About our authors Marvin Bittinger has been teaching math at the university level for more than 38 years. Since 1968 he has been employed at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and is now professor emeritus of mathematics education. Professor Bittinger has authored over 190 publications on topics ranging from basic mathematics to algebra and trigonometry to applied calculus. He received his BA in mathematics from Manchester College and his PhD in mathematics education from Purdue University. Special honors include Distinguished Visiting Professor at the United States Air Force Academy and his election to the Manchester College Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1999. His hobbies include hiking in Utah baseball golf and bowling. Professor Bittinger has also had the privilege of speaking at many mathematics conventions most recently giving a lecture entitled Baseball and Mathematics. He also has an interest in philosophy and theology particularly apologetics. Professor Bittinger currently lives in Carmel Indiana with his wife Elaine. He has 2 grown and married sons Lowell and Chris and 4 granddaughters. Judy Beecher has an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Indiana University and a graduate degree in mathematics from Purdue University. She has taught at both the high school and college levels with many years of developmental math and precalculus teaching experience at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). In addition to her career in textbook publishing she enjoys traveling spending time with her grandchildren and promoting charity projects for a children's camp. Barbara Johnson has a BS in mathematics from Bob Jones University and a MS in mathematics from Clemson University and is a PhD candidate in Educational Studies at Ball State University. She has taught high school and college math for 30 years and she enjoys the challenge of helping each student grow in appreciation for and understanding of mathematics. As a Purdue Master Gardener she also enjoys helping others learn gardening skills. Believing that the best teacher is always learning she is also a student of karate. . Language: English