Synopses & Reviews
Grasp the principles and concepts you need to score high in pre-calculusGetting ready for calculus but feel confused? Have no fear! This un-intimidating guide walks you through all the essential topics, from absolute value and quadratic equations to logarithms and exponential functions to trig identities and matrix operations. You'll understand the concepts — not just the number crunching — and see how to perform all the tasks you need to score high at exam time.
Pre-calculus 101 — get a review of the Algebra II you need to know, real numbers, and how to graph, solve, and perform operations with functions
What's your angle? — take a tour of the essentials of trigonometry, from angles, right triangles, and trig ratios to graphing the parent graph of the six basic trig functions
Keep it simple — discover how to simplify trig expressions and solve for an unknown variable using formulas and identities (and solve triangles that aren't right triangles using Law of Sines and Law of Cosines)
Not just plane thinking — delve into analytic geometry and system solving with the understanding of complex numbers, polar-coordinate graphing, conics, systems of equations, sequences, and more
Open the book and find:
An overview of pre-calculus
Tips on graphing trig functions like a pro
How to apply the major theorems and formulas
The lowdown on analytic geometry
Guidance on identifying limits and continuity
The 4-1-1 on working with a graphing calculator
The laws for solving oblique triangles
Everything you need to prepare for calculus
Learn to:
Grasp essential pre-calculus topics
Apply the major theorems and formulas
Tackle proofs with confidence and ease
Synopsis
Pre-Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition caters to the needs of the increasing number of students taking pre-calculus courses in high school by providing the fundamental information in an unintimidating way. The book is vital for students and covers topics such as absolute valuce, quadratic equations, exponential functions, and trigonometry identities. In addition, Pre-Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition includes updates such as fresh example equations, explanations and practical examples that mirror today's teaching methods, and relevant cultural vernacular and references.
Synopsis
The fun and easy way to learn pre-calculusGetting ready for calculus but still feel a bit confused? Have no fear. Pre-Calculus For Dummies is an un-intimidating, hands-on guide that walks you through all the essential topics, from absolute value and quadratic equations to logarithms and exponential functions to trig identities and matrix operations.
With this guide's help you'll quickly and painlessly get a handle on all of the concepts — not just the number crunching — and understand how to perform all pre-calc tasks, from graphing to tackling proofs. You'll also get a new appreciation for how these concepts are used in the real world, and find out that getting a decent grade in pre-calc isn't as impossible as you thought.
- Updated with fresh example equations and detailed explanations
- Tracks to a typical pre-calculus class
- Serves as an excellent supplement to classroom learning
If "the fun and easy way to learn pre-calc" seems like a contradiction, get ready for a wealth of surprises in Pre-Calculus For Dummies!
About the Author
Yang Kuang, PhD, is a professor of mathematics at Arizona State University. He currently serves on the calculus committee where he and other members discuss what and how to teach calculus to students majoring in math and physical sciences. Elleyne Kase is a professional writer.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1Part I: Set It Up, Solve It, Graph It 7
Chapter 1: Pre-Pre-Calculus 9
Chapter 2: Playing with Real Numbers 21
Chapter 3: The Building Blocks of Pre-Calc: Functions 33
Chapter 4: Digging Out and Using Roots to Graph Polynomial Functions 67
Chapter 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 97
Part II: The Essentials of Trigonometry 117
Chapter 6: Circling in on Angles 119
Chapter 7: Simplifying the Graphing and Transformation of Trig Functions 149
Chapter 8: Identifying with Trig Identities: The Basics 181
Chapter 9: Advanced Identities: Your Keys to Pre-Calc Success 201
Chapter 10: Taking Charge of Oblique Triangles with the Laws of Sines and Cosines 223
Part III: Analytic Geometry and System Solving 243
Chapter 11: Plane Thinking: Complex Numbers and Polar Coordinates 245
Chapter 12: Slicing Cones or Measuring the Path of a Comet — with Confidence 261
Chapter 13: Streamlining Systems, Managing Variables 291
Chapter 14: Sequences, Series, and Expanding Binomials for the Real World 325
Chapter 15: Scouting the Road Ahead to Calculus 349
Part IV: The Part of Tens 363
Chapter 16: Ten Habits to Develop as You Prepare for Calculus 365
Chapter 17: Ten Habits to Quit Before Calculus 373
Index 379