MATHEMATICAL TEXTS FOR SCHOOLS

Edited by PERCEY F. SMITH, PH.D.

Professor of Mathematics in the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University

First Course in Algebra

Second Course in Algebra

Complete School Algebra

By H. E. HAWKES, PH.D., W. A. LUBY, A.B., and F. C. TOUTON, PH.B.

Plane Geometry

By WILLIAM BETZ, M.A., and H. E. WEBB, A.B.

Advanced Algebra

By H. E. HAWKES, PH.D.

Plane and Spherical Trigonometry and Four-Place
Tables of Logarithms

Plane and Spherical Trigonometry

Plane Trigonometry and Four-Place Tables of
Logarithms

Four-Place Tables of Logarithms

By W. A. GRANVILLE, PH.D.

FIRST COURSE IN ALGEBRA

BY

HERBERT E. HAWKES, PH.D.

PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

AND

WILLIAM A. LUBY, A.B.

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

AND

FRANK C. TOUTON, PH.B.

PRINCIPAL OF CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI

PREFACE

This book, intended for beginners in algebra, contains ample material for the introductory course in that subject. In its preparation a serious effort has been made to utilize the valuable suggestions in which the widespread discussion of the teaching of algebra for the last ten years has been fruitful. The aim throughout has been to build up a textbook thoroughly modern, scientifically exact, teachable, and suited to the needs and to the ability of the boy and the girl of fourteen.

The choice of topics and their treatment have been determined by the fact that many students now enter geometry and physics after one year's work in algebra. In the arrangement of topics it has seemed wise to adhere closely to the traditional order. The material itself has been selected with the intention of affording the student ample drill in the elementary technic of algebra and a commensurate development of his reasoning power.

Constant reference has been made to arithmetic in explaining the various algebraic processes. Each process has been exemplified in one or more typical solutions, and wherever practicable these solutions have been accompanied by a suitable method of checking.

The material intended to develop purely technical skill has been graded carefully, no extremely difficult exercises being included. Especial care has been used in the selection of the exercises in equations, the object being to have as great a variety as possible and yet to give only equations whose roots can be verified with a reasonable amount of labor. Usually the verification is far more brief and less difficult than the solution.