Foundation Maths

Foundation Maths has been written for students taking higher or further education courses, who have not specialised in mathematics on post-16 qualifications and need to use mathematical tools in their courses. It is ideally suited for those studying marketing, business studies, management, science, engineering, computer science, social science, geography, combined studies and design. It will be useful for those who lack confidence and need careful, steady guidance in mathematical methods. Even for those whose mathematical expertise is already established, the book will be a helpful revision and reference guide. The style of the book also makes it suitable for self-study or distance learning.

Foundation Maths has been written for students taking higher and further education courses who have not specialised in mathematics on post-16 qualifications and need to use mathematical tools in their courses.  It is ideally suited to those studying marketing, business studies, management, science, engineering, social science, geography, combined studies and design.  It will be useful for those who lack confidence and who need careful, steady guidance in mathematical methods.  For those whose mathematical expertise is already established, the book will be a helpful revision and reference guide.  The style of the book also makes it suitable for self-study and distance learning.

Features of the book

·        Mathematical processes are described in everyday language – mathematical ideas are usually developed by example rather than formal proof, thereby encouraging students’ learning.

·        Key points highlight important results that need to be referred to easily or remembered.

·        Worked examples are included throughout the book to reinforce learning.

·        Self-assessment questions are provided at the end of most sections to test understanding of important parts of the section.  Answers are given at the back of the book.

·        Exercises provide a key opportunity to develop competence and understanding through practice.  Answers are given at the back of the book.

·        Test and assignment exercises (with answers provided in a separate Lecturers’ Manual on the website) allow lecturers and tutors to set regular assignments or tests throughout the course.

New to this edition

·        Six new chapters:  Chapter 4 Sets, Chapter 8 Number Bases, Chapter 9 Elementary Logic, Chapter 31 Integration by Parts, Chapter 36 Correlation and Chapter 37 Regression.

·        Extra end-of-chapter questions for students (with answers) on the website at www.pearsoned.co.uk/croft

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·        PowerPoint slides for lecturers on the website featuring Key Points from the book with their related Worked Examples.

Anthony Croft has taught mathematics in further and higher education institutions for twenty four years.  He is currently Director of the Mathematics Education Centre at Loughborough university, which has been designated a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.  He teaches mathematics and engineering undergraduates, and has championed mathematics support for students who find the transition from school to university difficult and for students with learning difficulties.  He has authored many very successful mathematics textbooks including several for engineering students.

Robert Davison has twenty five years experience teaching mathematics in both further and higher education.  He is currently Head of Quality in the Faculty of Computing Sciences and Engineering at De Montfort University, where he also teaches mathematics.  He has authored many very successful mathematics textbooks including several for engineering students.