Jay Lehmann is passionate about answering the question so many math instructors hear their students ask: But what is this good for? He discovered that a curve fitting approach could enable students to see how math is used in all walks of life with current, compelling, and authentic situations. In addition to curve fitting, Lehmann's approach includes other types of meaningful modeling, directed-discovery explorations, conceptual questions, labs, and of course, a large bank of skill problems. The curve fitting applications serve as a portal for students to see the usefulness of mathematics so that they become fully engaged in the class. Once involved, they are more receptive to all aspects of the course. Jayrs"s text is organized around aCurve Fitting Approach, withauthentic applicationstomodel. Jay provides animmediate introduction to modeling and authentic applications (chapter 1: Introduction to Modeling),unlike most elementary algebra texts in which the first chapter is primarily a review chapter. The use of the"Rule of Four" (graphical, numerical, algebraic and verbal solutions)is presented to provide students with a variety of methods to arrive at solutions and help them gain a better understanding of the concepts. This also helps addresses the different learning styles of the students taking the course. Chapters 1-6 focus onlinear models. In chapters 7-9, students model authentic situations withquadratic equationsin two variables. Rational Models and Radical modelsare used in Chapters 10 and 11 respectively. TI-83/TI-84 graphing calculators are relevant tools for curve fitting. After students solve symbolic problems by hand, the technology allows student to reinforce their numerical and graphical intuition.