Introductory Mathematics

This complete “tech math” book uses a friendly writing style to make traditionally difficult subjects now easy to understand. It puts readers at ease while showing them the practical applications of mathematics. Chapter-opening stories describe the history of a mathematical discovery, given in terms of the people who made these discoveries, to help readers relate math experiences to real life. Beginning with fractions and decimal numbers, and proceeding on to establish a solid foundation in exponents, the metric system, algebra, trigonometry, logarithms and graphs, this book will give users the math skills needed for career training. A fundamental learning tool and valuable lifetime resource as a “math refresher” for anyone who uses these skills.

After 11 textbooks, 18 editions, and 15 years of front-line education experience, best-selling author Nigel Cook's new third edition of Introductory Mathematics is a complete 'prep math' text for technology students. Beginning with fractions and decimal numbers, and proceeding on to establish a solid foundation in exponents, the metric system, algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, and graphs, this easy-to-understand text will give students the math skills needed for career training.

The reader quickly will be put at ease by the student-friendly writing style and the author's ability to simplify traditionally difficult subjects. Each chapter opens with a humanistic vignette describing the history of a mathematical discovery. Then, basic theory is presented in intuitive form, augmented by numerous worked-out examples. Arrowed annotations are included throughout to clearly describe steps and procedures, and mathematics is applied to numerous practical applications. In addition, plenty of sample questions and problems are provided throughout the book. The text provides calculator usage and sequence examples to ease the transition to calculator use. Regular practice using the examples, multiple-choice review questions, and practice problems will establish comfortable mastery of the material.

New to this Edition

• Self-test evaluation points list objectives that should have been met at the end of each section. The accompanying questions test the student's level of comprehension and the check-box design invites students to take an active role in noting their understanding of the material.
• Mini-math applications help students see the practical application of mathematics.
• StudyWizard e-tutorial CD-ROM packaged with the book contains for each chapter a summary of key points, additional practice problems, and a vocabulary quiz.The website can e-mail the student's score back to the instructor.
• Margin terms highlight key terms as they are introduced.
• Mini-Math Dictionary is provided in Appendix A.
• Complex numbers are covered in a new appendix.