Preface  (Page 2/4)

Coverage and scope

Elementary Algebra follows a nontraditional approach in its presentation of content. Building on the content in Prealgebra , the material is presented as a sequence of small steps so that students gain confidence in their ability to succeed in the course. The order of topics was carefully planned to emphasize the logical progression through the course and to facilitate a thorough understanding of each concept. As new ideas are presented, they are explicitly related to previous topics.

• Chapter 1: Foundations
  Chapter 1 reviews arithmetic operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals, to give the student a solid base that will support their study of algebra.
• Chapter 2: Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
  In Chapter 2, students learn to verify a solution of an equation, solve equations using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality, solve equations using the Multiplication and Division Properties of Equality, solve equations with variables and constants on both sides, use a general strategy to solve linear equations, solve equations with fractions or decimals, solve a formula for a specific variable, and solve linear inequalities.
• Chapter 3: Math Models
  Once students have learned the skills needed to solve equations, they apply these skills in Chapter 3 to solve word and number problems.
• Chapter 4: Graphs
  Chapter 4 covers the rectangular coordinate system, which is the basis for most consumer graphs. Students learn to plot points on a rectangular coordinate system, graph linear equations in two variables, graph with intercepts, understand slope of a line, use the slope-intercept form of an equation of a line, find the equation of a line, and create graphs of linear inequalities.
• Chapter 5: Systems of Linear Equations
  Chapter 5 covers solving systems of equations by graphing, substitution, and elimination; solving applications with systems of equations, solving mixture applications with systems of equations, and graphing systems of linear inequalities.
• Chapter 6: Polynomials
  In Chapter 6, students learn how to add and subtract polynomials, use multiplication properties of exponents, multiply polynomials, use special products, divide monomials and polynomials, and understand integer exponents and scientific notation.
• Chapter 7: Factoring
  In Chapter 7, students explore the process of factoring expressions and see how factoring is used to solve certain types of equations.
• Chapter 8: Rational Expressions and Equations
  In Chapter 8, students work with rational expressions, solve rational equations, and use them to solve problems in a variety of applications.
• Chapter 9: Roots and Radical
  In Chapter 9, students are introduced to and learn to apply the properties of square roots, and extend these concepts to higher order roots and rational exponents.
• Chapter 10: Quadratic Equations
  In Chapter 10, students study the properties of quadratic equations, solve and graph them. They also learn how to apply them as models of various situations.