I'm a student
I'm an educator
Request full copy

Introductory Algebra for College Students, 8th edition

Published by Pearson (January 2, 2020) © 2021

  • Robert F. Blitzer Miami Dade College

eTextbook

per month

  • Anytime, anywhere learning with the Pearson+ app
  • Easy-to-use search, navigation and notebook
  • Simpler studying with flashcards
$79.99

  • Hardcover, paperback or looseleaf edition
  • Affordable rental option for select titles
  • Free shipping on looseleafs and traditional textbooks

MyLab

from$89.99

  • Reach every student with personalized support
  • Customize courses with ease
  • Optimize learning with dynamic study tools

For courses in Introductory Algebra.

Gets them engaged. Keeps them engaged. 

Introductory Algebra for College Students shows students how math applies to their daily lives and culture. Blitzer's use of realistic, interesting applications piques students' curiosity about mathematical concepts in the world around them. These applications are apparent in his student-friendly examples, unique writing style and thought-provoking features. The 8th Edition updates Blitzer's hallmark applications, with topics relevant to college students (often from pop culture, the news, and everyday life), offers abundant resources to help underprepared students get up to speed, and much more.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Blitzer Bonuses are interesting connections to the math at hand, showcasing it as a dynamic discipline applicable to the real world.
  • Great Question!  presents helpful study tips in the form of a typical student question.
  • Explanatory Voice Balloons translate algebraic ideas into English, clarify problem solving, present alternative approaches, and connect problem-solving strategies to concepts already covered.
  • Check Point exercises after every example help students test their understanding by working a similar exercise.
  • Extensive exercise sets offer a wide variety of exercises, making it easy to create well-rounded homework assignments.
  • Mid-Chapter Check Points help students periodically assess the skills and concepts they've learned separately.

New and updated features of this title

  • Bob Blitzer is on a constant search for data and real-world scenarios that can be used to illustrate algebra applications. 
    • More than 100 new or revised examples, applications and exercises are based on new or updated data sets. 
    • Many of these applications involve topics relevant to college students, such as the earnings of college graduates and political orientation of freshmen. Other applications tackle larger issues such as participation in presidential elections and the pay gap.

Features of MyLab Math for the 8th Edition

  • Integrated Review provides embedded and personalized review of prerequisite topics within relevant chapters. Integrated Review can support a corequisite course model or any course where students would benefit from review. 
    • Integrated Review assignments, including a Skills Check and personalized homework for the review topics, are premade and available to assign in the Assignment Manager. 
    • For students who need to learn or refresh on a particular skill, videos and worksheets are available to give students remediation right where they need it. 
  • Animations powered by GeoGebra encourage conceptual understanding by encouraging hands-on manipulation and exploration. Corresponding assessment exercises check that students have understood the main takeaway of each animation. 
  • A Mindset module offers growth mindset-focused videos and exercises that encourage students to maintain a positive attitude about learning, value their own ability to grow, and view mistakes as a learning opportunity.
  • Personal Inventory Assessments are a collection of online exercises designed to promote self-reflection and engagement in students. These 33 assessments include topics such as a Stress Management Assessment, Diagnosing Poor Performance and Enhancing Motivation, and Time Management Assessment. 
  1. Variables, Real Numbers, and Mathematical Models
    • 1.1 Introduction to Algebra: Variables and Mathematical Models
    • 1.2 Fractions in Algebra
    • 1.3 The Real Numbers
    • 1.4 Basic Rules of Algebra
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 1.5 Addition of Real Numbers
    • 1.6 Subtraction of Real Numbers
    • 1.7 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers
    • 1.8 Exponents and Order of Operations
  2. Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
    • 2.1 The Addition Property of Equality
    • 2.2 The Multiplication Property of Equality
    • 2.3 Solving Linear Equations
    • 2.4 Formulas and Percents
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 2.5 An Introduction to Problem Solving
    • 2.6 Problem Solving in Geometry
    • 2.7 Solving Linear Inequalities
  3. Linear Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables
    • 3.1 Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
    • 3.2 Graphing Linear Equations Using Intercepts
    • 3.3 Slope
    • 3.4 The Slope-Intercept Form of the Equation of a Line
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 3.5 The Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line
    • 3.6 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
  4. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
    • 4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing
    • 4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Substitution Method
    • 4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Addition Method
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 4.4 Problem Solving Using Systems of Equations
    • 4.5 Systems of Linear Inequalities
  5. Exponents and Polynomials
    • 5.1 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
    • 5.2 Multiplying Polynomials
    • 5.3 Special Products
    • 5.4 Polynomials in Several Variables
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 5.5 Dividing Polynomials
    • 5.6 Dividing Polynomials by Binomials
    • 5.7 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
  6. Factoring Polynomials
    • 6.1 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
    • 6.2 Factoring Trinomials Whose Leading Coefficient is 1
    • 6.3 Factoring Trinomials Whose Leading Coefficient is Not 1
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 6.4 Factoring Special Forms
    • 6.5 A General Factoring Strategy
    • 6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
  7. Rational Expressions
    • 7.1 Rational Expressions and Their Simplification
    • 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
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 7.5 Complex Rational Expressions
    • 7.6 Solving Rational Equations
    • 7.7 Applications Using Rational Equations and Proportions
    • 7.8 Modeling Using Variation 
  8. Roots and Radicals
    • 8.1 Finding Roots
    • 8.2 Multiplying and Dividing Radicals
    • 8.3 Operations with Radicals
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 8.4 Rationalizing the Denominator
    • 8.5 Radical Equations
    • 8.6 Rational Exponents
  9. Quadratic Equations and Introduction to Functions
    • 9.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Property
    • 9.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
    • 9.3 The Quadratic Formula
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 9.5 Graphs of Quadratic Equations
    • 9.6 Introduction to Functions
    Appendix: Mean, Median, and Mode

About our author

Bob Blitzer is a native of Manhattan and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual majors in mathematics and psychology (minor: English literature) from the City College of New York. His unusual combination of academic interests led him toward a Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of Miami and a doctorate in behavioral sciences from Nova University. Bob's love for teaching mathematics was nourished for nearly 30 years at Miami Dade College, where he received numerous teaching awards, including Innovator of the Year from the League for Innovations in the Community College and an endowed chair based on excellence in the classroom. Bob has written textbooks covering developmental mathematics, introductory algebra, intermediate algebra, algebra & trigonometry, trigonometry, college algebra, precalculus, and liberal arts mathematics, all published by Pearson. When not secluded in his Northern California writer's cabin, Bob can be found hiking the beaches and trails of Point Reyes National Seashore and tending to the chores required by his beloved entourage of horses, chickens, and irritable roosters.  

Need help? Get in touch

MyLab

Customize your course to teach your way. MyLab® is a flexible platform merging world-class content with dynamic study tools. It takes a personalized approach designed to ignite each student's unique potential. And, with the freedom it affords to adapt your pedagogy, you can reinforce select concepts and guide students to real results.

Pearson+

All in one place. Pearson+ offers instant access to eTextbooks, videos and study tools in one intuitive interface. Students choose how they learn best with enhanced search, audio and flashcards. The Pearson+ app lets them read where life takes them, no wi-fi needed. Students can access Pearson+ through a subscription or their MyLab or Mastering course.

Video
Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Video transcript (PDF | 25KB) 

Empower your students, in class and beyond

Meet students where they are with MyLab®, and capture their attention in every lecture, activity, and assignment using immersive content, customized tools, and interactive learning experiences in your discipline.

Digital Learning NOW

Extend your professional development and meet your students where they are with free weekly Digital Learning NOW webinars. Attend live, watch on-demand, or listen at your leisure to expand your teaching strategies. Earn digital professional development badges for attending a live session.

Explore webinars