Beginning Algebra

An award-winning instructor and best-selling author, Elayn Martin-Gay has taught mathematics at the University of New Orleans for more than 25 years. Her numerous teaching awards include the local University Alumni Association’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Outstanding Developmental Educator at University of New Orleans, presented by the Louisiana Association of Developmental Educators.   Prior to writing textbooks, Elayn developed an acclaimed series of lecture videos to support developmental mathematics students in their quest for success. These highly successful videos originally served as the foundation material for her texts. Today, the videos are specific to each book in the Martin-Gay series. Elayn also pioneered the Chapter Test Prep Video to help students as they prepare for a test–their most “teachable moment!”   Elayn’s experience has made her aware of how busy instructors are and what a difference quality support makes. For this reason, she created the Instructor-to-Instructor video series. These videos provide instructors with suggestions for presenting specific math topics and concepts in basic mathematics, prealgebra, beginning algebra, and intermediate algebra. Seasoned instructors can use them as a source for alternate approaches in the classroom. New or adjunct faculty may find the videos useful for review.   Her textbooks and acclaimed video program support Elayn's passion of helping every student to succeed.

1. Review of Real Numbers

1.1 Tips for Success in Mathematics

1.2 Symbols and Sets of Numbers

1.3 Fractions and Mixed Numbers

1.4 Exponents, Order of Operations, Variable Expressions and Equations

1.5 Adding Real Numbers

1.6 Subtracting Real Numbers

1.7 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers

1.8 Properties of Real Numbers

 

2. Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving

2.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

2.2 The Addition Property of Equality

2.3 The Multiplication Property of Equality

2.4 Solving Linear Equations

2.5 An Introduction to Problem Solving

2.6 Formulas and Problem Solving

2.7 Percent and Mixture Problem Solving

2.8 Further Problem Solving

2.9 Solving Linear Inequalities

 

3. Graphing

3.1 Reading Graphs and the Rectangular Coordinate System

3.2 Graphing Linear Equations

3.3 Intercepts

3.4 Slope and Rate of Change

3.5 Equations of Lines

3.6 Functions

 

4. Solving Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution

4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Addition

4.4 Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving

4.5 Graphing Linear Inequalities

4.6 Systems of Linear Inequalities

 

5. Exponents and Polynomials

5.1 Exponents

5.2 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

5.3 Multiplying Polynomials

5.4 Special Products

5.5 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation

5.6 Dividing Polynomials

 

6. Factoring Polynomials

6.1 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping

6.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Formx2 + bx + c

6.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax2 + bx + c and Perfect Square Trinomial

6.4 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax2 + bx + c by Grouping

6.5 Factoring Binomials

6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

6.7 Quadratic Equations and Problems Solving

 

7. Rational Expressions

7.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions

7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

7.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Common Denominators and Least Common Denominators

7.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators

7.5 Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions

7.6 Proportion and Problem Solving with Rational Equations

7.7 Variation and Problem Solving

7.8 Simplifying Complex Fractions

 

8. Roots and Radicals

8.1 Introduction to Radicals

8.2 Simplifying Radicals

8.3 Adding and Subtracting Radicals

8.4 Multiplying and Dividing Radicals

8.5 Solving Equations Containing Radicals

8.6 Radical Equations and Problem Solving

8.7 Rational Exponents

 

9. Quadratic Equations

9.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Property

9.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square

9.3 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula

9.4 Complex Solutions of Quadratic Equations

9.5 Graphing Quadratic Equations

 

Appendix A. Geometry

Appendix B. Additional Exercises on Proportion and Proportion Applications

Appendix C. Operations on Decimals

Appendix D. Mean, Median, and Mode

Appendix E. Tables