By connecting applications, modeling, and visualization, Gary Rockswold motivates students to learn mathematics in the context of their experiences. In order to both learn and retain the material, students must see a connection between the concepts and their real-lives. In this new edition, connections are taken to a new level with "See the Concept" features, where students make important connections through detailed visualizations that deepen understanding.

Rockswold is also known for presenting the concept of a function as a unifying theme, with an emphasis on the rule of four (verbal, graphical, numerical, and symbolic representations). A flexible approach allows instructors to strike their own balance of skills, rule of four, applications, modeling, and technology.