Linear algebra is relatively easy for students during the early stages of the course, when the material is presented in a familiar, concrete setting. But when abstract concepts are introduced, students often hit a brick wall. Instructors seem to agree that certain concepts (such as linear independence, spanning, subspace, vector space, and linear transformations), are not easily understood, and require time to assimilate. Since they are fundamental to the study of linear algebra, students' understanding of these concepts is vital to their mastery of the subject. Lay introduces these concepts early in a familiar, concrete Rn setting, develops them gradually, and returns to them again and again throughout the text so that when discussed in the abstract, these concepts are more accessible.

Elayn Martin-Gay believes every student can succeed and that is the motivating force behind her best-selling texts and acclaimed video program.  With Martin-Gay you get 100% consistency in voice from text to video!

Prealgebra 5e is appropriate for a 1-sem course in Prealgebra, and was written to help students effectively make the transition from arithmetic to algebra.  To reach this goal, Martin-Gay introduces algebraic concepts early and repeats them as she treats traditional arithmetic topics, thus laying the groundwork for the next algebra course your students will take.

KEY MESSAGE: Elayn Martin-Gay's developmental math textbooks and video resources are motivated by her firm belief that every student can succeed. Martin-Gay's focus on the student shapes her clear, accessible writing, inspires her constant pedagogical innovations, and contributes to the popularity and effectiveness of her video resources. This revision of Martin-Gay's algebra series continues her focus on students and what they need to be successful. Martin-Gay also strives to provide the highest level of instructor and adjunct support.

KEY TOPICS: Review of Real Numbers; Equations and Problem Solving; Graphing; Systems of Linear Equations; Exponents and Polynomials; Factoring Polynomials; Rational Expressions; More on Functions and Graphs; Inequalities and Absolute Value; Radicals, Rational Exponents, and Complex Numbers; Quadratic Equations and Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Conic Sections; Sequences, Series, and the Binomial Theorem

MARKET: for all readers interested in algebra.

The Eighth Edition of this highly dependable book retains its best features–accuracy, precision, depth, and abundant exercise sets–while substantially updating its content and pedagogy. Striving to teach mathematics as a way of life, Sullivan provides understandable, realistic applications that are consistent with the abilities of most readers. Chapter topics include Graphs; Polynomial and Rational Functions; Conics; Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Counting and Probability; and more. For individuals with an interest in learning algebra as it applies to their everyday lives.

The Eighth Edition of this highly dependable book retains its best features–accuracy, precision, depth, and abundant exercise sets–while substantially updating its content and pedagogy. Striving to teach mathematics as a way of life, Sullivan provides understandable, realistic applications that are consistent with the abilities of most readers. Chapter topics include Graphs; Trigonometric Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Analytic Geometry; Analytic Trigonometry; Counting and Probability; and more. For individuals with an interest in learning algebra and trigonometry as it applies to their everyday lives.

Over the years, the text has been shaped and adapted to meet the changing needs of both students and educators. As always, special care was taken to respond to the specific suggestions of users and reviewers through enhanced discussions, new and updated examples and exercises, helpful features, and an extensive package of supplements and study aids. The result is an easy-to-use, comprehensive text that is the best edition yet.

Bob Blitzer’s unique background in mathematics and behavioral sciences, along with his commitment to teaching, inspired him to develop a precalculus series that gets readers engaged and keeps them engaged. Presenting the full scope of the mathematics is just the first step. Blitzer draws in the reader with vivid applications that use math to solve real-life problems. These applications help answer the question “When will I ever use this?” Readers stay engaged because the book helps them remain focused as they study. The three-step learning system–See It, Hear It, Try It–makes examples easy to follow, while frequent annotations offer the support and guidance of an instructor’s voice. Every page is interesting and relevant, ensuring that readers will actually use their textbook to achieve success!

Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra; Equations and Inequalities; Functions and Graphs; Polynomial and Rational Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Matrices and Determinants; Conic Sections; Sequences, Induction, and Probability