Introduction 1Part 1: Getting to First Base with the Basics 5Chapter 1: Beginning at the Beginning of Algebra 7Chapter 2: Taking on Linear Equations and Inequalities 35Chapter 3: Handling Quadratic and Other Polynomial Equations 59Chapter 4: Controlling Quadratic and Rational Inequalities 89Chapter 5: Soothing the Rational, the Radical, and the Negative 109Chapter 6: Giving Graphing a Gander 139Part 2: Figuring on Functions 171Chapter 7: Formulating Functions 173Chapter 8: Specializing in Quadratic Functions 201Chapter 9: Plugging In Polynomials 229Chapter 10: Acting Rationally with Functions 271Chapter 11: Exploring Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 303Chapter 12: Transforming and Critiquing Functions 343Part 3: Using Conics and Systems of Equations 365Chapter 13: Slicing the Way You Like It: Conic Sections 367Chapter 14: Solving Systems of Linear Equations 405Chapter 15: Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations 435Chapter 16: Solving Systems of Inequalities 455Part 4: Making Lists and Checking for Imaginary Numbers 473Chapter 17: Getting More Complex with Imaginary Numbers 475Chapter 18: Making Moves with Matrices 493Chapter 19: Seeking Out Sequences and Series 521Chapter 20: Everything You Wanted to Know about Sets and Counting 545Part 5: Applying Known Formulas 575Chapter 21: Manipulating Formulas 577Chapter 22: Taking on Applications 597Index 613
Mary Jane Sterling taught mathematics for more than 45 years. She was a professor of mathematics at Bradley University for 35 of those years and continues to teach occasional classes either in person or via distance learning. Sterling is the author of several Dummies algebra and higher-level math titles. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a master's degree in math education.