Preface to the Preface The times they are a changin'. - Bob Dylan Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. The first edition of Using Algebra (note 1) is now out of print. But the rationale for writing the book is as strong as it was a decade ago: "The teaching of mathematics is `shifting from preoccupation with inculcating routine skills to developing broad-based mathematical power. "Mathematical power requires that students be able to discern relations, reason logically, and use a broad spectrum of mathematical methods to solve a wide variety of non-routine problems. The repertoire of skills which now undergird mathematical power includes not only some tradition paper-and-pencil skills, but also many broader and more powerful capabilities. Today's student must be able to: * Perform mental calculations and estimates with proficiency; * Decide when an exact answer is needed and when an estimate is more * appropriate; * Know which mathematical operations are appropriate in particular contexts; * Use a calculator correctly, confidently and appropriately; * Use tables, graphs, spreadsheets and statistical techniques to * organize, interpret and present numerical information; * Judge the validity of quantitative results presented by others; Use * computer software, for mathematical tasks; Formulate specific * questions from vague problems; Select effective problem-solving strategies." (note 2) This book addresses most of these points in some way. So I'm pleased that Wyndham Hall is reprinting it. Some small corrections have been made to the original, but I haven't tried ring it all up to date. Calculators are cheaper now. (Is the projection in em 7 on page 122 correct?) The problems here on inflation deal in the e digits appropriate when I wrote the first draft. There's nothing on global warming, or the AIDS epidemic. I leave it to you to build problems in the style of mine on these and other new topics. AR you need do is read the newspaper day. In this new format, it will be easier to keep up to date. If you send me problems you construct I'll include some in future Wyndham Hall editions. Ethan Bolker December, 1989 note 1 - Managed by three publishers: first Winthrop, absorbed by Little, Brown, then Scott Foresman. note 2 - Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of mathematics Education, Board on Mathematical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences Education Board, National Research Council. National Academy Press. Washington D.C., 1989. pages 82-83