Elementary Algebra, 4th edition

Published by Pearson (December 24, 2013) © 2015

  • Tom Carson
  • Bill E. Jordan Seminole State College of Florida

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What’s Your Style?

The Carson Algebra Series guides students to success by presenting the why behind understanding algebra, and includes the complete Carson Math Study System with a Learning Styles Inventory to address individual learning styles. The Carson Math Study System adapts to the way each student learns, and targeted learning strategies are presented throughout the program. The authors speak to students in everyday language and walk them through the concepts, explaining not only how to do the math, but also where the concepts come from and why they work to foster conceptual understanding.

Teaching and Learning Experience

This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience for you and your students. Here’s how:

  • Improve Results: MyMathLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed and provides engaging experiences with personalized learning. The new edition supports students with MyWorkBook and MyMathLab course revisions that bring it all together!
  • Support all learning styles and promote good study skills: the completeCarson Math Study System with Learning Styles Inventory guides students to success in the course.
  • Rely on a proven pedagogy that explains the why behind algebra: in everyday language the program walks students through the concepts, explaining not only how to do the math, but also where the concepts come from and why they work.

 

Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyMathLab does not come packaged with this content. MyMathLab is not a self-paced technology and should only be purchased when required by an instructor. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyMathLab, search for:

0321951867 / 9780321951861 Elementary Algebra, Plus NEW MyMathLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package

Package consists of:

0321431308 / 9780321431301 MyMathLab -- Glue-in Access Card

0321654064 / 9780321654069 MyMathLab Inside Star Sticker

032191600X / 9780321916006 Elementary Algebra

Improve Results: MyMathLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed and provides engaging experiences with personalized learning. The new edition supports students with MyWorkBook and MyMathLab course revisions that bring it all together!

  • NEW! Two MyMathLab course options are now available:
    • Standard MyMathLab courses allow instructors to build their course their way, offering maximum flexibility and control over all aspects of assignment creation. 
    • Ready to Go courses provide students with all the same great MyMathLab features, but also make it easier for instructors to get started. Both Carson course options include one premade pre-test and post-test for every chapter, section-level homework, and a chapter review quiz linked to personalized homework. Assignments are also pre-assigned in the Ready to Go courses.
  • Additional MyMathLab features include:
    • The Learning Styles Inventory is an interactive version of the questionnaire in the textbook, allowing students to assess their learning styles to take full advantage of the book’s learning features.
    • Increased exercise coverage gives students more practice exercises than ever before.
    • Section Lecture Videos are available for every section. They offer a new navigation menu by objective, can be played on mobile devices, and include closed captioning.
    • Chapter Test Prep Videos contain step-by-step video solutions to every exercise in the end of chapter Practice Tests. An instructor walks students through each problem, allowing students to pause and rewind as needed so they can study at their own pace. Chapter Test Prep Videos are available in MyMathLab, and on YouTubeâ„¢ (search using author name and book title).  Videos include closed captioning.  
    • NEW! MyWorkBook is an objective-based workbook (available in print and in MyMathLab) that includes the following resources for each section of the text:
      • Key vocabulary terms and practice problems
      • Guided Examples with stepped-out solutions and similar Practice Exercises, keyed to the text by Learning Objective
      • Referencesto textbook Examples and Section Lecture Videos for additional help
      • Additional Exercises with ample space for students to show their work, keyed to the text by Learning Objective
    • Student Success Module in MyMathLab: This new, interactive module is available in the left-hand navigation of MyMathLab and includes videos, activities, and post-tests for these three student success areas:
      • Math-Reading Connections, including topics such as Using Word Clues, and Looking for Patterns.
      • Study Skills, including topics such as Time Management and Preparing for and Taking Exams.
      • College Success, including topics such as College Transition and Online Learning.
      • Instructors can assign these videos and/or activities as media assignments, along with pre-built post-tests to make sure students learn and understand how to improve their skills in these areas. Instructors can integrate these assignments with their traditional MyMathLab homework assignments to incorporate student success topics into their course as they deem appropriate.
    • Accessibility Enhancements continue Pearson’s commitment to make products accessible to as many students as possible. This latest course release is compatible with the JAWS screen reader enabling print-disabled students to access and interact with numerous problems as noted by an icon within the assignment manager. The course also works with the ZoomText enlarger, and includes an HTML eBook that is compatible with JAWS and other Windows screen readers allowing all students to access the same text, at the same place, and at the same price. Additionally all videos include closed captioning.

Support all learning styles and promote good study skills–the completeCarson Math Study System is designed to help students develop the skills (e.g. time management, test-prep, note-taking) that students need to succeed in math, their careers, and life.

  • The Carson Math Study System is presented at the start of the textbook and MyMathLab Course, and includes:
    • A To the Student section that focuses on why math is important and what students need to do to succeed in their math courses.
    • A Learning Styles Inventory in the textbook or in MyMathLab that will help students assess their particular style of learning, and use that knowledge to identify study skills that will help them. Once students determine their Learning Style, Learning Strategy boxes, at point-of-use throughout the text, offer tactile, visual, and auditory learners study strategies targeted to their style.
  • The Math Study System, that offers students abundant suggestions for developing a class notebook to reflect their personal learning styles, taking effective notes, doing homework, and reviewing for quizzes and tests.
  • NEW! Learning Strategy boxes written by successful students and recent college graduates offer advice on implementing the study system effectively based on a students’ learning style.

Rely on a proven pedagogy that explains the why behind algebra–in everyday language the program walks students through the concepts, explaining not only how to do the math, but also where the concepts come from and why they work.

  • Carefully developed learning aids give landmarks and guidance at key stages in the chapter, helping students understand the material and see how it all fits together.
    • The Algebra Pyramid is used as an underlying theme throughout the text to illustrate how each topic relates to the big picture of algebra.
    • NEW! The Chapter Openers now provide a brief topical overview of the chapter. In the instructor’s edition, each opener now includes teaching suggestions for the chapter.
    • Connection boxes are designed to bridge the concepts presented throughout the text so students understand how they build on each other.
    • Real, Relevant, and Interesting Applications in the examples and exercises illustrate the everyday use of basic algebraic concepts by reflecting real situations in science, engineering, health, finance, the arts, and other areas.
    • Your Turn Practice Exercises (found after most examples) give students the opportunity to work problems similar to the examples they have just seen.
    • Of Interest boxes, with historical notes and fun facts, are designed to enhance the learning process by making math concepts interesting and memorable.
  • Varied Exercises give students the practice they need to master skills and concepts.
    • NEW! Warm-up Exercises (which now begin each section) review previously learned material helpful to understanding the concepts in the section.
    • NEW! Prep Exercises help students focus on the terminology, rules, and processes corresponding to the exercises that immediately follow.
    • NEW! Section Exercises are now grouped by objective, to make it easier for students to connect examples with related exercises. They are also carefully graded to allow students to build confidence in their problem-solving skills as they work through the homework.
    • Review Exercises at the end of each exercise set cover previously learned concepts not only to keep the material fresh for students, but also to serve as a foundational review for the discussion in the next section.
    • Puzzle Problems appear at the end of selected exercise sets to encourage creative and critical thinking. These problems often have no formulaic approach to finding a solution.
    • Collaborative Exercises encourage students to work in groups to discuss mathematics and use the topics from a particular section or group of sections to solve a problem. There is a Collaborative Exercise for each chapter, and they can be found at the back of the book.
  • End-of-chapter material is designed to help students review effectively, and includes:
    • NEW! The Chapter Summary and Review is now interactive, with Review Exercises integrated within the Summary to encourage active learning and review.
    • Defined terms referenced by section and page number.
    • Summary of key concepts and examples presented in an easy-to-study, two-column format.
    • Review exercises covering all key concepts.
    • Practice Tests with problems that correlate to the short-answer tests in the Printable Test Bank, and also the Chapter Test Prep Videos.
    • Cumulative Review exercises help students stay current with all the material they have learned and help them prepare for midterm and final exams.

New in MyMathLab

  • Two MyMathLab course options are now available:
    • Standard MyMathLab courses allow instructors to build their course their way, offering maximum flexibility and control over all aspects of assignment creation. 
    • Ready to Go courses provide students with all the same great MyMathLab features, but also make it easier for instructors to get started. Both Carson course options include one premade pre-test and post-test for every chapter, section-level homework, and a chapter review quiz linked to personalized homework. Assignments are also pre-assigned in the Ready to Go courses.
  • MyWorkBook is an objective-based workbook (available in print and in MyMathLab) that includes the following resources for each section of the text:
    • Key vocabulary terms and practice problems
    • Guided Examples with stepped-out solutions and similar Practice Exercises, keyed to the text by Learning Objective
    • Referencesto textbook Examples and Section Lecture Videos for additional help
    • Additional Exercises with ample space for students to show their work, keyed to the text by Learning Objective

New and Revised in the Text

  • Learning Strategy boxes written by successful students and recent college graduates offer advice on implementing the study system effectively based on a students’ learning style.
  • The Chapter Openers now provide a brief topical overview of the chapter. In the instructor’s edition, each opener now includes teaching suggestions for the chapter.
  • New in the Exercises
    • Warm-up Exercises (which now begin each section) review previously learned material helpful to understanding the concepts in the section.
    • Prep Exercises help students focus on the terminology, rules, and processes corresponding to the exercises that immediately follow.
    • Section Exercises are now grouped by objective, to make it easier for students to connect examples with related exercises. They are also carefully graded to allow students to build confidence in their problem-solving skills as they work through the homework.
  • The Chapter Summary and Review is now interactive, with Review Exercises integrated within the Summary to encourage active learning and review.


Content Updates

  • Chapter 1: The objectives in Sections 1.3 and 1.4were condensed. Instead of separate objectives for integers and rational numbers, each section has a single objective for rational numbers.
  • Chapter 2: The former Chapter 3 on problem solving was streamlined and the topics integrated elsewhere. Former Sections 3.1 and 3.2 on ratios, proportions, and percents were moved to Chapter 2 as Sections 2.6 and 2.7. Former Sections 3.3-3.5 have been integrated into Chapter 4. Those sections involved solving problems with two unknowns using single-variable equations. In the authors' experience, however, students find it easier and more intuitive to solve those problems using systems of equations; so the topic is now covered with systems.
  • Chapter 3: Graphing linear equations (formerly Chapter 4) is now covered earlier, in Chapter 3.
  • Chapter 4: Problems involving two unknowns are now introduced in this chapter rather than in an earlier chapter using single-variable equations as in previous editions. Solving these problems using systems of equations is more intuitive to students.
  • Chapter 7: The discussion of LCD and the examples of variation were streamlined and are now covered in a more visual presentation.
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Preface

To the Student

Learning Styles Inventory

The Carson Math Study System

 

 

1. Foundations of Algebra

1.1 Number Sets and the Structure of Algebra

1.2 Fractions

1.3 Adding and Subtracting Real Numbers; Properties of Real Numbers

1.4 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers; Properties of Real Numbers

1.5 Exponents, Roots, and Order of Operations

1.6 Translating Word Phrases to Expressions

1.7 Evaluating and Rewriting Expressions

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

 

2. Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities

2.1 Equations, Formulas, and the Problem-Solving Process

2.2 The Addition Principle of Equality

2.3 The Multiplication Principle of Equality

2.4 Applying the Principles to Formulas

2.5 Translating Word Sentences to Equations

2.6 Ratios and Proportions

2.7 Percents

2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–2 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

3. Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities

3.1 The Rectangular Coordinate System

3.2 Graphing Linear Equations

3.3 Graphing Using Intercepts

3.4 Slope–Intercept Form

3.5 Point–Slope Form

3.6 Graphing Linear Inequalities

3.7 Introduction to Functions and Function Notation

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–3 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

4. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Graphically

4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution; Applications

4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination; Applications

4.4 More Applications with Systems of Equations

4.5 Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–4 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

5. Polynomials

5.1 Exponents and Scientific Notation

5.2 Introduction to Polynomials

5.3 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

5.4 Exponent Rules and Multiplying Monomials

5.5 Multiplying Polynomials; Special Products

5.6 Exponent Rules and Dividing Polynomials

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–5 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

6. Factoring

6.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping

6.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Form x2 + bx + c

6.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 1

6.4 Factoring Special Products

6.5 Strategies for Factoring

6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

6.7 Graphs of Quadratic Equations and Functions

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–6 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

7. Rational Expressions and Equations

7.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions

7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

7.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with the Same Denominator

7.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Different Denominators

7.5 Complex Rational Expressions

7.6 Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions

7.7 Applications with Rational Expressions, Including Variation

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–7 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

8. Roots and Radicals

8.1 Square Roots and Radical Expressions

8.2 Multiplying and Simplifying Square Roots

8.3 Dividing and Simplifying Square Roots

8.4 Addition, Subtraction, and Mixed Operations with Square Roots

8.5 Solving Radical Equations

8.6 Higher Roots and Rational Exponents

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–8 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

9. Quadratic Equations

9.1 The Square Root Principle

9.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square

9.3 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula

9.4 Complex Numbers

9.5 Graphing Quadratic Equations

            Summary and Review Exercises

            Practice Test

            Chapters 1–9 Cumulative Review Exercises

 

Appendix: Mean, Median, and Mode

Photo Credits

Collaborative Exercises

Answers

Glossary

Index of Applications

Index

Tom Carson’s first teaching experience was teaching guitar while an undergraduate student studying electrical engineering. That experience helped him to realize that his true gift and passion are for teaching. He earned his MAT in mathematics at the University of South Carolina. In addition to teaching at Midlands Technical College, Columbia State Community College, and Franklin Classical School, Tom has served on the faculty council and has been a board member of the South Carolina Association of Developmental Educators (SCADE). Ever the teacher, Tom teaches outside the classroom by presenting at conferences such as NADE, AMATYC, and ICTCM on topics such as Combating Innumeracy, Writing in Mathematics, and Implementing a Study System. In addition to his work on the Carson Developmental Algebra Series, Tom also is the author of Prealgebra, Fourth Edition.

Bill Jordan received his BS from Rollins College and his MAT from Tulane University. A decorated teacher for more than 40 years, Bill has served as the chair of the math department at Seminole Community College and has taught at Rollins College. He has been a member and leader of numerous professional organizations, including the Florida Two-Year College Mathematical Association (president), Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (district director), and others. In addition to his work on the Carson series, Bill is also the lead author of Integrated Algebra and Arithmetic, 2/e, also published by Pearson. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, traveling, and hiking.

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