Precalculus Essentials

Ratti and McWaters wrote this series with the primary goal of preparing students to be successful in calculus. Having taught both calculus and precalculus, the authors saw firsthand where students would struggle, where they needed help making connections, and what material they needed in order to succeed in calculus. Their experience in the classroom shows in each chapter, where they emphasize conceptual development, real-life applications, and extensive exercises to encourage a deeper understanding.

With a new addition to the series, Precalculus Essentials, this text offers the best of both worlds: fast-paced, rigorous topics and a friendly, “teacherly” tone. This text is developed with a focus on key topics for calculus preparation.

J.S.Ratti has been teaching mathematics at all levels for over 35 years. He is currently a full professor of mathematics and director of the Center for Mathematical Services at the University of South Florida. Professor Ratti is the author of numerous research papers in analysis, graph theory, and probability. He has won several awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching at University of South Florida and is known as the coauthor of a successful finite mathematics textbook.

Marcus McWaters is currently the chair of the Mathematics Department at the University of South Florida, a position he has held for the last eleven years. Since receiving his PhD in mathematics from the University of Florida, he has taught all levels of undergraduate and graduate courses, with class sizes ranging from 3 to 250. As chair, he has worked intensively to structure a course delivery system for lower level courses that would improve the low retention rate these courses experience across the country. When not involved with mathematics or administrative activity, he enjoys playing racquetball, spending time with his two daughters, and traveling the world with his wife.