Here you are, contemplating reading a book on Algebra II. It isn’t a mystery novel, although you can find people who think mathematics in
general is a mystery. It isn’t a historical account, even though you find some
historical tidbits scattered here and there. Science fiction it isn’t; mathematics is a science, but you find more fact than fiction. As Joe Friday (star of the
old Dragnet series) says, “The facts, ma’am, just the facts.” This book isn’t
light reading, although I attempt to interject humor whenever possible. What
you find in this book is a glimpse into the way I teach: uncovering mysteries,
working in historical perspectives, providing information, and introducing
the topic of Algebra II with good-natured humor. This book has the best of all
literary types! Over the years, I’ve tried many approaches to teaching algebra, and I hope that with this book I’m helping you cope with other teaching
methods.