Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting to First Base with the Basics 5
Chapter 1: Beginning at the Beginning of Algebra 7
Chapter 2: Taking on Linear Equations and Inequalities 35
Chapter 3: Handling Quadratic and Other Polynomial Equations 59
Chapter 4: Controlling Quadratic and Rational Inequalities 89
Chapter 5: Soothing the Rational, the Radical, and the Negative 109
Chapter 6: Giving Graphing a Gander 139
Part 2: Figuring on Functions 171
Chapter 7: Formulating Functions 173
Chapter 8: Specializing in Quadratic Functions 201
Chapter 9: Plugging In Polynomials 229
Chapter 10: Acting Rationally with Functions 271
Chapter 11: Exploring Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 303
Chapter 12: Transforming and Critiquing Functions 343
Part 3: Using Conics and Systems of Equations 365
Chapter 13: Slicing the Way You Like It: Conic Sections 367
Chapter 14: Solving Systems of Linear Equations 405
Chapter 15: Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations 435
Chapter 16: Solving Systems of Inequalities 455
Part 4: Making Lists and Checking for Imaginary Numbers 473
Chapter 17: Getting More Complex with Imaginary Numbers 475
Chapter 18: Making Moves with Matrices 493
Chapter 19: Seeking Out Sequences and Series 521
Chapter 20: Everything You Wanted to Know about Sets and Counting 545
Part 5: Applying Known Formulas 575
Chapter 21: Manipulating Formulas 577
Chapter 22: Taking on Applications 597
Index 613