The exposition proceeds from the particular to the general, often providing examples well before a theory that incorporates them. The presentation includes blocks of problems that introduce additional topics and applications to science and engineering to guide further study. Many examples and hundreds of problems are included, along with a separate 90-page section giving hints or complete solutions for most of the problems.

Basic Algebra presents the subject matter in a forward-looking way that takes into account its historical development. It is suitable as a text in a two-semester advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate sequence in algebra, possibly supplemented by some material from Advanced Algebra at the graduate level. It requires of the reader only familiarity with matrix algebra, an understanding of the geometry and reduction of linear equations, and an acquaintance with proofs.