From the author of several highly successful mathematics texts comes this easy-to-understand and effective book. This "early functions" version of Kaufmann's highly successful text helps students to visualize the relationship between algebraic equations and functions and their geometric representations by introducing graphing early on. The author weaves a common thread into each chapter - learn a skill, use the skill to solve equations, and use equations to solve problems - thereby providing students with as easy-to-follow plan for tackling the problems and concepts presented.