This two-volume set is a self-help student text designed as an alternative to the standard algebra text. Each lesson is introduced by and centered around an application of the topic under discussion. For each lesson, questions are given covering the reading, testing understanding of the reading, and for discussion. Some sections contain questions applying the reading. Chapter topics include some uses of numbers, patterns and variables, addition and subtraction, multiplication, models for division, sentence solving, linear expressions and distributivity, slopes and lines, powering, operations with powers, squares and square roots, sets and events, linear systems, quadratic equations, and functions. (MP)