College algebra : concepts and contexts / James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson, Phyllis Panman.

Includes index.

1. Data, functions, and models. Making sense of data -- Visualizing relationships in data -- Equations : describing relationships in data -- Functions : describing change -- Function notation : the concept of function as a rule -- Working with functions : graphs and graphing calculators -- Working with functions : getting information from the graph -- Working with functions : modeling real-world relationships -- Making and using formulas -- Explorations: bias in presenting data; collecting and analyzing data; every graph tells a story -- 2. Linear functions and models. Working with functions : average rate of change -- Linear functions : constant rate of change -- Equations of lines : making linear models -- Varying the coefficients : direct proportionality -- Linear regression : fitting lines to data -- Linear equations : getting information from a model -- Explorations: when rates of change change; linear patterns; bridge science; correlation and causation; fair division of assets -- 3. Exponential functions and models. Exponential growth and decay -- Exponential models : comparing rates -- Comparing linear and exponential growth -- Graphs of exponential functions -- Fitting exponential curves to data -- Explorations: extreme numbers-scientific notation; so you want to be a millionaire?; exponential patterns; modeling radioactivity with coins and dice -- 4. Logarithmic functions and exponential models. Logarithmic functions -- Laws of logarithms -- Logarithmic scales -- The natural exponential and logarithmic functions -- Exponential equations : getting information from a model -- Working with functions : composition and inverse -- Explorations: super origami; orders of magnitude; semi-log graphs; the even-tempered clavier --

5. Quadratic functions and models. Working with functions : shifting and stretching -- Quadratic functions and their graphs -- Maxima and minima : getting information from a model -- Quadratic equations : getting information from a model -- Fitting quadratic curves to data -- Explorations: transformation stories; Toricelli's law; quadratic patterns -- 6. Power, polynomial, and rational functions. Working with functions : algebraic operations -- Power functions : positive powers -- Polynomial functions : combining power functions -- Fitting power and polynomial curves to data -- Power functions : negative powers -- Rational functions -- Explorations: only in the movies?; proportionality-shape and size; managing traffic; alcohol and the surge function -- 7. Systems of equations and data in categories. Systems of linear equations in two variables -- Systems of linear equations in several variables -- Using matrices to solve systems of linear equations -- Matrices and data in categories -- Matrix operations : getting information from data -- Matrix equations : solving a linear system -- Explorations: collecting categorical data; will the species survive? -- Algebra toolkit A : working with numbers: numbers and their properties; the number line and intervals; integer exponents; radicals and rational exponents -- Algebra toolkit B : working with expressions: combining algebraic expressions; factoring algebraic expressions; rational expressions -- Algebra toolkit C : working with equations: solving basic equations; solving quadratic equations; solving inequalities -- Algebra toolkit D : working with graphs: the coordinate plane; graphs of two-variable equations; using a graphing calculator; solving equations and inequalities graphically.

This textbook presents graphic, numeric and analytic approaches to the study of precalculus concepts from college algebra. It includes application of appropriate technology including graphing calculators to model, analyze and interpret a collection of data or to solve real-world application problems from a variety of disciplines. Topics include: the real number system; algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions and their inverses; graphing techniques for polynomial and rational functions; complex numbers; theory of equations; partial fractions; mathematical induction; sequences and series; matrices; and the binomial theorem.