This book is designed to be a combination of a textbook and a notebook. If the instructor chooses to follow the outline of the book, there is space provided in the book for the student to take notes. Students are encouraged to highlight and annotate the book as needed. By using the textbook in this way, the students have their textbook and notes all in one convenient package. The book is bound like a spiral notebook for ease of use in the classroom. Because it is much lighter than most college math books, it is easier to carry around. For instructors who wish to follow the outline in the book, there is much less preparation required to teach the course.

The purpose of Developmental Algebra is skills development. The material in this book is intended to establish a strong foundation of algebra skills that can be built upon, with lessons designed to prepare the student for success in a college-level mathematics course.