<p>As a professor at an urban public university for over 30 years, I am aware of the varied needs of college algebra students who range from having little mathe- matical background and a fear of mathematics courses to those who have had a strong mathematical education and are highly motivated. For some of your students, this will be their last course in mathematics, while others may decide to further their mathematical education. I have written this text for both groups. As the author of precalculus, engineering calculus, finite math and business cal- culus texts, and, as a teacher, I understand what students must know if they are to be focused and successful in upper level mathematics courses. However, as a father of four college graduates, I also understand the realities of college life. I have taken great pains to insure that the text contains solid, student-friendly examples and problems, as well as a clear, seamless, writing style. I encourage you to share with me your experiences teaching from this text.</p>