Includes index.

Prerequisites. Modeling the real world with algebra -- The real numbers -- Integer exponents and scientific notation -- Rational exponents and radicals -- Algebraic expressions -- Factoring -- Rational expressions -- Solving basic equations -- [1.] Equations and graphs. The coordinate plane -- Graphs of equations in two variables -- Lines -- Solving equations graphically -- Modeling with equations -- Solving quadratic equations -- Solving other types of equations -- Solving inequalities -- Solving absolute value equations and inequalities -- [2.] Functions. Functions -- Graphs of functions -- Getting information from the graph of a function -- Average rate of change of a function -- Transformations of functions -- Combining functions -- One-to-one functions and their inverses -- [3.] Polynomial and rational functions. Quadratic functions and models -- Polynomial functions and their graphs -- Dividing polynomials -- Real zeros of polynomials -- Complex numbers -- Complex zeros and the fundamental theorem of algebra -- Rational functions -- Modeling variation -- [4.] Exponential and logarithmic functions. Exponential functions -- The natural exponential function -- Logarithmic functions -- Laws of logarithms -- Exponential and logarithmic equations -- Modeling with exponential and logarithmic functions -- [5.] Systems of equations and inequalities. Systems of linear equations in two variables -- Systems of linear equations in several variables -- Partial fractions -- Systems of nonlinear equations -- Systems of inequalities -- [6.] Matrices and determinants. Matrices and systems of linear equations -- The algebra of matrices -- Inverses of matrices and matrix equations -- Determinants and Cramer's rule -- [7.] Conic sections. Parabolas -- Ellipses -- Hyperbolas -- Shifted conics -- [8.] Sequences and series. Sequences and summation notation -- Arithmetic sequences -- Geometric sequences -- Mathematics of finance -- Mathematical induction -- The binomial theorem -- [9.] Probability and statistics. Counting -- Probability -- Binomial probability -- Expected value -- Appendix A: Calculations and significant figures -- Appendix B: Graphing with a graphing calculator -- Appendix C: Using the TI-83/84 graphing calculator.

This textbook introduces algebraic concepts such as the real-number system; arithmetic operations with polynomials, special products and factoring; linear, fractional and quadratic equations; inequalities, exponents, radicals and absolute values; functions and graphs; and complex numbers, logarithms, logarithmic and exponential functions. In addition, the book includes many real-world examples that show you how mathematics is used to model in fields like engineering, business, physics, chemistry, and biology.