Synopses & Reviews
Algebra for College Students is a mathematically sound treatment of topics intended for students who have successfully completed a first-year algebra course. College algebra level topics are integrated at appropriate places with those covered in Aufmann's Intermediate Algebra with Applications, 7/e (c2008). This content includes Graphs of Polynomial Functions, Zeros of Polynomial Functions, Graphs of Rational Functions, and Introduction of Probability and Introduction to Statistics. The hallmarks of the Aufmann developmental texts that have made them market leaders are an interactive approach in an objective-based framework, a clear writing style, and an emphasis on problem solving strategies, offering guided learning for both lecture and self-paced courses.
About the Author
Richard Aufmann is the lead author of two bestselling developmental math series and a bestselling college algebra and trigonometry series, as well as several derivative math texts. He received a BA in mathematics from the University of California, Irvine, and an MA in mathematics from California State University, Long Beach. Mr. Aufmann taught math, computer science, and physics at Palomar College in California, where he was on the faculty for 28 years. His textbooks are highly recognized and respected among college mathematics professors. Today, Mr. Aufmann's professional interests include quantitative literacy, the developmental math curriculum, and the impact of technology on curriculum development. Joanne Lockwood received a BA in English Literature from St. Lawrence University and both an MBA and a BA in mathematics from Plymouth State University. Ms. Lockwood taught at Plymouth State University and Nashua Community College in New Hampshire, and has over 20 years' experience teaching mathematics at the high school and college level. Ms. Lockwood has co-authored two bestselling developmental math series, as well as numerous derivative math texts and ancillaries. Ms. Lockwood's primary interest today is helping developmental math students overcome their challenges in learning math.
Table of Contents
Note: Each chapter concludes with a Summary, Review Exercises, and a Test. Chapters 2-12 include Cumulative Review Exercises. 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Polya's Four-Step Process Projects and Group Activities: Water Displacement 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Understand the Problem Projects and Group Activities: Venn Diagrams 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Find a Pattern Projects and Group Activities: Introduction to Graphing Calculators 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Solve an Easier Problem Projects and Group Activities: Using a Graphing Calculator to Solve a System of Equations 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Find a Counterexample Projects and Group Activities: Astronomical Distances and Scientific Notation 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Implication Projects and Group Activities: Continued Fractions 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Another Look at Polya's Four-Step Process Projects and Group Activities: Solving Radical Equations with a Graphing Calculator 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Projects and Group Activities: Using a Graphing Calculator to Solve a Quadratic Equation 9. Functions and Relations 9.1 Properties of Quadratic Functions 9.2 Zeros of Polynomial Functions 9.3 Properties of the Graphs of Polynomial Functions 9.4 Rational Functions 9.5 Translations of Graphs 9.6 Algebra of Functions 9.7 One-to-One and Inverse Functions Focus on Problem Solving: Proof in Mathematics Projects and Group Activities: Applications of the Composition of 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Proof by Contradiction Projects and Group Activities: Credit Reports and FICO Scores 11. Sequences, Series, Probability, and Statistics 11.1 Introduction to Sequences and Series 11.2 Arithmetic Sequences and Series 11.3 Geometric Sequences and Series 11.4 Binomial Expansions 11.5 Counting Methods 11.6 Introduction to Probability 11.7 Introduction to Statistics Focus on Problem Solving: Forming Negations Projects and Group Activities: ISBN and UPC Numbers 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 Focus on Problem Solving: Use a Variety of Problem-Solving Strategies Projects and Group Activities: The Eccentricity and Foci of an Ellipse Final Exam Appendix Photo Credits Solutions to Chapter Problems Answers to Selected Exercises Glossary Index