Three components contribute to a theme sustained throughout the Coburn Series: that of laying a firm foundation, building a solid framework, and providing strong connections. Not only does Coburn present a sound problem-solving process to teach students to recognize a problem, organize a procedure, and formulate a solution, the text encourages students to see beyond procedures in an effort to gain a greater understanding of the big ideas behind mathematical concepts. Written in a readable, yet mathematically mature manner appropriate for college algebra level students, Coburn's College Algebra Essentials uses narrative, extensive examples, and a range of exercises to connect seemingly disparate mathematical topics into a cohesive whole. Coburn's hallmark applications are born out of the author's extensive experiences in and outside the classroom, and appeal to the vast diversity of students and teaching methods in this course area. Benefiting from the feedback of hundreds of instructors and students across the country, College Algebra Essentials second edition, continues to emphasize connections in order to improve the level of student engagement in mathematics and increase their chances of success in college algebra.