Essentials of Precalculus

Richard Nation received a B.A. in mathematics from Morningside College and a M.S. degree in mathematics from the University of South Dakota. Mr. Nation also attended a National Science Foundation academic year institute in mathematics at San Diego State University. Mr. Nation taught math at Palomar College in California, where he was on the faculty for 20 years. He has over 38 years’ experience teaching mathematics at the high school and college levels. He is the co-author of several Aufmann titles. Today, Mr. Nation’s professional interests include the impact of technology on curriculum development and on the teaching of mathematics at the precalculus level. Richard Aufmann is the lead author of two best-selling DEVELOPMENTAL MATH series and a best-selling COLLEGE ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY series, as well as several derivative math texts. Mr. Aufmann taught math, computer science and physics at Palomar College in California, where he was on the faculty for 28 years. His textbooks are highly recognized and respected among college mathematics professors. Today, Mr. Aufmann's professional interests include quantitative literacy, the developmental math curriculum and the impact of technology on curriculum development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of California, Irvine and a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach.

Note: Each chapter includes a Summary, True/False Exercises, Review Exercises, and a Test. Chapters 2-6 include Cumulative Review Exercises.
1. Functions and Graphs
1.1 Equations and Inequalities
1.2 A Two-Dimensional Coordinate System and Graphs
1.3 Introduction to Functions
1.4 Linear Functions
1.5 Quadratic Functions
1.6 Properties of Graphs
1.7 The Algebra of Functions
Exploring Concepts with Technology: Graphing Piecewise Functions with a Graphing Calculator
2. Polynomial and Rational Functions
2.1 Complex Numbers
2.2 The Remainder Theorem and the Factor Theorem
2.3 Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree
2.4 Zeros of Polynomial Functions
2.5 The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
2.6 Graphs of Rational Functions and Their Applications
Exploring Concepts with Technology: Finding Zeros of a Polynomial Using Mathematica
3. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
3.1 Inverse Functions
3.2 Exponential Functions and Their Applications
3.3 Logarithmic Functions and Their Applications
3.4 Logarithms and Logarithmic Scales
3.5 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
3.6 Exponential Growth and Decay
Exploring Concepts with Technology: Using a Semilog Graph to Model Exponential Decay
4. Trigonometric Functions
4.1 Angles and Arcs
4.2 Trigonometric Functions of Real Numbers
4.3 Graphs of the Sine and Cosine Functions
4.4 Graphs of the Other Trigonometric Functions
4.5 Graphing Techniques
Exploring Concepts with Technology: Sinusoidal Families
5. Applications of Trigonometry and Trigonometric Identities
5.1 Trigonometric Functions of Angles
5.2 Verification of Trigonometric Identities
5.3 More on Trigonometric Identities
5.4 Inverse Trigonometric Functions
5.5 Trigonometric Equations
5.6 The Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines
5.7 Vectors
Exploring Concepts with Technology: Approximate an Inverse Trigonometric Function with Polynomials
6. Additional Topics in Mathematics
6.1 Conic Sections
6.2 Polar Coordinates
6.3 Parametric Equations
6.4 Sequences, Series, and Summation Notation
6.5 The Binomial Theorem
Exploring Concepts with Technology: Using a Graphing Calculator to Find the nth Roots of z
Algebra Review Appendix
Integer and Rational Number Exponents
Polynomials
Factoring