Intermediate Algebra

The Carson Algebra Series guides students to success by presenting the why behind understanding algebra, and includes the complete Carson Math Study System with a Learning Styles Inventory to address individual learning styles. The Carson Math Study System adapts to the way each student learns, and targeted learning strategies are presented throughout the program. The authors speak to students in everyday language and walk them through the concepts, explaining not only how to do the math, but also where the concepts come from and why they work to foster conceptual understanding.   Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyMathLab does not come packaged with this content. MyMathLab is not a self-paced technology and should only be purchased when required by an instructor. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyMathLab, search for: 0321951891 / 9780321951892 Intermediate Algebra, Plus NEW MyMathLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 0321431308 / 9780321431301 MyMathLab -- Glue-in Access Card 0321654064 / 9780321654069 MyMathLab Inside Star Sticker 0321915879 / 9780321915870 Intermediate Algebra

Table of Contents:
Preface vi To the Student xiii Learning Styles Inventory xv The Carson Math Study System xvii   1 Real Numbers and Expressions 1   1.1 Sets and the Structure of Algebra 2 1.2 Operations with Real Numbers; Properties of Real Numbers 12 1.3 Exponents, Roots, and Order of Operations 24 1.4 Evaluating and Rewriting Expressions 34 Summary and Review Exercises 45 Practice Test 53   2 Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable 55   2.1 Linear Equations and Formulas 56 2.2 Solving Problems 66 2.3 Solving Linear Inequalities 74 2.4 Compound Inequalities 85 2.5 Equations Involving Absolute Value 96 2.6 Inequalities Involving Absolute Value 100 Summary and Review Exercises 108 Practice Test 116 Chapters 1—2 Cumulative Review Exercises 118   3 Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables; Functions 120   3.1 Graphing Linear Equations 121 3.2 The Slope of a Line 133 3.3 The Equation of a Line 145 3.4 Graphing Linear Inequalities 156 3.5 Introduction to Functions and Function Notation 164 Summary and Review Exercises 182 Practice Test 192 Chapters 1—3 Cumulative Review Exercises 194   4 Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities 197   4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables 198 4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables 216 4.3 Solving Applications Using Systems of Equations 223 4.4 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Using Matrices 236 4.5 Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities 245 Summary and Review Exercises 252 Practice Test 259 Chapters 1—4 Cumulative Review Exercises 261   5 Exponents, Polynomials, and Polynomial Functions 263 5.1 Exponents and Scientific Notation 264 5.2 Polynomials and Polynomial Functions 280 5.3 Multiplying Polynomials 294 5.4 Dividing Polynomials 305 5.5 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem 313 Summary and Review Exercises 319 Practice Test 327 Chapters 1—5 Cumulative Review Exercises 329   6 Factoring 331 6.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping 332 6.2 Factoring Trinomials 340 6.3 Factoring Special Products and Factoring Strategies 350 6.4 Solving Equations by Factoring 361 Summary and Review Exercises 374 Practice Test 381 Chapters 1—6 Cumulative Review Exercises 383   7 Rational Expressions and Equations 386 7.1 Simplifying, Multiplying, and Dividing Rational Expressions 387 7.2 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions 402 7.3 Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions 414 7.4 Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions 423 7.5 Applications with Rational Expressions; Variation 430 Summary and Review Exercises 444 Practice Test 456 Chapters 1—7 Cumulative Review Exercises 458   8 Rational Exponents, Radicals, and Complex Numbers 460   8.1 Radical Expressions and Functions 461 8.2 Rational Exponents 471 8.3 Multiplying, Dividing, and Simplifying Radicals 481 8.4 Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Radical Expressions 489 8.5 Rationalizing Numerators and Denominators of Radical Expressions 496 8.6 Radical Equations and Problem Solving 506 8.7 Complex Numbers 515 Summary and Review Exercises 523 Practice Test 533 Chapters 1—8 Cumulative Review Exercises 535   9 Quadratic Equations and Functions 537   9.1 The Square Root Principle and Completing the Square 538 9.2 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula 548 9.3 Solving Equations That Are Quadratic in Form 559 9.4 Graphing Quadratic Functions 568 9.5 Solving Nonlinear Inequalities 580 Summary and Review Exercises 591 Practice Test 598 Chapters 1—9 Cumulative Review Exercises 601   10 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 603   10.1 Composite and Inverse Functions 604 10.2 Exponential Functions 616 10.3 Logarithmic Functions 625 10.4 Properties of Logarithms 633 10.5 Common and Natural Logarithms 641 10.6 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations with Applications 646 Summary and Review Exercises 657 Practice Test 669 Chapters 1—10 Cumulative Review Exercises 671   11 Conic Sections 673   11.1 Parabolas and Circles 674 11.2 Ellipses and Hyperbolas 687 11.3 Nonlinear Systems of Equations 698 11.4 Nonlinear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities 704 Summary and Review Exercises 711 Practice Test 720 Chapters 1—11 Cumulative Review Exercises 722 Appendixes 673   A. Arithmetic Sequences and Series APP-1 B. Geometric Sequences and Series APP-8 C. The Binomial Theorem APP-15 D. Solving Systems of Linear Equations Using Cramer’s Rule APP-20 E. Permutations and Combinations (available online via MyMathLab) F. Probability (available online via MyMathLab)   Photo Credits P-1 Collaborative Exercises C-1 Answers A-1 Glossary G-1 Index of Applications IA-1 Index I-1  

About the Author :
Tom Carson’s first teaching experience was teaching guitar while an undergraduate student studying electrical engineering. That experience helped him to realize that his true gift and passion are for teaching. He earned his MAT in mathematics at the University of South Carolina. In addition to teaching at Midlands Technical College, Columbia State Community College, and Franklin Classical School, Tom has served on the faculty council and has been a board member of the South Carolina Association of Developmental Educators (SCADE). Ever the teacher, Tom teaches outside the classroom by presenting at conferences such as NADE, AMATYC, and ICTCM on topics such as Combating Innumeracy, Writing in Mathematics, and Implementing a Study System. In addition to his work on the Carson Developmental Algebra Series, Tom also is the author of Prealgebra, Fourth Edition.   Bill Jordan received his BS from Rollins College and his MAT from Tulane University. A decorated teacher for more than 40 years, Bill has served as the chair of the math department at Seminole Community College and has taught at Rollins College. He has been a member and leader of numerous professional organizations, including the Florida Two-Year College Mathematical Association (president), Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (district director), and others. In addition to his work on the Carson series, Bill is also the lead author of Integrated Algebra and Arithmetic, 2/e, also published by Pearson. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, traveling, and hiking.