Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, 2nd Edition

by Eric Connally (Harvard Univ. Extension); Deborah Hughes-Hallett (Univ. of Arizona); Andrew M. Gleason (Harvard Univ.); Philip Cheifetz (Nassau Community College); Daniel E. Flath (Macalester College ); Patti Frazer Lock (St. Lawrence Univ.); Karen Rh

• ISBN13: 9780471456537
• ISBN10: 0471456535
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

This is a new edition of the precalculus text developed by the Consortium based at Harvard University and funded by a National Science Foundation Grant. The text is thought-provoking for well-prepared students while still accessible to students with weaker backgrounds. It provides numerical and graphical approaches as well as algebraic approaches to give students another way of mastering the material. This approach encourages students to persist, thereby lowering failure rates. A large number of real-world examples and problems enable students to create mathematical models that will help them understand the world in which they live. The focus is on those topics that are essential to the study of calculus and these topics are treated in depth. Linear, exponential, power, and periodic functions are introduced before polynomial and rational functions to take advantage of their use to model physical phenomena. Building on the Consortium's Rule of Four: Each function is represented symbolically, numerically, graphically, and verbally where appropriate.

Table of Contents

Functions, Lines, and Change.

Functions, Quadratics, and Concavity.

Exponential Functions.

Logarithmic Functions.

Transformations of Functions and Their Graphs.

Trigonometric Functions.

Trigonometry.

Compositions, Inverses, and Combinations of Functions.

Polynomial and Rational Functions.

Vectors and Matrices.

Sequences and Series.

Parametric Equations and Conic Sections.

Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems.

Index.