This Algebra and Trigonometry textbook is known for enabling students to “see the math” through its

– focus on visualization,
– early introduction to functions,
– integration of technology, and
– connections between mathematical concepts and the real world.

With the new edition, we continue to innovate by incorporating more ongoing review to help students develop understanding and study effectively. We have new Mid-Chapter Mixed Review exercise sets to give students an extra opportunity to master concepts and new Study Guides that provide built-in tools to help prepare for tests.

MyMathLab® has been expanded so that the online content is even more integrated with the text’s approach, with the addition of Vocabulary Reinforcement, Synthesis, and Mid- Chapter Mixed Review exercises from the text as well as example-based videos. Our overarching goal is to provide students with a learning experience that will not only lead to success in this course but also prepare them to be successful in the mathematics courses they take in the future.

– Content Changes to the Fourth Edition

• The material on solving formulas for a specified letter has been moved from Chapter 1 in the Fourth Edition to Chapter R in the Fifth Edition so that it can be reviewed before it is used to solve a linear equation for one of the variables in Chapter 1.
• Symmetry and transformations are now presented in two sections rather than one. a Emphasis on Functions

Functions are the core of this course and should be presented as a thread that runs throughout the course rather than as an  isolated topic. We introduce functions in Chapter 1, whereas many traditional college algebra textbooks cover equation-solving in Chapter 1. Our approach of introducing students to a relatively new concept at the beginning of the course, rather than requiring them to begin with a review of material that was previously covered in intermediate algebra, immediately engages them and serves to help them avoid the temptation not to study early in the course because “I already know this.”

The concept of a function can be challenging for students. By repeatedly exposing them to the language, notation, and use of functions, demonstrating visually how functions relate to equations and graphs, and also showing how functions can be used to model real data, we hope to ensure that students not only become comfortable with functions but also come to understand and appreciate them. You will see this emphasis on functions woven throughout the other themes that follow.

Classify the Function Exercises With a focus on conceptual understanding, students are asked periodically to identify a number of functions by their type (linear, quadratic, rational, and so on). As students progress through the text, the variety of functions with which they are familiar increases and these exercises become more challenging. The “classifying the function” exercises appear with the review exercises in the Skill Maintenance portion of an exercise set. (See pp. 344 and 442.)