Synopses & Reviews
Miller/O'Neill Beginning Algebra is an insightful text written by instructors who have first-hand experience with students of developmental mathematics. The authors have placed an emphasis on graphing, by including special sections called, "Connections to Graphing" at the end of Chapters 1-5, before the formal presentation of Graphing appears in Chapter 6. The "Connections to Graphing" sections may be considered optional for those instructors who do not prefer an early introduction to graphing. For those who do prefer graphing early, instructors can use the "Connections to Graphing" sections together where they prefer to introduce graphing.A section on geometry appears in "Chapter R" for instructors who look for such content in Beginning Algebra. Applications that incorporate geometric concepts may also be found throughout the text.Chapter R also contains a section on study skills. This section provides easy to digest tips (in list format) for course success.The authors have crafted the exercise sets with the idea of infusing review. In each set of practice exercises, instructors will find a set of exercises that help students to review concepts previously learned, and in this way, students will retain more of what they have learned.The exercise sets also contain "translation" exercises which provide students with an opportunity to convert from English phrases to mathematical symbols and from mathematical symbols to English phrases, thus helping students to strengthen their command of mathematical language.Moreover, the applications found in the exercise sets are based on real-world data, which helps to promote students' interest in mathematics, and in turn, may serve to motivate and engage them more effectively.Other features include mid-chapter reviews and classroom activities. The classroom activities are of special value, in that through their use, students may begin to take greater ownership over their learning. The classroom activities were designed to be quick activities students could perform in class (either individually, or collaboratively in groups).In short, the Miller/O'Neill Beginning Algebra text offers enriching applications, a high level of readability, and excellent opportunities for students to become actively engaged in their exploration of mathematics.
About the Author
Julie Miller has been on the faculty of the Mathematics Department at Daytona Beach Community College for 16 years, where she has taught developmental and upper-level courses. Prior to her work at DBCC, she worked as a Software Engineer for General Electric in the area of Flight and Radar simulation. Julie earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Florida. In addition to this textbook, she has authored several course supplements for College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Precalculus, as well as several short works of fiction and nonfiction for young readers.Molly O'Neill is also from Daytona Beach Community College, where she has taught for 18 years in the Mathematics Department. She has taught a variety of courses from Developmental Mathamatics to Calculus. Before she came to Florida, Molly taught as an adjunct instructor at teh University of Michigan-Dearborn, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, and Oakland Community College. Molly earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts and Teaching from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Besides this textbook, she has authored several course supplements for College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Precalculus and has reviewed texts for Developmental Mathematics.
Table of Contents
Reference: Fractions, Decimals, Percents, Geometry, and Study SkillsR.1 FractionsR.2 Decimals and PercentsR.3 Introduction to GeometryR.4 Study Skills1 Set of Real Numbers1.1 Sets of Numbers and the Real Number Line1.2 Order of Operations1.3 Addition of Real Numbers1.4 Subtraction of Real NumbersMidchapter Review1.5 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers1.6 Properties of Real Numbers and Simplifying Expressions1.7 Connections to Graphing: Rectangular Coordinate System2 Linear Equations and Inequalities2.1 Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Properties of Equality2.2 Solving Linear Equations 2.3 Applications of Linear Equations: Introduction to Problem Solving2.4 Linear Equations: Clearing Fractions and DecimalsMidchapter Review2.5 Applications of Geometry2.6 More Applications of Linear Equations 2.7 Linear Inequalities2.8 Connections to Graphing: Linear Equations in Two Variables3 Polynomials and Properties of Exponents3.1 Exponents: Multiplying and Dividing Common Bases3.2 More Properties of Exponents3.3 Definitions of b0 and bn3.4 Scientific NotationMidchapter Review3.5 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials3.6 Multiplication of Polynomials3.7 Division of Polynomials3.8 Connections to Graphing: Introduction to Nonlinear Graphs4 Factoring Polynomials4.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping4.2 Factoring Trinomials: Grouping Method4.3 Factoring Trinomials: Trial-and-Error Method4.4 Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials and the Difference of SquaresMidchapter Review: "Factoring Strategy"4.5 Factoring the Sum and Difference of Cubes and General Factoring Summary4.6 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Zero Product Rule 4.7 Connections to Graphing: x- and y-Intercepts5 Rational Expressions5.1 Introduction to Rational Expressions5.2 Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions5.3 Least Common Denominator5.4 Addition and Subtraction of Rational ExpressionsMidchapter Review5.5 Complex Fractions5.6 Rational Equations5.7 Applications of Rational Equations and Proportions6 Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables6.1 Linear Equations in Two Variables6.2 Slope of a Line6.3 Slope-Intercept Form of a LineMidchapter Review6.4 Point-Slope Formula6.5 Connections to Graphing: Applications of Linear Equations 7 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables7.1 Introduction to Systems of Linear Equations7.2 Substitution Method7.3 Addition MethodMidchapter Review7.4 Applications of Linear Equations in Two Variables7.5 Connections to Graphing: Linear Inequalities in Two Variables8 Radicals8.1 Introduction to Roots and Radicals8.2 Properties of Radicals8.3 Addition and Subtraction of Radicals8.4 Multiplication of RadicalsMidchapter Review8.5 Rationalization 8.6 Radical Equations8.7 Rational Exponents9 Functions, Complex Numbers, and Quadratic Equations9.1 Introductions to Functions and Function Notation9.2 Complex Numbers9.3 Completing the SquareMidchapter Review9.4 Quadratic Formula9.5 Connections to Graphing: Quadratic Functions