Loose Leaf Beginning Algebra

1 The Real Number System and Geometry1.1 Review of Fractions
1.2 Exponents and Order of Operations
1.3 Geometry Review
1.4 Sets of Numbers and Absolute Value
1.5 Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers
1.6 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers
1.7 Algebraic Expressions and Properties of Real Numbers

2 Variables and Exponents
2.1 Basic Rules of Exponents
Part A The Product Rule and Power Rules
Part B Combining the Rules
2.2 Integer Exponents Bases
Part A Real-Number Bases
Part B Variable Bases
2.3 The Quotient Rule
Putting It All Together
2.4 Scientific Notation

3 Linear Equations and Inequalities
3.1 Solving Linear Equations Part I
3.2 Solving Linear Equations Part II
3.3 Solving Linear Equations Part III
3.4 Applications of Linear Equations
3.5 Applications Involving Percentages
3.6 Geometry Applications and Solving Formulas
3.7 Applications of Linear Equations to Proportions, Money Problems, and d=rt
3.8 Solving Linear Inequalities in One Variable

4 Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.1 Introduction to Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.2 Graphing by Plotting Points and Finding Intercepts
4.3 The Slope of a Line
4.4 The Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
4.5 Writing an Equation of a Line
4.6 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
4.7 Introduction to Functions
4.8 Function Notation and Linear Functions

5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
5.1 Solving Systems by Graphing
5.2 Solving Systems by Substitution
5.3 Solving Systems by the Elimination Method Putting It All Together
5.4 Applications of Systems of Two Equations
5.5 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
5.6 Systems of Linear Inequalities

6 Polynomials
6.1 Review of the Rules of Exponents
6.2 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials and Graphing
6.3 Multiplication of Polynomials
6.4 Division of Polynomials

7 Factoring Polynomials
7.1 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
7.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Form x2+bx+c
7.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax2+bx+c (a?1)
7.4 Factoring Special Trinomials and Binomials Putting It All Together
7.5 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
7.6 Applications of Quadratic Equations

8 Rational Expressions
8.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions
8.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
8.3 Finding the Least Common Denominator
8.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions Putting It All Together
8.5 Simplifying Complex Fractions
8.6 Solving Rational Equations
8.7 Applications of Rational Equations and Variation

9 Radicals and Rational Exponents
9.1 Finding Roots
9.2 Simplifying Expressions Containing Radicals
9.3 Adding and Subtracting Radicals
9.4 Combining Operations on Radicals
9.5 Dividing Radicals
9.6 Solving Radical Equations
9.7 Rational Exponents

10 Quadratic Equations
10.1 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property
10.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
10.3 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula Putting It All Together
10.4 Complex Numbers
10.5 Graphs of Quadratic Equations

A Appendix
A.1 Mean, Median, and Mode
A.2 Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
A.3 Quadratic Inequalities

Beginning Algebra, 1e, authored by Sherri Messersmith presents content in bite-size pieces, focusing not only on learning mathematical concepts, but also explaining the why behind those concepts. For students, learning mathematics is not just about the memorization of concepts and formulas, but it is also about the journey of learning how to problem solve. By breaking the sections down into manageable chunks, the author has identified the core places where students traditionally struggle, and then assists them in understanding that material to be successful moving forward. Proven pedagogical features, such as You Try problems after each example, reinforce a student’s mastery of a concept. While teaching in the classroom, Messersmith has created worksheets for each section that fall into three categories: review worksheets/basic skills, worksheets to teach new content, and worksheets to reinforce/pull together different concepts. These worksheets are a great way to both enhance instruction and to give the students more tools to be successful in studying a given topic. The author is also an extremely popular lecturer, and finds it important to be in the video series that accompany her texts. Finally, the author finds it important to not only provide quality, but also an abundant quantity of exercises and applications. The book is accompanied by numerous useful supplements, including McGraw-Hill’s online homework management system, MathZone as well as ALEKS.

MESSERSMITH is rigorous enough to prepare students for the next level yet easy to read and understand. The exposition is written as if a professor is teaching in a lecture to be more accessible to students. The language is mathematically sound yet easy enough for students to understand.