Fundamentals of college algebra : graphs & models / Marvin L. Bittinger ... [et al.].

Includes index.

ntroduction to Graphs and the Graphing Calculator. R. Basic Concepts of Algebra. The Real-Number System. Integer Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Order of Operations. Addition, Subtraction, and Multiplication of Polynomials. Factoring. Rational Expressions. Radical Notation and Rational Exponents. The Basics of Equation Solving. 1. Graphs, Functions, and Models. Functions, Graphs, and Graphers. Linear Functions, Slope, and Applications. Modeling: Data Analysis, Curve Fitting, and Linear Regression. More on Functions. Symmetry and Transformations. Variation and Applications. Distance, Midpoints, and Circles. 2. Functions and Equations: Zeros and Solutions. Zeros of Linear Functions and Models. The Complex Numbers. Zeros of Quadratic Functions and Models. Analyzing Graphs of Quadratic Functions. Modeling: Data Analysis, Curve Fitting, and Quadratic Regression. Zeros and More Equation Solving. Solving Inequalities. 3. Polynomial and Rational Functions. Polynomial Functions and Models. Polynomial Division; The Remainder and Factor Theorems. Theorems about Zeros of Polynomial Functions. Rational Functions. Polynomial and Rational Inequalities. 4. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions. Composite and Inverse Functions. Exponential Functions and Graphs. Logarithmic Functions and Graphs. Properties of Logarithmic Functions. Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations. Applications and Models: Growth and Decay. 5. Systems of Equations and Matrices. Systems of Equations in Two Variables. Systems of Equations in Three Variables. Matrices and Systems of Equations. Matrix Operations. Inverses of Matrices. Systems of Inequalities and Linear Programming. Partial Fractions. Appendixes. A. Descartes' Rules of Signs. B. Determinants and Cramer's Rule. Answers. Index. Index of Applications.