As in previous editions, the focus in Prealgebra remains on the Aufmann Interactive Method (AIM). Students are encouraged to be active participants in the classroom and in their own studies. For the first time in this edition, How To examples appear before the paired Examples and You Try It problems a hallmark feature found in all other books in the Aufmann series. Presenting students with worked examples, and then providing them with the opportunity to immediately solve similar problems, helps them build their confidence and eventually master the concepts.

Simplicity is key in the organization of this edition, as in all other editions. All lessons, exercise sets, tests, and supplements are organized around a carefully constructed hierarchy of objectives. Each exercise mirrors a preceding objective, which helps to reinforce key concepts and promote skill building. This clear, objective-based approach allows students to organize their thoughts around the content, and supports instructors as they work to design syllabi, lesson plans, and other administrative documents.

New features like Focus on Success, Apply the Concept, and Concept Check add an increased emphasis on study skills and conceptual understanding to strengthen the foundation of student success. The Sixth Edition also features a new design, enhancing the Aufmann Interactive Method and making the pages easier for both students and instructors to follow. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections.

New to this Edition

• Apply the Concept boxes illustrate how an arithmetic operation is applied to a real-world situation so that students understand a context in which the operation is used.


• Concept Check exercises promote conceptual understanding. Completing these exercises will deepen a student's understanding of the concepts being addressed and provide the foundation they need to successfully complete the remaining exercises in the exercise set.


• Focus on Success appears at the start of each chapter. These are designed to help students make the most of the text and their time as they progress through the course and prepare for tests and exams.


• Check Your Progress exercises appear approximately mid-chapter and test a student's understanding of the concepts presented thus far in the chapter.


• In the News application exercises have been updated and help students master the utility of mathematics in our everyday world. They are based on information found in popular media sources, including newspapers, magazines, and the Web.


• Projects or Group Activities have been updated and moved to the end of each set of exercises. These may be assigned individually, or they can be used for classroom activities or group work.


• Chapter A, AIM for Success, has been updated and is now the first chapter in the text. Chapter A outlines study skills that are used by students who have been successful in this course. Topics include how to stay motivated, making a commitment to success, how to manage your time, and preparing for and taking tests. There is a complete guide to the textbook and how to use its features to become a successful student.