Explorations in College Algebra, 4th Edition

by Linda Almgren Kime (Univ. of Massachusetts, Boston); Judy Clark (University of Massachusetts-Boston ); Beverly K. Michael (University of Pittsburgh )

• ISBN13: 9780471916888
• ISBN10: 0471916889
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

This fourth edition shifts the focus away from mechanical rules, computation, and basic skills to emphasize concepts and modeling. It is written in a way that gets readers to explore how algebra is used in the world around them. The authors include the most varied and compelling set of applications available in the market. Readers will also find a problem-solving approach that motivates them to learn the material.

Table of Contents

Making Sense of Data and Functions.

Describing Single Variable Data

Describing Relationships Between Two Variables

An Introduction to Functions

Visualizing Functions

Rates of Change and Linear Functions.

Average Rates of Change

Change in the Average Rate of Change

The Average Rate of Change is a Slope

Putting a Slant on Data

Linear Functions: When Rates of Change are Constant

Visualizing Linear Functions

Finding Graphs and Equations of Linear Functions

Special Cases

Constructing Linear Models for Data

An Extended Exploration: Looking for Links Between Education and Earnings.

When Lines Meet: Linear Systems.

Systems of Linear Equations

Finding Solutions to Systems of Linear Equations

Linear Inequalities: Reading Between the Lines

Systems with Piecewise Linear Functions: Tax Plans

The Laws of Exponents and Logarithms: Measuring the Universe.

The Numbers of Science: Measuring Time and Space

Positive Integer Exponents

Negative Integer Exponents

Converting Units

Fractional Exponents

Orders of Magnitude

Logarithms Base 10

Growth and Decay: An Introduction to Exponential Functions.

Exponential Growth

Linear vs. Exponential Functions

Exponential Decay

Visualizing Exponential Functions

Exponential Functions: A Constant Percent Change

Examples of Exponential Growth and Decay

Semi-log Plots of Exponential Functions

Logarithmic Links: Logarithmic and Exponential Functions.

Using Logarithms to Solve Exponential Equations

Base e and Continuous Compounding

The Natural Logarithm

Logarithmic Functions

Transforming Exponential Functions to Base e

Using Semi-log Plots to Construct Exponential Models for Data

Power Functions.

The Tension Between Surface Are and Volume

Direction Proportionality: Power Functions with Positive Powers

Visualizing Positive Integer Powers

Comparing Power and Exponential Functions

Inverse Proportionality: Power Functions with Negative Integer Powers

Visualizing Negative Integer Power Functions

Using Logarithmic Scales to Find the Best Functional Models

Quadratics, Polynomials, and Beyond.

An Introduction to Quadratic Functions

Finding the Vertex: Transformations of y =x 2

Finding the Horizontal Intercepts

The Average Rates of Change of a Quadratic function

An Introduction to Polynomial Functions

New Functions from Old

An Extended Exploration: The Mathematics of Motion

Tables for Exploration 2.1.

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.