This book, intended for a graphing required college algebra and trigonometry or precalculus course, offers an innovative approach by demonstrating the importance of mathematics to students and presenting the material in an accessible manner. The text consistently integrates mathematical concepts with real applications in order to enhance student intuition and understanding. Symbolic (algebraic), graphical, numerical, and verbal skills are continually reinforced throughout.

When introducing mathematical ideas, the text moves from the concrete to the abstract, rather than the reverse. It is the authors' philosophy that learning is increased when students can relate a concept to something in their lives. Hence, mathematical concepts are often introduced through applications that help make the mathematics "real" to students. Students see the importance of a topic from a practical and intuitive point of view, with models and applications playing a central part in the learning process.