Elementary and Intermediate Algebra A Practical Approach

by Craine, Timothy; McGowan, Jeffrey; Ruben, Thomas

• ISBN13: 9780618103379
• ISBN10: 0618103376
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-08-19
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: A Practical Approach provides concise, manageable treatment of the mathematics required for the combined algebra course. While emphasizing problem solving and the real-world applications of algebra, the text provides solid coverage of core mathematical concepts and essential symbol manipulation skills. Furthermore, the text encourages students to use graphing technology while still requiring them to master pencil-and-paper techniques for certain tasks. Authors Craine, McGowan, and Ruben combine their experience and expertise as a math educator and author, a math researcher, and an authority on math anxiety to deliver a balanced, targeted text that enables instructors to cover all the material for the combined course in one text. Pedagogically, the instructional material is concise, clear, and presentedin a style that encourages students to read all the material and complete all the exercises.Chapter openers, chapter-end explorations tied to the openers, definitions,key concepts, examples, notes, cautions, chapter summaries, and exercisesets appear in each chapter. Additional problems are available for student practice on the accompanying web site. Readable and direct, the text\'s student-friendly style uses a minimum ofmathematical jargon. Mathematical vocabulary is introduced at point-of-use, as it is needed to understand an underlying concept. Real-world applications are used to introduce each chapter and throughout the text to help students see the math in context and understand its relevance in everyday life. Examples focus on a particular concept and include complete worked-out solutions. Examples presented with multiple solution methodsalgebraic, graphical, and/or numericalhelp students with different learning styles understand solutions from various aspects. Eduspace is Houghton Mifflin\'s online learning tool. Powered by Blackboard, Eduspace is a customizable, powerful and interactive platform that provides instructors with text-specific online courses and content in multiple disciplines. The Craine/McGowan/Rubens Elementary and Intermediate Algebra course includes algorithmic exercises, test bank content in question pools, interactive tutorials and video explanations.

Table of Contents

Note: Each chapter concludes with Key Concepts, Exploration, Review Exercises, and a Chapter Test

Geometry and Numbers

Positive and Negative Numbers

Rates and Ratios

Exponents and Radicals

Perimeter and Area

Algebraic Expressions

Grouping and the Order of Operations

Expressions and Formulas

The Coordinate Plane

Representing Functions

Linear Equations

Solving Simple Equations

Simplifying Expressions to Solve Equations

The Problem-Solving Process

Arithmetic Sequences

Systems of Linear Equations

Slope and Rate of Change

Forms for Linear Equations

Graphical Solution of Systems of Equations

Algebraic Solution of Systems of Equations

Relationships Between Lines

More Applications of Linear Equations

Proportions

Percent and Percent Change

Mixtures and Investments

Systems of Three Equations

Exponents and Factoring

The Laws of Exponents

Products and Factors

Factoring by Grouping

Factoring Quadratic Trinomials

Factoring the Sum and Difference of Two Cubes

Quadratic Equations and Graphs

Solving Quadratic Equations

Parabolas

Algebraic Techniques for Solving Quadratic Equations

Applications That Lead to Quadratic Equations

Complex Numbers

Functions

What Is a Function

Graphs of Functions

Important Functions

Modifying Basic Functions

Powers and Roots

Rational Exponents and Radicals

Power Functions and Their Graphs

Direct Variation

Regression

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Exponential Growth

Exponential Decay

Logarithms

Logarithmic Scales

The Number e and the Natural Logarithm

Rational Expressions and Functions

Rational Expressions

Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Solving Rational Equations

Indirect Variation

Division of Polynomials

Inequalities

Inequalities and the Number Line

Solving Nonlinear Inequalities by Graphing

Inequalities in Two Variables; Systems

Transition to Intermediate Algebra

Friendly Windows for Graphing Calculators

Answers to Exercises

Index

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