Pre-Calculus For Dummies, 2E - Softcover

Kuang, PhD Yang

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118168887 ISBN 13: 9781118168882

Publisher: For Dummies, 2012

Synopsis

The fun and easy way to learn pre-calculus

Getting ready for calculus but still feel a bit confused? Have no fear. Pre-Calculus For Dummies is an un-intimidating, hands-on guide that walks you through all the essential topics, from absolute value and quadratic equations to logarithms and exponential functions to trig identities and matrix operations.

With this guide's help you'll quickly and painlessly get a handle on all of the concepts — not just the number crunching — and understand how to perform all pre-calc tasks, from graphing to tackling proofs. You'll also get a new appreciation for how these concepts are used in the real world, and find out that getting a decent grade in pre-calc isn't as impossible as you thought.

• Updated with fresh example equations and detailed explanations
• Tracks to a typical pre-calculus class
• Serves as an excellent supplement to classroom learning

If "the fun and easy way to learn pre-calc" seems like a contradiction, get ready for a wealth of surprises in Pre-Calculus For Dummies!

About this title

From the Back Cover

Grasp the principles and concepts you need to score high in pre-calculus

Getting ready for calculus but feel confused? Have no fear! This un-intimidating guide walks you through all the essential topics, from absolute value and quadratic equations to logarithms and exponential functions to trig identities and matrix operations. You'll understand the concepts — not just the number crunching — and see how to perform all the tasks you need to score high at exam time.

• Pre-calculus 101 — get a review of the Algebra II you need to know, real numbers, and how to graph, solve, and perform operations with functions

• What's your angle? — take a tour of the essentials of trigonometry, from angles, right triangles, and trig ratios to graphing the parent graph of the six basic trig functions

• Keep it simple — discover how to simplify trig expressions and solve for an unknown variable using formulas and identities (and solve triangles that aren't right triangles using Law of Sines and Law of Cosines)

• Not just plane thinking — delve into analytic geometry and system solving with the understanding of complex numbers, polar-coordinate graphing, conics, systems of equations, sequences, and more

Open the book and find:

• An overview of pre-calculus

• Tips on graphing trig functions like a pro

• How to apply the major theorems and formulas

• The lowdown on analytic geometry

• Guidance on identifying limits and continuity

• The 4-1-1 on working with a graphing calculator

• The laws for solving oblique triangles

• Everything you need to prepare for calculus

Learn to:

• Grasp essential pre-calculus topics

• Apply the major theorems and formulas

• Tackle proofs with confidence and ease

About the Author

Yang Kuang, PhD, is a professor of mathematics at Arizona State University. He currently serves on the calculus committee where he and other members discuss what and how to teach calculus to students majoring in math and physical sciences. Elleyne Kase is a professional writer.

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1118168887
• ISBN 13: 9781118168882
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 408