Introductory Algebra

Introductory Algebra, 2/e

Barbara Poole, North Seattle Community College

Published December, 1993 by Prentice Hall Engineering/Science/Mathematics

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Beginning Algebra-Mathematics

Summary

The second volume of a three-book series, Introductory Algebra, Second Edition offers students a text that is easy to read and understand. The explanations are carefully written in language that is familiar to the general student population as well as those students for whom English is a second language.

Features

reorganizes Chapter 2, Real Numbers, to split combining terms and grouping symbols into two sections; exponent coverage is moved to Chapter 5 (Exponents and Polynomials).
shifts coverage of inequalities from Chapter 3, Linear Equations in One Variable, to Chapter 4, Applied Problems and Linear Inequalities in One Variable.
moves mixture problems and motion problems from Chapter 4 to Chapter 8, Graphing and Linear Systems of Equations, Sections 8.4 and 8.5, respectively.
expands Chapter 5, Exponents and Polynomials, to include scientific notation (originally located in the appendix).
Chapter 5 is split into Chapters 5 and 6.
expands Chapter 6, Factoring, to include a section on applied problems (Section 6.6).
adds an extensive appendix on geometry that contains a discussion of trapezoids, cubes, spheres, angles, triangles, congruent triangles, parallel lines, similar triangles, and reading graphs.
offers historical notes entitled Did You Know that appear throughout the text to increase student understanding and provide an appreciation of the spirit of mathematics.
includes several study hints to help students improve study skills and prepare for tests.
offers 8,429 problems (count not including examples):

each example is worked in a step-by-step fashion, often with a side- by-side explanation of each step
examples are followed by keyed margin exercises so students can practice new skills immediately; answers appear at the end of the section for immediate feedback

Pretests at the beginning of each chapter allow students to check their knowledge of the chapter.

Writing in Mathematics problems help students strengthen their verbal skills
Calculator Problems, including keystrokes, are placed in sections throughout the text to provide practice with the calculator and show its usefulness in solving more complicated problems
Challenge Problems at the end of each section motivate students
Critical Thinking Problems, labeled Think About It, appear throughout the book to increase students' thinking abilities
Checkup Problems provide a review of all prior sections and help students prepare for material that follows (e.g., Because reciprocal is used to define perpendicular lines, reciprocals are reviewed in the previous section's Checkup Problems)

End-of-chapter summaries help students prepare for tests and serve as a resource of definitions and problem-solving techniques.

Cooperative Learning Exercises, math in groups at the end of each chapter provide innovative material for students to work in groups
Cumulative Review Exercises after Chapters 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 provide additional review of previously covered topics and help students prepare for examinations; a comprehensive final exam is provided at the end of the book

(NOTE: Each chapter begins with a Pretest and concludes with a Summary, Additional Exercises, Cooperative Learning Exercises, and Practice Test. A Cumulative Review concludes Chapters 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.)