Book excerpt: Functions Modeling Change, 6th edition prepares students for Calculus by stressing conceptual understanding and the connections among mathematical ideas. The authors emphasize depth of understanding rather than breadth of coverage. Each function is presented symbolically, numerically, graphically and verbally (the Rule of Four.) Students are encouraged to create mathematical models that relate to the world around them and are exposed to a large number of real-world applications, examples, and problems.