd-numbered problems are included.
I came into contact with this book after my choice of textbook was irrevocable. Had I seen it earlier, it would have been the one I used.

Many exercises in economics, life and the social sciences
This is a very sound choice as a textbook for a course in finite mathematics. The coverage is appropriate, the level suitable for the non-math major, the explanations are excellent and the authors take the title seriously.
The topics are covered in the following order:

* Elementary functions and their graphs.
* The mathematics of finance.
* Matrices and systems of linear equations.
* Linear inequalities and linear programming.
* Logic, set theory and basic counting.
* Probability and probability distributions.
* Basic game and decision theory.
* Markov chains.

There are many exercises and at the end of each section there is a set of basic exercises followed by a collection of applied problems. The set of applied problems is split into three categories: business & economics, life sciences and social sciences. Since finite mathematics is often a preparation for students to work in these fields, this format is what impressed me the most. With all of these "real world" problems to work as part of their study, no student using this book could ever legitimately say that they see no purpose to their studies. Solutions to the odd-numbered problems are included.
I came into contact with this book after my choice of textbook was irrevocable. Had I seen it earlier, it would have been the one I used. ... Read more

Book Description
Key Message: Lial, Greenwell, and Ritchey continue their tradition of integrating relevant, realistic applications with current data sources to provide an application-oriented text for students majoring in business, management, economics, or the life or social sciences. The many opportunities for technology use allow for increased visualization and a better understanding of difficult concepts. In addition to MyMathLab^®, a complete online course solution, a comprehensive series of video lectures is available for this text.

Key Topics: Algebra Reference, Linear Functions (shares with CWA, Brief, and Combo), Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices, Linear Programming: The Graphical Method, Linear Programming: The Simplex Method, Mathematics of Finance, Logic, Sets and Probability, Counting Principles: Further Probability Topics, Statistics, Markov Chains, Game Theory

Market: For all readers interested in Finite Mathematics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Does NOT come with a Tutorial on CD
I purchased this book brand new and full priced because it is listed as havinga MathXL Tutorial on CD.I felt the aid of interactive instruction would be beneficial.Since having recieved this book and inquiring of Amazon, I find the book does NOT come with a CD but with an online address for a website with instruction which costs and ADDITIONAL $35.00 to access.The title is incorrect and misleading, and making this transaction with Amazon has been disappointing.I will think twice before I make another.Finite Mathematics (9th Edition) (MathXL Tutorials on CD Series)

Great condition
This book was only used for one semester.It is in great condition looks brand new.I bought it brand new and kept it in the same condition.

I recommend this book
I took an online class over the summer and used this book. Eventhough the teacher was not helpful, the book was. All the exercises were extremely helpful and the text was simple and easy to read. I would recommend this book for any who has to take this class.

It passes the test for adoption consideration
As a reviewer and educator, I encounter many textbooks that can be used in the lower level classes such as basic statistics, algebra, precalculus and finite mathematics. Since the material to be covered in these classes has been established by consensus, it is a rare occasion when there is a significant difference in coverage. In addition, there is a natural order to many of the topics, so the differences in sequence also tend to be minimal. All of this leads to a routine sameness of the books, especially when examined by someone experienced in the topic.
Therefore, when examining a book for adoption consideration, my primary concern is how easy it will be for the students to read it. This requires that you intentionally dumb yourself down, reading the explanations in detail, looking for simplistic clarity. If a book has that feature, then it is most likely a good choice. With the exception of including solutions to a large percentage of the problems, all other aspects of the book are secondary. (I consider the lack of solutions to problems in a math book to be a fatal flaw.) In general, I consider the inclusion of more problems of the same type to be trivial padding; after all, the value added by including ten more routine matrix addition problems is minimal. In finite mathematics, it is possible to include problems based on circumstances that actually occur in the real world. The cost of manufacturing some items is in fact locally linear and the allocation of resources can be described by a matrix. Therefore, the realism of the applied problems must also be a consideration when examining a finite math text.
With these conditions of acceptance established, I can say that this book passes the test. The explanations have the simplistic clarity that students need and solutions to many of the problems are included. Many problems demonstrate reasonably practical conditions where finite mathematics is used in the world, and the appropriate background for the problems is given. While no decision has yet been made concerning what book to use next year, this one has been placed on my list of the top three finalists for further consideration.
... Read more

Book Description
A “tried and true” favorite of both students and instructors alike, this text offers extremely readable coverage of the principles of finite mathematics and their applications in business, social science, and the life sciences. Topics are presented in a straightforward, interesting manner, with considerable attention given to the applications of the mathematics. The goal is for the students' mathematical maturity and appreciation for the usefulness of mathematics to grow simultaneously. Many sections contain specially designed technology exercises. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nothing to differentitate it from the other finite textbooks
I am always trolling for a new and better textbook for my finite mathematics class. In my search, I have found a repetitive sameness to the books that are available. The only constant and real differentiating factors to the books are the order of the material and the quality of the writing.Occasionally, a book will cover a topic that the others don't, but often when that is done; it is a liability rather than an asset.
This book is like all the others in topics of coverage, the number of exercises is not excessive and there is a larger project at the end of each chapter. As is typical of nearly every math book, solutions to the odd exercises are included. Some day, a rebel will include solutions to the even numbered problems just to be different. I currently use "Finite Mathematics: An Applied Approach 9th Edition" by Sullivan and Mizrahi in my class. Since I am happy with this text and there are no fundamental differences between Sullivan and Mizrahi and this one, I will not be changing what I use. However, I have no doubt that if I were to change to this one, it would introduce no significant problems.
... Read more

Book Description
Now in its Tenth Edition, this text once again lives up to its reputation as a clearly written, comprehensive finite mathematics book. In an engaging and accessible style, this book demonstrates how mathematics applies to various fields of study. The text is packed with real data and real-life applications to business, economics, social and life sciences. The new edition also features a new full color design and improved goal-oriented pedagogy to further facilitate understanding. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Written for teachers, not students
Do textbook authors ever consider how *students* will view their books?I doubt it.It seems to be a consist idea that textbooks -- including and exemplified by this one -- are written by teachers, for teachers, with little regard for students.Just read the product description to see what I mean: "goal-oriented pedagogy", "consistant pedagogical use of color", "enhances student motivation" -- these are items focused to receive acclaim by other teachers.

My question is, have these authors (or others) bothered to ask students how well the book helped them *learn*???Because, frankly, books may help teachers teach -- or, with college texts like this, they more accurately help research-oriented math professors with little to no teaching background teach -- but do they help students learn?I don't believe so.

While all of this can easily be said of many textbooks, it is blatantly so of this one.It's finite math, blah blah blah.While this book is better than the one by Goldstein et al, it's still blah blah blah for the students.

Finite math blah
This was an alright book for finite math.The book did contain real examples (a positive) along with tons of formulas that I'm not sure that I'll ever see again.The probability stuff was good from this book, butsome of the explanations were lacking clarity.Some of the topics include:Finance, linear programming of the simplex method and geometric approach, graphs, trees, counting, statistics along with relations and functions. ... Read more

Book Description
In the market leading Finite Mathematics for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences, Soo T. Tan provides an accurate, accessible presentation of finite mathematics combined with just the right balance of applications, pedagogy, and technology to help students succeed in the course. The new Eighth Edition includes highly interesting, current applications and Microsoft Excel exercises to help stimulate student motivation. An exciting new array of supplements, including Enhanced WebAssign and the Interactive Video Skillbuilder CD-ROM, provides students with extensive learning support so instructors will have more time to focus on teaching the core concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A reasonable text book
I teach Finite Mathematics at the community college level, and have no problem with this textbook. While the book is not uniquely good, I think that some of the complaints leveled against the text are a little off-base. First, the book does not assume that the student has no calculator. Many sections include an addendum showing how to perform the pertinent tasks on their calculator, and the book includes a calculator tutorial.

Further, while it is true that the textbook doesn't dedicate much energy to theorems, that is somewhat irrelevant. This is an applied mathematics text; it exists to show a student how to use concepts. It does not exist to discuss the origin of these concepts. That is beyond the scope of the text, and presumably beyond the scope of any course utilizing the book.

This is a perfectly usable textbook, but don't expect miracles. Many students will see matrices and mathematical game theory for the first time in this text. Doing Gauss-Jordan by hand is slow, tedious work. The book can't change these types of facts. As always, math is a language. The way you learn a language is by practicing and practicing until one day you find you understand the conversation.

No problem being used as a finite math text
This book is not nearly as bad as the other reviews indicate. I teach a course in finite mathematics at the college level and I examined it for possible adoption as a textbook. While it is not the best text I have seen, so I will not be using it, the quality is just below that of the book I use. Therefore, I would have no trouble using this book in my class.
The coverage in college courses in finite mathematics is standard and this book adheres to those standards. Topics are introduced via worked examples; there are exercises at the ends of the sections and review questions at the end of the chapters. The writing is clear, and the explanations are thorough. Solutions to the odd numbered exercises and all of the review exercises are included. While I hesitate to strongly recommend this book as a text, there is no delay in saying that it is one of the better options available.

Finite Mathematics=Infinite Frustrations
I would give this thing -10 stars or more if it were an option from the pull-down menu.The text is little more than a workbook; it has little explanation to go along with the problems you will get assigned as homework.I attend a large university so compounding this problem is the level of math this text is for, freshmen.Freshman classes are taught by "lecturers", or graduate students who, while very knowledgeable of their field, have little or no teaching experience so prove to not be able to effectively fill in the numerous blanks this book leaves.Also, these size of these classes tend to be in the hundreds and with the lecturer himself/herself being a student as well, can not devote the time needed to teach this subject because of the strains their own course loads put on them.Also this book claims that it "aims to provide students with the quantitative skills needed for their chosen fields and to lay the foundation for more advanced courses in mathematics."(qtd. by Amazon from Book News, Inc.) My college uses this text for Business Mathematics but having worked before attending college I can not recall some of the examples in the book as being used in my office...ever.As an example the book uses the old "bag full of different colored marbles, probability of pulling out a given color" exercise.There is also the "5 people on a row of 8 seats in a movie theater different combinations" exercise.That might have been just the example the lecturer picked but I saw no real exercises in accounting and such. The book also assumes that there is no software or calculators in existence to figure out compund interest and such other things so one has to painfully struggle through word problems with one example that is supposed to fit the dozens of different problems given in the book.So, if you are a weak math student like me, prepare to ask lots of questions and go to office hours regularly to beg for help when this book has no explanations.All in all this book leaves you scratching your head unless you already know the math concepts in the book(in which case you should not be taking a class that uses this text). Anyone who has a choice of what text to get should avoid this one.Also, if you can take a course with a different text then by all means do so.I would flush this thing if it would fit in the toilet.

Worst mathematics text I have ever encountered.
This was the required text for my Finite Mathematics class. There is absolutely no detailed information. Students have virtually no tools to apply to problem solving. Apparently there is also no student workbook to demonstrate the steps that Tan failed to illustrate in this text. Slow painful torture is preferable to the struggle one faces when trying to make progress through this textbook.

Undoubtedly the worse math textbook I have ever seen
This was the text book that was used in a course I took in Finite Math.Do not waste your time or money on this book.It does not go into any depth whatsoever, many of the thereoms shown were just pulled out of theauthors hat without any proof of any kind.I honestly, had a hard timestaying awake as I would read it, since it is so dull.It places far toomuch emphasis on phony applications and almost known on good solid theory. I only wish I could give this book a negative rating. ... Read more

Book Description
Finite Mathematics is designed for the one-term course in finite math taken primarily by students majoring in business, economics, life sciences, and the social sciences. The mathematical integrity of the previous edition has been maintained in the new edition. The core topics and their applications are presented in Parts One and Two of this text, and additional applications are developed in Part Three. Parts One and Two are independent of one another, thus either probability or linear mathematics may be studied first. The authors' emphasis is on developing and testing the student's problem-solving ability. They use discussions and examples to illustrate ideas and techniques to aid the student in acquiring these skills. Some examples and exercises are straightforward computation, while others require that the problem be solved by combining several techniques. Since it is impossible to provide examples of every type of problem the student will encounter in the text, the authors have identified and treated the fundamental principles that should be used in unfamiliar situations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good For College/Univ Student
Finite math is use as a teaching material in my applied math class. ifound it easy to understand and the examples guide you to a thoroughunderstanding. It is a steping stone before you go futher to other maths. ... Read more

Book Description
FINITE MATHEMATICS WITH CALCULUS blends elements of reform with a strong emphasis on applications, and uses technology to promote understanding of the concepts and relevance of the material.Users praise the diversity, breadth, and abundance of examples and exercises, a large number of which are based on referenced data from business, economics, life, and social sciences.The authors carefully strike a pedagogically sound balance between applications based on real data and more traditional "generic" applications.An extensive companion web site contains interactive tutorials, comprehensive chapter summaries, optional material, and a number of useful online utilities.Information is presented in a conversational and student-oriented style, with frequent use of question-and-answer dialogue format that encourages the development of mathematical curiosity and intuition. ... Read more

Product Description
Widely known for incorporating interesting, relevant, and realistic applications, this text offers many real applications citing current data sources. There are a wide variety of opportunities for use of technology, allowing for increased visualization and a better understanding of difficult concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Two good books, less than the sum of the parts
While I teach a course in finite mathematics and received this book for consideration as a textbook, I will not be adopting it. The course is finite mathematics only and the calculus portions of the books are unsuitable for the class. My personal opinion is that it is a mistake to combine finite mathematics and calculus into a single class. The two topics are so distinct that melding them in a single class is inappropriate.
The finite mathematics portion of the book takes up the first 523 pages and calculus the remaining 540 pages. The coverage in the finite mathematics section is standard fare and the chapter headings are as follows:

*) Functions
*) Mathematics of finance
*) Systems of equations and matrices
*) Linear programming
*) Statistics
*) Markov chains

The coverage in the applied calculus section is also standard and the chapter headings are as follows:

*) Derivatives and their uses
*) Further applications of derivatives
*) Exponential and logarithmic functions
*) Integration and its applications
*) Integration techniques and differential equations
*) Calculus of several variables

Two additional chapters that are available on the web are:

*) Game theory
*) Logic

I cover logic in my course in finite mathematics, so I strongly disagree with the decision to shunt it off to the web.
The explanations are within the bounds of most students, although it is clear that this is a text for more advanced students as calculus is not a part of finite mathematics. There are plenty of exercises and solutions to the odd numbered exercises are in the back of the book.
In my opinion, it is two books, suitable only for situations where there is a sequence of finite mathematics followed by applied calculus. If only one of the courses is being taught, then the other half of the book is rendered superfluous at best and an expensive hindrance at worst. The cost of textbooks is soaring and there is no reason to force students to purchase more than they really have to. ... Read more

Book Description
KEY BENEFIT: Lial, Greenwell, and Ritchey continue their tradition of integrating relevant, realistic applications with current data sources to provide an application-oriented text for students majoring in business, management, economics, or the life or social sciences. The many opportunities for technology use allow for increased visualization and a better understanding of difficult concepts. In addition to MyMathLab^®, a complete online course solution, a comprehensive series of video lectures is available for this text. KEY TOPICS: Algebra Reference, Linear Functions, Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices, Linear Programming: The Graphical Method, Linear Programming: The Simplex Method, Mathematics of Finance, Logic, Sets and Probability, Counting Principles: Further Probability Topics, Statistics, Nonlinear Functions, The Derivative, Calculating the Derivative, Graphs and the Derivative, Applications of the Derivative, Integration, Further Techniques and Applications of Integration, Multivariable Calculus, Probability and Calculus. MARKET: For all readers interested in Finite Mathematics and Applied Calculus


... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not very user friendly.
I was using this book for online course work and found it very hard to follow and that there were not enough examples to properly explain the different subjects.

Excellent!
This is a useful book for anyone involved in mathematics.This book has many practice problems as well as solutions.It also contains many problems that pertain to everyday life at home or office.This book is amust for any high school student wanting to get a head start on the collegemathematics.This book reads very well, and contains excellent drawings toenhance the comprehension of the topics discussed. ... Read more

Book Description
Capturing student interest with a wealth of relevant, real world applications, Stefan Waner and Steven Costenoble's FINITE MATHEMATICS, Fourth Edition makes the material come alive for students! Providing maximum flexibility with the use of technology, the book integrates the use of spreadsheets and graphing calculators with instructions for Microsoft® Excel® and the TI-83. This technology material is clearly delineated so instructors can use as much or as little as they would like for their course. The popular accompanying website also provides a wealth of interactive tutorials, exercises, and online support. Connecting with all types of teaching and learning styles, Waner/Costenoble supports a wide range of instructional paradigms: from traditional lecture to a hybrid course to distance learning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

really good math book
I don't know why someone said this book is full of mistakes. I really studied through the whole book and couldn't find a single mistake. I am an international student from germany and so english is my second language. This book explains problems step by step and has a lot of exercises with anser keys in the back for all odd problems as well as a review test for each single chapter. I also really like this book, since my math instructor doesn't know how to explain things, so I had to read this book in and out. It is good for self study.

Not a book to use for an On-line class
This is not a book to use for on-line classes.Does not read well and does not show step by step instructions that are easy to follow.I aced my last 2 math classes, but am having difficulty in this one.Not because of the material, but because the way the book reads.

Infinite Mistakes
What can I say...as a student I am not impressed with this book at all. It is full of mistakes. How are students supposed to correctly learn the material if their texts are full of mistakes?

I especially recommend that you steer away from buying the solutions manual. The text's solution guide does not even match the manual.

I would love to sit and list all of the mistakes, but frankly it would take me an infinite amount of time.

The book also includes free access to [a website], which inconveniently does not list the mistakes in the book. I would give the authors more credit for their book if they would put their mistakes on the website instead of forcing students to wade through murky waters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful Reference Book
When I found I needed to take a prealgebra class for nursing, I looked for the best reference book to accompany the Lial, Hestwood Prealgebra textbook. The title of another $30 book (Study Skills) caught my eye, but turned out to be a waste of money. This Solutions Manual, though, is everything I hoped it would be to help me get the most out of the class. spend your money instead on the Student's Solutions Manual by Jeffrey Cole. The Solutions Manual demonstrates how to do every problem in the textbook, not just provides the answers. This is not to shortcut homework; it is to be consulted/referred to after you have given your best effort, and to keep students on track. It is an outstanding reference book to accompany the text. ... Read more

Book Description
Now in its Tenth Edition, this text once again lives up to its reputation as a clearly written, comprehensive finite mathematics book. In an engaging and accessible style, this book demonstrates how mathematics applies to various fields of study. The text is packed with real data and real-life applications to business, economics, social and life sciences. The new edition also features a new full color design and improved goal-oriented pedagogy to further facilitate understanding. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

finite math solutions - an applied approach 9th edition
Looking at solutions and how they were solved was a tremendous help passing the class. ... Read more

Book Description
This self-teaching volume provides extremely readable coverage of the principles of finite mathematics and their applications in business, social science, and the life sciences. Topics are presented in a straight-forward, interesting manner (with topics from elementary mathematics reviewed as the need for them arises), and an abundance of worked examples with computational details, practice problems, exercises, chapter self-assessment tests, and reviews of fundamental concepts allow readers to work through the material confidently at their own pace. Contains many examples similar to those found on CPA, GMAT, and GRE Economics exams. Features optional, explicitly detailed use of graphing calculators, electronic spreadsheets, and mathematical software, wherever relevant.Linear Equations and Straight Lines. Matrices. Linear Programming, A Geometric Approach. The Simplex Method. Sets and Counting. Probability. Probability and Statistics. Markov Processes. The Theory of Games. The Mathematics of Finance. Difference Equations and Mathematical Models. Logic. Graphs.For anyone who needs to get up to speed with the applications of mathematics in business, social sciences, or life sciences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Better than the one I use, but not by enough to change
I recently evaluated this book as a possible textbook for the finite mathematics class that I teach. A great deal of space is devoted to the use of technology using a TI-83 graphing calculator and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Images of the calculator and computer screens are used to demonstrate the solutions. While I don't use either technology in my class, the presence of the technology solutions had no affect on my opinion of the book.
I would have little difficulty using the book and my students would have no difficulty reading it. The explanations are easy to follow and at a level suitable for the background we require of our students. There are a large number of exercises and the coverage is ordinary. By ordinary, I mean that the covered topics are the standard ones in a college level course in finite mathematics and the order of presentation is a natural one.
In the end, I chose to stick with the book that I have been using. As a general rule, I change books only when I find one that is significantly better and in this case I did not. This book is a good one and even slightly better than the one I am currently using. I just don't believe that the difference is enough to justify the change.

Great Choice
I was very satisfied with my results and the sender got my book sent to me extremely quick.

I'm glad I'm the teacher and not the student!!!
Wow.This book is bad.I have to use this book -- chosen by the department -- for a class I'm teaching.The fact that the book is a bad choice for this class is not the fault of the book -- I was given the text with instructions to teach chapters 1 - 4, 10, and 11, and then to use extra material for topics not covered in the book -- clearly, this text does not fit the class, and either the course should be redesigned, or a different text should be chosen.

Anyway, a first glance was enough to see how miserably this book is organized.The first chapter covers:
1.1 Coordinate Systems and Graphs
1.2 Linear Inequalities
1.3 The Intersection Point of a Pair of Lines
1.4 The Slope of a Straight Line
1.5 The Method of Least Squares

So, section 1.2 is dependent on 1.3 which is dependent on 1.4 -- isn't the order a bit backwards?And then in 1.5, you're on to a topic which is a huge leap in difficulty from learning how to plot a point on Cartesian coordinates from 1.1. Unbelievable.

This type of interdependence carries on through all of the sections of the book that I've looked at (admittedly not all).It seems that one must already know the material from further ahead in the book in order to use the book to learn the material in the given chapter.

I believe that by this Eighth Edition of the book, the authors should be removed from it -- it should be given to students using this text without already knowing it all, and let those students revise and edit the continuity of the material.

Matrix notation is introduced, virtually without explanation of either how to use it or why.Examples are given that attempt to show how to perform some operations on a TI-83 (or similar) calculator, but these efforts fail miserably.

Frankly, I'm having a hard time even figuring out what it is that this book is trying to teach -- and I already understand the material!If, however, the goal of the book is to confuse students such that they should hate and fear all math courses, then the authors have achieved their goals. ... Read more

Book Description
Capturing student interest with a wealth of relevant, real world applications, Stefan Waner and Steven Costenoble's FINITE MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED CALCULUS, 4th Edition makes the material come alive for students! Providing maximum flexibility with the use of technology, the book integrates the use of spreadsheets and graphing calculators with instructions for Microsoft® Excel® and the TI-83. This technology material is clearly delineated so instructors can use as much or as little as they would like for their course. The popular accompanying website also provides a wealth of interactive tutorials, exercises, and online support. Connecting with all types of teaching and learning styles, Waner/Costenoble supports a wide range of instructional paradigms: from traditional lecture to a hybrid course to distance learning. ... Read more