<p>By presenting problem solving in purposeful and meaningful contexts, <i>Mathematical Excursions,</i> 2/e, provides students in the Liberal Arts course with a glimpse into the nature of mathematics and how it is used to understand our world. Highlights of the book include the proven Aufmann Interactive Method and multi-part Excursion exercises that emphasize collaborative learning. An extensive technology program provides instructors and students with a comprehensive set of support tools.</p><ul><li><i>New!</i> Content new to this edition includes a subsection on <i>Reading and Interpreting Graphs,</i> a section on <i>Right Triangle Trigonometry,</i> and a section on <i>Stocks, Bonds, and Annuities.</i><li><i>New!</i> Online algebra review appendix helps students review prerequisite algebra concepts.<li>An <i>Excursion</i> activity and corresponding <i>Excursion Exercises</i> conclude each section, providing concept reinforcement and opportunities for in-class cooperative work, hands-on learning, and development of critical-thinking skills.<li>Aufmann Interactive Method ensures that students try concepts and manipulate real-life data as they progress through the material. Every objective contains at least one set of matched-pair examples, the first of which is a completely worked-out example with an annotated solution. The second problem, called <i>Check Your Progress,</i> is for the student to try. Each problem includes a reference to a <i>fully worked-out solution</i> in the back of the text.<li>A section on Problem Solving Strategies in Chapter 1 introduces students to the inductive and deductive reasoning strategies they will use throughout the text.<li><i>Question/Answer</i> feature encourages students to pause and think about the current discussion and to answer the question. For immediate reinforcement, the Answer is provided in a footnote on the same page.<li>Carefully developed exercise sets emphasize skill building, skill maintenance, concepts, and applications. Icons are used to identify various types of exercises, including writing, data analysis, graphing calculator, and web exercises.<li>Extension exercises at the end of each exercise set include Critical Thinking, Cooperative Learning, and Explorations, which may require Internet or library research.<li><i>Math Matters</i> feature throughout the text helps to motivate students by demonstrating how and why math is applicable to contemporary, real-life situations.<li>Variety of supporting margin notes includes <i>Take Note,</i> alerting students to a concept requiring special attention; <i>Point of Interest,</i> offering motivating contextual information; <i>Historical Notes,</i> providing background information or vignettes of individuals responsible for major advancements in their field; and <i>Calculator Notes,</i> providing point-of-use tips.<li>Chapter-ending resources include a <i>Chapter Summary</i> with <i>Key Words</i> and <i>Essential Concepts; Chapter Review Exercises</i> (answers available in a special section), and a <i>Chapter Test.</i></ul>