You're Smarter
Than You Think
College Algebra for STEM Majors
A complete, neurodivergent-friendly College Algebra textbook — free for every student at Santa Monica College, West Los Angeles College, and anywhere else in the world.
You're Smarter
Than You Think
Safaa Dabagh
Santa Monica College
West Los Angeles College
2026 · CC BY 4.0
Designed Differently — On Purpose
Traditional algebra textbooks assume you learn by reading definitions and memorizing procedures. This book assumes you're human. Every section starts with a story — a real-life moment that is the math concept, before we ever name it.
Story First
Every section begins with a real-world scenario. Math concepts are introduced through context, not definitions.
Consistent Rhythm
Every section follows the same 6-step structure. Your brain knows what's coming, so it can focus on the math.
Desmos Throughout
Every chapter has interactive Desmos explorations — see the math visually before calculating it.
Check Your Voice
Every section includes a metacognitive moment to notice — and talk back to — that inner critic.
Complete Answer Keys
Every practice problem has a worked solution. No hunting. No guessing.
Neurodivergent-Friendly
Designed for students who think differently — ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, first-generation learners.
What's Inside
Nine full chapters, three review chapters, a complete study guide, and a formula reference card.
Who Are You, Really?
Sets, Relations, and the Language of Math
Functions — Getting to Know Them
Notation, Arithmetic & Graphs
Lines, Curves & The Drama of Quadratics
Linear, Absolute Value & Quadratic Functions
Mastering Chapters 1–3
Integrated practice, answer keys & mastery check
The Cast Grows — Polynomials
Factoring, zeros, behavior & real-world applications
The Transformation Artists
Function Composition & Inverse Functions
The Growth Experts
Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Mastering Chapters 4–6
Advanced function toolkit review
The Team Players
Systems of Equations & Matrices
The Shape Storytellers
Conic Sections: Circles, Ellipses, Parabolas, Hyperbolas
The Pattern Masters
Sequences, Series & Mathematical Induction
Complete Review & Formula Card
All nine chapters · Exam strategies · Tear-out formula card
License & Usage
This textbook is free — and it stays free. Licensed under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0. You can download it, print it, share it with your students, and adapt it for your course — just credit the original author.
Download & Print
Print as many copies as you need for your students. No fees, no restrictions.
Share Freely
Post the PDF link, email it to colleagues, share it with other departments.
Adapt for Your Course
Remix sections, add your own examples, translate it — with attribution.
For Instructors
Interested in adopting this textbook?
If you're teaching College Algebra at a community college and would like to use this textbook, I'd love to connect. I'm also open to developing a Canvas course shell (with homework sets and quizzes) and sample exams designed for neurodivergent students — if there's interest from your department.
Ready to download?
It's free. It always will be. No sign-up, no email required.
Download Free PDF (284 pages)Safaa Dabagh · Santa Monica College · West Los Angeles College · 2026 · CC BY 4.0