. First Book of Algebra, Enlarged Edition: and similar items

Excerpt from A First Book in Algebra: I. A simplification of subject matter. Among the omissions are the involved use of the parenthesis, the larger part of factoring, complex fractions, special devices in the solution of equations, the method of comparison in solving simultaneous equations, the square root of complicated expressions, all treatment of fractional, negative, and literal exponents, and most of radicals. II. Increased and systematic use of the graph. The omissions just specified make possible, among other things, an enlarged and systematized use of the graph. At the outset, the scales to be used on the axes and also partial diagrams for graphs are supplied. The other various stages by which the pupil proceeds from the simple to the more complex cases have been carefully developed. The pupil thus acquires an organized and comprehensive grasp and a power both to construct and to interpret graphs, giving a disciplinary training equal and pehaps superior to that conferred by the more technical algebraic topics omitted, and far exceeding them in vocational and cultural values.