This best-selling text is written for the non-science, non-mathematics major. The book's flexible organization and self-contained chapters enable instructors to tailor the text to their preferred syllabus. It focuses on essential concepts and skills while imparting an appreciation for the many practical and fascinating applications of mathematics to everyday life. The ninth edition continues to adhere to NCTM and AMATYC standards with an emphasis on cooperative learning through collaborative investigations, the inclusion of real data and the optional use of graphing technology.