The Carsonalgebra series addresses two fundamental issues-individual learning styles and student comprehension of key mathematical concepts-to meet the needs of today's students and instructors. Carson's Study System, presented in the To the Student section at the front of the text, adapts to the way each student learns to ensure their success in this and future courses. The consistent emphasis on the big picture of algebra, with pedagogy and support that helps students put each new concept into proper context, encourages conceptual understanding.