Easy Pre-Calculus Step-by-Step, Second Edition by Carolyn Wheater (US edition, paperback) - 9781260135114

Get the knowledge and skills you need to solve pre-calculus problems with confidence!The quickest route to learning a subject is through a solid grounding in the basics. Rather than endless drills, this accessible guide presents an original, step-by-step approach to help you develop a better understanding of pre-calculus topics. You’ll find important concepts linked together by clear explanations, invaluable exercises, and helpful worked-out problems. Once you’ve mastered the topics in this book, you will find yourself well-equipped to begin your calculus studies.   This book features:• A new Trigonometry chapter that will round out your pre-calculus studies• Clear explanations that break down concepts into easy-to-understand steps• Stay-in-step "pop-ups" offering helpful advice and cautions against common errors• Step-it-up skill-building exercises linking practice to the core steps already presented• Worked-out solutions to all exercises that reinforce understanding of concepts1 Graphs and the Graphing CalculatorStep 1. Review Linear EquationsStep 2. Meet the ParentsStep 3. Master the Fundamentals of GraphingStep 4. Transform the GraphsStep 5. Master Basic Calculator Skills2 FunctionsStep 1. Analyze Relations and FunctionsStep 2. Perform Arithmetic of FunctionsStep 3. Compose FunctionsStep 4. Find Inverse Functions3 Quadratic FunctionsStep 1. Solve Quadratic FunctionsStep 2. Explore Complex NumbersStep 3. Graph ParabolasStep 4. Apply What You’ve Learned4 Polynomial FunctionsStep 1. Factor PolynomialsStep 2. Use Synthetic Division to Find ZerosStep 3. Use Long Division to Factor PolynomialsStep 4. Find the Zeros of Polynomial FunctionsStep 5. Graph Polynomial Functions5 Rational FunctionsStep 1. Operate with Rational ExpressionsStep 2. Deal with DiscontinuitiesStep 3. Examine End BehaviorStep 4. Find InterceptsStep 5. Graph Rational Functions6 Conic SectionsStep 1. Analyze and Graph ParabolasStep 2. Analyze and Graph EllipsesStep 3. Analyze and Graph CirclesStep 4. Analyze and Graph HyperbolasStep 5. Graph and Solve Quadratic Systems7 Exponential and Logarithmic FunctionsStep 1. Get to Know the Exponential FunctionStep 2. Define the Logarithmic FunctionStep 3. Learn to Use Properties of LogarithmsStep 4. Solve Exponential and Logarithmic EquationsStep 5. Explore Exponential Growth and Decay8 Radical FunctionsStep 1. Review Rules for ExponentsStep 2. Simplify Radicals and Rationalize DenominatorsStep 3. Explore the Square Root and Cube Root Functions9 Systems of EquationsStep 1. Review Two-Variable Linear SystemsStep 2. Solve Systems of Linear Equations in Three VariablesStep 3. Solve Nonlinear Systems10 Matrices and DeterminantsStep 1. Master Matrix ArithmeticStep 2. Find DeterminantsStep 3. Apply Cramer’s RuleStep 4. Fi