A text for a precalculus course for students who have completed a course in intermediate algebra or high school algebra II, concentrating on topics essential for success in calculus, with an emphasis on depth of understanding rather that breadth of coverage. Linear, exponential, power, and periodic functions are introduced first, then polynomial and rational functions, with each function represented symbolically, numerically, graphically, and verbally. Contains many worked examples and problems using real world data. Can be used with any technology for graphing functions.
From the Calculus Consortium based at Harvard University, this comprehensible book prepares readers for the study of calculus, presenting families of functions as models for change. These materials stress conceptual understanding and multiple ways of representing mathematical ideas.