Synopses & Reviews
Intermediate Algebra offers a practical approach to the study of intermediate algebra concepts, consistent with the needs of today's student. The authors help students to develop a solid understanding of functions by revisiting key topics related to functions throughout the text. They put special emphasis on the worked examples in each section, treating them as the primary means of instruction, since students rely so heavily on examples to complete assignments. The applications (both within the examples and exercises) are also uniquely designed so that students have an experience that is more true to life--students must read information as it appears in headline news sources and extract only the relevant information needed to solve a stated problem. The unique pedagogy in the text focuses on promoting better study habits and critical thinking skills along with orienting students to think and reason mathematically. Through Intermediate Algebra, students will not only be better prepared for future math courses, they will be better prepared to solve problems and answer questions they encounter in their own lives. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections http://gocengage.com/infotrac.
Review
"I really like [Bracken and Miller's Intermediate Algebra].... The book's composition is well-thought of and it is evident that a lot of expertise and experience has been interjected in its composition. The book delivers on what it promises in every aspect."
Review
"The exposition is very good, with nice examples"
Review
"[Bracken and Miller's Intermediate Algebra] deserves high marks for clarity, explicitness and readability."
Review
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Review
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About the Author
Ed Miller is a professor of mathematics at Lewis-Clark State College. He earned his PhD in general topology at Ohio University in 1989. He teaches a wide range of courses, including elementary and intermediate algebra. His terms as chair of the General Education Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics have spurred him to look at courses as part of an integrated whole rather than discrete units. A regular presenter at national and regional meetings, Ed is exploring the use of multiple choice questions as a teaching tool as well as an assessment tool.
Table of Contents
1. FUNDAMENTALS OF ALGEBRA. Success in College Mathematics: Personal Responsibility. Sets and Numerical Expressions. Algebraic Expressions. Equations and Inequalities in One Variable. Scientific Notation and Unit Analysis. Applications and Problem Solving. Slope and Linear Equations in Two Variables. Writing the Equation of a Line. Linear Inequalities in Two Variables. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 1. Chapter Test. 2. POLYNOMIALS AND ABSOLUTE VALUE. Success in College Mathematics: Studying for Tests. Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomial Expressions. Factoring Polynomials: Greatest Common Factor and Grouping. Factoring Trinomials: Trinomials and a Strategy for Factoring Completely. Polynomial Equations. Absolute Value Equations. Conjunctions, Disjunctions, and Absolute Value Inequalities. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 2. Chapter Test. 3. RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Problem Solving. Introduction to Relations and Functions. Linear and Constant Functions. Quadratic and Cubic Functions. Polynomial Models. Absolute Value Functions. Translation of Polynomial Functions. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 3. Chapter Test. Cumulative Review Chapters 1-3. 4. SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Finding and Learning from Mistakes. Systems of Linear Equations. Algebraic Methods. Applications. Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables. Matrix Methods. Systems of Linear Inequalities. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 4. Chapter Test. 5. RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS, EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Making Connections. Simplifying, Multiplying, and Dividing Rational Expressions. Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions. Complex Rational Expressions. Rational Equations in One Variable. Rational Functions. Variation. Division of Polynomials; Synthetic Division. Rational Inequalities. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 5. Chapter Test. 6. RADICAL EXPRESSIONS, EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Keys for Success Introduction to Radicals. Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Simplifying Radical Expressions. Dividing Radical Expressions and Conjugates. Rational Exponents. Radical Equations. Radical Functions. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 6. Chapter Test. Cumulative Review Chapters 4-6. 7. QUADRATIC EXPRESSIONS, EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Planning for the Future. Complex Numbers. Solving Quadratic Equations. Completing the Square. Quadratic Formula. Quadratic Functions. Vertex Form of a Quadratic Function. Quadratic Inequalities. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 7. Chapter Test. 8. EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC EXPRESSIONS, EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Final Exams. Operations with Functions and One-to-One Functions. Exponential Functions. Inverse Functions and Logarithmic Functions. Natural Logarithms and Logarithm Rules. Applications. Exponential Equations. Logarithmic Equations. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 8. Chapter Test. 9. CONIC SECTIONS SYSTEMS OF NON-LINEAR EQUATIONS. Success in College Mathematics: Why Study Mathematics? Distance Formula, Midpoint Formula, and Circles. Ellipses. Parabolas. Hyperbolas. Systems of Non-Linear Equations in Two Variables. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 9. Chapter Test. Cumulative Review Chapters 7-9. 10. SEQUENCES, SERIES AND THE BINOMIAL THEOREM. Success in College Mathematics: Look Back. Sequences and Series. Arithmetic Sequences. Geometric Sequences. The Binomial Theorem. Study Plan for Review of Chapter 10. Chapter Test. Cumulative Review Chapters 1-10. APPENDIX. 1: Reasonability and Problem Solving. 2: Determinants and Cramer's Rule. 3: Developing the Equations of Conic Sections.