Since the First Edition of Smith's text was published, thousands of liberal arts students have "experienced" mathematics rather than just "doing problems" with the help of this book. Smith's student-friendly writing style gives readers the confidence and ability to function mathematically in our technological world. Smith emphasizes problem solving and estimation, and new problems are coupled with numerous in-text study aids, encouraging students to become involved with the concepts. The Ninth Edition goes a step beyond to help students master mathematics rather than just get the right answer.