Intended for developmental math courses in intermediate algebra, this text retains the hallmark features that have made the Aufmann texts market leaders: an interactive approach in an objective-based framework: a clear writing style, and an emphasis on problem-solving strategies. The acclaimed Aufmann Interactive Method, allows students to try a skill as it is introduced with matched-pair examples, offering students immediate feedback, reinforcing the concept, identifying problem areas, and, overall, promoting student success.

Richard Aufmann is Professor of Mathematics at Palomar College in California. He is the lead author of two best-selling developmental math series, a best-selling college algebra and trigonometry series, as well as several derivative math texts. The Aufmann name is highly recognized and respected among college mathematics faculty.Vernon Barker has retired from Palomar College where he was Professor of Mathematics. He is a co-author on the majority of Aufmann texts, including the best-selling developmental paperback series.Joanne Lockwood is co-author with Dick Aufmann and Vernon Barker on the hardback developmental series, Business Mathematics, Algebra with Trigonometry for College Students, and numerous software ancillaries that accompany Aufmann titles. She is also the co-author of Mathematical Excursions with Aufmann.

Note: Each chapter includes a Prep Test, Focus on Problem Solving, Projects and Group Activities, a Chapter Summary, Chapter Review Exercises, and a Chapter Test. 1. Review of Real Numbers 1.1 Introduction to Real Numbers 1.2 Operations on Rational Numbers 1.3 Variable Expressions 1.4 Verbal Expressions and Variable Expressions 2. First-Degree Equations and Inequalities 2.1 Equations in One Variable 2.2 Coin, Stamp, and Integer Problems 2.3 Value Mixture and Motion Problems 2.4 Applications: Problems Involving Percent 2.5 Inequalities in One Variable 2.6 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities 3. Linear Functions and Inequalities in Two Variables 3.1 The Rectangular Coordinate System 3.2 Introduction to Functions 3.3 Linear Functions 3.4 Slope of a Straight Line 3.5 Finding Equations of Lines 3.6 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines 3.7 Inequalities in Two Variables 4. Systems of Equations and Inequalities 4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing and by the Substitution Method 4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Addition Method 4.3 Solving Systems of Equations by Using Determinants and by Using Matrices 4.4 Application Problems 4.5 Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities 5. Polynomials and Exponents 5.1 Exponential Expressions 5.2 Introduction to Polynomials 5.3 Multiplication of Polynomials 5.4 Division of Polynomials 5.5 Factoring Polynomials 5.6 Special Factoring 5.7 Solving Equations by Factoring 6. Rational Expressions 6.1 Introduction to Rational Functions 6.2 Operations on Rational Expressions 6.3 Complex Fractions 6.4 Rational Equations 6.5 Proportions and Variation 6.6 Literal Equations 7. Rational Exponents and Radicals 7.1 Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions 7.2 Operations on Radical Expressions 7.3 Radical Functions 7.4 Solving Equations Containing Radical Expressions 7.5 Complex Numbers 8. Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 8.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring or by Taking Square Roots 8.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square and by Using the Quadratic Formula 8.3 Equations That Are Reducible to Quadratic Equations 8.4 Applications of Quadratic Equations 8.5 Nonlinear Inequalities 8.6 Properties of Quadratic Functions 8.7 Applications of Quadratic Functions 9. Functions and Relations 9.1 Translations of Graphs 9.2 Algebra of Functions 9.3 One-to-One and Inverse Functions 10. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 10.1 Exponential Functions 10.2 Introduction to Logarithms 10.3 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions 10.4 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations 10.5 Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 11. Sequences and Series 11.1 Introduction to Sequences and Series 11.2 Arithmetic Sequences and Series 11.3 Geometric Sequences and Series 11.4 Binomial Expansions 12. Conic Sections 12.1 The Parabola 12.2 The Circle 12.3 The Ellipse and the Hyperbola 12.4 Solving Nonlinear Systems of Equations 12.5 Quadratic Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities Final Exam Appendix Solutions to Chapter Problems Answers to Selected Exercises Glossary Index