Intermediate Algebra (softcover)

Julie Miller is from Daytona State College, where she has taught developmental and upper-level mathematics courses for 20 years. Prior to her work at Daytona State College, 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. My father is a medical researcher, and I got hooked on math and science when I was young and would visit his laboratory. I can remember using graph paper to plot data points for his experiments and doing simple calculations. He would then tell me what the peaks and features in the graph meant in the context of his experiment. I think that applications and hands-on experience made math come alive for me and I’d like to see math come alive for my students. Molly ONeill is from Daytona State College, where she has taught for 22 years in the School of Mathematics. She has taught a variety of courses from developmental mathematics to calculus. Before she came to Florida, Molly taught as an adjunct instructor at the 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. I differ from many of my colleagues in that math was not always easy for me. But in seventh grade I had a teacher who taught me that if I follow the rules of mathematics, even I could solve math problems. Once I understood this, I enjoyed math to the point of choosing it for my career. I now have the greatest job because I get to do math every day and I have the opportunity to influence my students just as I was influenced. Authoring these texts has given me another avenue to reach even more students. Nancy Hyde served as a full-time faculty member of the Mathematics Department at Broward College for 24 years. During this time she taught the full spectrum of courses from developmental math through differential equations. She received a bachelor of science degree in math education from Florida State University and a master’s degree in math education from Florida Atlantic University. She has conducted workshops and seminars for both students and teachers on the use of technology in the classroom. In addition to this textbook, she has authored a graphing calculator supplement for College Algebra. I grew up in Brevard County, Florida, where my father worked at Cape Canaveral. I was always excited by mathematics and physics in relation to the space program. As I studied higher levels of mathematics I became more intrigued by its abstract nature and infinite possibilities. It is enjoyable and rewarding to convey this perspective to students while helping them to understand mathematics.

• Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition RReview of Basic Algebraic Concepts R.1Study SkillsGroup Activity: Becoming a Successful StudentR.2Sets of Numbers and Interval NotationR.3Operations on Real NumbersR.4Simplifying Expressions1Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable 1.1Linear Equations in One VariablePRE: Equations versus Expressions1.2Application of Linear Equations in One Variable1.3Applications to Geometry and Literal Equations1.4Linear Inequalities in One Variable1.5Compound Inequalities1.6Absolute Value Equations1.7Absolute Value InequalitiesPRE: Identifying Equations and InequalitiesGroup Activity: Understanding the Symbolism of Mathematics2Linear Equations in Two Variables 2.1Linear Equations in Two Variables2.2Slope of a Line and Rate of Change2.3Equations of a LinePRE: Characteristics of Linear Equations2.4Application of Linear Equations and ModelingGroup Activity: Using Linear Equations to Construct Images3Relations and Functions 3.1Relations and Applications3.2Introduction to Functions3.3Graphs of Basic FunctionsPRE: Characteristics of Relations3.4Algebra of Functions, Composition, and ApplicationsGroup Activity: Deciphering a Coded Message4Systems of Linear Equations 4.1Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Graphing Method4.2Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Using the Substitution Method4.3Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Using the Addition MethodPRE: Solving Systems of Linear Equations4.4Applications of Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables4.5Linear Inequalities and Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables4.6Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables and Applications4.7Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Using MatricesGroup Activity: Creating a Quadratic Model of the Form y = at^2 +bt + c5Polynomials 5.1Properties of Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation5.2Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials and Polynomial Functions5.3Multiplication of Polynomials5.4Division of PolynomaislPRE: Operations on Polynomials5.5Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping5.6Factoring Trinomials and Perfect Square Trinomials5.7Factoring Binomials Including Sum and Difference of CubesPRE: Factoring Summary5.8Solving Equations and Applications by FactoringGroup Activity: Investigating Pascal&#39s Triangle6Rational Expressions and Rational Equations 6.1Rational Expressions and Rational Functions6.2Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions6.3Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions6.4Complex FractionsPRE: Operations on Rational Expressions6.5Solving Rational EquationsPRE: Rational Equations versus Expressions6.6Applications of Rational Equations and Proportions6.7VariationGroup Activity: Computing the Future Value of an Investment7Radicals and Complex Numbers 7.1Definition of an nth-Root7.2Rational Exponents7.3Simplifying Radical Expressions7.4Addition and Subtraction of Radicals7.5Multiplication of RadicalsPRE: Simplifying Radical Expressions7.6Division of Radicals and Rationalisation7.7Radical Equations and Applications7.8Complex NumbersGroup Activity: Margin of Error of Survey Results8Quadratic Equations, Functions, and Inequalities 8.1Square Root Property and Completing the Square8.2Quadratic Formula and Applications8.3Equations in Quadratic FormPRE: Equations in Quadratic Form8.4Graphs of Quadratic Functions8.5Vertex of a Parabola: Applications and Modeling8.6Polynomials and Rational InequalitiesPRE: Recognizing Equations and InequalitiesGroup Activity: Creating a Quadratic Model of the Form y = a(x - h)^2 + k9Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 9.1Inverse Functions9.2Exponential Functions9.3Logarithmic FunctionsPRE: Identifying Graphs of Functions9.4Properties of Logarithms9.5The Irrational Number ePRE: Logarithmic and Exponential Forms9.6Exponential Equations and Applications9.7Logarithmic Equations and ApplicationsGroup Activity: Creating a Population Model10Conic Sections 10.1Distance Formula, Midpoint, and Circles10.2More of the Parabola10.3The Ellipse and HyperbolaPRE: Formulas for Conic Sections10.4Nonlinear Systems of Equations in Two Variables10.5Nonlinear Inequalities and Systems of InequalitiesGroup Activity: Investigating the Graphs of Conic Sections on a CalculatorAdditional Topics Appendix A.1Binomial ExpansionsA.2Determinants and Cramer&#39s RuleA.3Sequences and SeriesA.4Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series