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 Skills
Group Activity: Becoming a Successful Student
R.2Sets of Numbers and Interval Notation
R.3Operations on Real Numbers
R.4Simplifying Expressions
1Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
1.1Linear Equations in One Variable
PRE: Equations versus Expressions
1.2Application of Linear Equations in One Variable
1.3Applications to Geometry and Literal Equations
1.4Linear Inequalities in One Variable
1.5Compound Inequalities
1.6Absolute Value Equations
1.7Absolute Value Inequalities
PRE: Identifying Equations and InequalitiesGroup Activity: Understanding the Symbolism of Mathematics
2Linear Equations in Two Variables
2.1Linear Equations in Two Variables
2.2Slope of a Line and Rate of Change
2.3Equations of a Line
PRE: Characteristics of Linear Equations
2.4Application of Linear Equations and Modeling
Group Activity: Using Linear Equations to Construct Images
3Relations and Functions
3.1Relations and Applications
3.2Introduction to Functions
3.3Graphs of Basic Functions
PRE: Characteristics of Relations
3.4Algebra of Functions, Composition, and ApplicationsGroup Activity: Deciphering a Coded Message
4Systems of Linear Equations
4.1Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Graphing Method
4.2Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Using the Substitution Method
4.3Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Using the Addition Method
PRE: Solving Systems of Linear Equations
4.4Applications of Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.5Linear Inequalities and Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
4.6Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables and Applications
4.7Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Using Matrices
Group Activity: Creating a Quadratic Model of the Form y = at^2 +bt + c
5Polynomials
5.1Properties of Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.2Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
5.3Multiplication of Polynomials
5.4Division of Polynomaisl
PRE: Operations on Polynomials
5.5Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
5.6Factoring Trinomials and Perfect Square Trinomials
5.7Factoring Binomials Including Sum and Difference of Cubes
PRE: Factoring Summary
5.8Solving Equations and Applications by FactoringGroup Activity: Investigating Pascal's Triangle
6Rational Expressions and Rational Equations
6.1Rational Expressions and Rational Functions
6.2Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions
6.3Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions
6.4Complex Fractions
PRE: Operations on Rational Expressions
6.5Solving Rational Equations
PRE: Rational Equations versus Expressions
6.6Applications of Rational Equations and Proportions
6.7Variation
Group Activity: Computing the Future Value of an Investment
7Radicals and Complex Numbers
7.1Definition of an nth-Root
7.2Rational Exponents
7.3Simplifying Radical Expressions
7.4Addition and Subtraction of Radicals
7.5Multiplication of Radicals
PRE: Simplifying Radical Expressions
7.6Division of Radicals and Rationalisation
7.7Radical Equations and Applications
7.8Complex Numbers
Group Activity: Margin of Error of Survey Results
8Quadratic Equations, Functions, and Inequalities
8.1Square Root Property and Completing the Square
8.2Quadratic Formula and Applications
8.3Equations in Quadratic Form
PRE: Equations in Quadratic Form
8.4Graphs of Quadratic Functions
8.5Vertex of a Parabola: Applications and Modeling
8.6Polynomials and Rational Inequalities
PRE: Recognizing Equations and Inequalities
Group Activity: Creating a Quadratic Model of the Form y = a(x - h)^2 + k
9Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
9.1Inverse Functions
9.2Exponential Functions
9.3Logarithmic Functions
PRE: Identifying Graphs of Functions
9.4Properties of Logarithms
9.5The Irrational Number e
PRE: Logarithmic and Exponential Forms
9.6Exponential Equations and Applications
9.7Logarithmic Equations and Applications
Group Activity: Creating a Population Model
10Conic Sections
10.1Distance Formula, Midpoint, and Circles
10.2More of the Parabola
10.3The Ellipse and Hyperbola
PRE: Formulas for Conic Sections
10.4Nonlinear Systems of Equations in Two Variables
10.5Nonlinear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities
Group Activity: Investigating the Graphs of Conic Sections on a Calculator
Additional Topics Appendix
A.1Binomial Expansions
A.2Determinants and Cramer's Rule
A.3Sequences and Series
A.4Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series