Preface

Welcome to Algebra and Trigonometry, an OpenStax resource. This textbook was written to increase student access to high-quality learning materials, maintaining highest standards of academic rigor at little to no cost.

About OpenStax

OpenStax is a nonprofit based at Rice University, and it’s our mission to improve student access to education. Our first openly licensed college textbook was published in 2012, and our library has since scaled to over 20 books for college and AP courses used by hundreds of thousands of students. Our adaptive learning technology, designed to improve learning outcomes through personalized educational paths, is being piloted in college courses throughout the country. Through our partnerships with philanthropic foundations and our alliance with other educational resource organizations, OpenStax is breaking down the most common barriers to learning and empowering students and instructors to succeed.

About OpenStax Resources

Customization

Algebra and Trigonometry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) license, which means that you can distribute, remix, and build upon the content, as long as you provide attribution to OpenStax and its content contributors.

Because our books are openly licensed, you are free to use the entire book or pick and choose the sections that are most relevant to the needs of your course. Feel free to remix the content by assigning your students certain chapters and sections in your syllabus, in the order that you prefer. You can even provide a direct link in your syllabus to the sections in the web view of your book.

Instructors also have the option of creating a customized version of their OpenStax book. The custom version can be made available to students in low-cost print or digital form through their campus bookstore. Visit your book page on openstax.org for more information.

Errata

All OpenStax textbooks undergo a rigorous review process. However, like any professional-grade textbook, errors sometimes occur. Since our books are web based, we can make updates periodically when deemed pedagogically necessary. If you have a correction to suggest, submit it through the link on your book page on openstax.org. Subject matter experts review all errata suggestions. OpenStax is committed to remaining transparent about all updates, so you will also find a list of past errata changes on your book page on openstax.org.

Format

You can access this textbook for free in web view or PDF through openstax.org, and for a low cost in print.

Coverage and Scope

In determining the concepts, skills, and topics to cover, we engaged dozens of highly experienced instructors with a range of student audiences. The resulting scope and sequence proceeds logically while allowing for a significant amount of flexibility in instruction.

Chapters 1 and 2 provide both a review and foundation for study of functions that begins in Chapter 3. The authors recognize that while some institutions may find this material a prerequisite, other institutions have told us that they have a cohort that needs the prerequisite skills built into the course.

  • Chapter 1: Prerequisites
  • Chapter 2: Equations and Inequalities

Chapters 3-6: The Algebraic Functions

  • Chapter 3: Functions
  • Chapter 4: Linear Functions
  • Chapter 5: Polynomial and Rational Functions
  • Chapter 6: Exponential and Logarithm Functions

Chapters 7-10: A Study of Trigonometry

  • Chapter 7: The Unit Circle: Sine and Cosine Functions
  • Chapter 8: Periodic Functions
  • Chapter 9: Trigonometric Identities and Equations
  • Chapter 10: Further Applications of Trigonometry

Chapters 11-13: Further Study in Algebra and Trigonometry

  • Chapter 11: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Chapter 12: Analytic Geometry
  • Chapter 13: Sequences, Probability, and Counting Theory

All chapters are broken down into multiple sections, the titles of which can be viewed in the Table of Contents.

Development Overview

OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry is the product of a collaborative effort by a group of dedicated authors, editors, and instructors whose collective passion for this project has resulted in a text that is remarkably unified in purpose and voice. Special thanks is due to our Lead Author, Jay Abramson of Arizona State University, who provided the overall vision for the book and oversaw the development of each and every chapter, drawing up the initial blueprint, reading numerous drafts, and assimilating field reviews into actionable revision plans for our authors and editors.

The collective experience of our author team allowed us to pinpoint the subtopics, exceptions, and individual connections that give students the most trouble. The textbook is therefore replete with well-designed features and highlights which help students overcome these barriers. As the students read and practice, they are coached in methods of thinking through problems and internalizing mathematical processes.

Accuracy of the Content

We understand that precision and accuracy are imperatives in mathematics, and undertook a dedicated accuracy program led by experienced faculty.

  1. Each chapter’s manuscript underwent rounds of review and revision by a panel of active instructors.
  2. Then, prior to publication, a separate team of experts checked all text, examples, and graphics for mathematical accuracy; multiple reviewers were assigned to each chapter to minimize the chances of any error escaping notice.
  3. A third team of experts was responsible for the accuracy of the Answer Key, dutifully re-working every solution to eradicate any lingering errors. Finally, the editorial team conducted a multi-round post-production review to ensure the integrity of the content in its final form.

Pedagogical Foundations and Features

Learning Objectives

Each chapter is divided into multiple sections (or modules), each of which is organized around a set of learning objectives. The learning objectives are listed explicitly at the beginning of each section and are the focal point of every instructional element

Narrative text

Narrative text is used to introduce key concepts, terms, and definitions, to provide real-world context, and to provide transitions between topics and examples. Throughout this book, we rely on a few basic conventions to highlight the most important ideas:

  • Key terms are boldfaced, typically when first introduced and/or when formally defined.
  • Key concepts and definitions are called out in a blue box for easy reference.

Examples

Each learning objective is supported by one or more worked examples, that demonstrate the problem-solving approaches that students must master. The multiple Examples model different approaches to the same type of problem, or introduce similar problems of increasing complexity.

All Examples follow a simple two- or three-part format. The question clearly lays out a mathematical problem to solve. The Solution walks through the steps, usually providing context for the approach—in other words, why the instructor is solving the problem in a specific manner. Finally, the Analysis (for select Examples) reflects on the broader implications of the Solution just shown. Examples are followed by a Try It question, as explained below.

Figures

Algebra and Trigonometry contains figures and illustrations, the vast majority of which are graphs and diagrams. Art throughout the text adheres to a clear, understated style, drawing the eye to the most important information in each figure while minimizing visual distractions. Color contrast is employed with discretion to distinguish between the different functions or features of a graph.

 

Example figure

Supporting Features

Four unobtrusive but important features contribute to and check understanding.

  • how-toA “How To” is a list of steps necessary to solve a certain type of problem. A How To typically precedes an Example that proceeds to demonstrate the steps in action.
  • try-it A “Try It” exercise immediately follows an Example or a set of related Examples, providing the student with an immediate opportunity to solve a similar problem. In the Web View version of the text, students can click an Answer link directly below the question to check their understanding. In the PDF, answers to the Try-It exercises are located in the Answer Key.
  • QA A Q&A may appear at any point in the narrative, but most often follows an Example. This feature pre-empts misconceptions by posing a commonly asked yes/no question, followed by a detailed answer and explanation.
  • media The “Media” icon appears at the conclusion of each section, just prior to the Section Exercises. This icon marks a list of links to online video tutorials that reinforce the concepts and skills introduced in the section.

While we have selected tutorials that closely align to our learning objectives, we did not produce these tutorials, nor were they specifically produced or tailored to accompany Algebra and Trigonometry.

Section Exercises

Each section of every chapter concludes with a well-rounded set of exercises that can be assigned as homework or used selectively for guided practice. With over 6300 exercises across the 13 chapters, instructors should have plenty from which to choose1.

Section Exercises are organized by question type, and generally appear in the following order:

  • Verbal questions assess conceptual understanding of key terms and concepts.
  • Algebraic problems require students to apply algebraic manipulations demonstrated in the section.
  • Graphical problems assess students’ ability to interpret or produce a graph.
  • Numeric problems require the student to perform calculations or computations.
  • Technology problems encourage exploration through use of a graphing utility, either to visualize or verify algebraic results or to solve problems via an alternative to the methods demonstrated in the section.
  • Extensions pose problems more challenging than the Examples demonstrated in the section. They require students to synthesize multiple learning objectives or apply critical thinking to solve complex problems.
  • Real-World Applications present realistic problem scenarios from fields such as physics, geology, biology, finance, and the social sciences.

Chapter Review Features

Each chapter concludes with a review of the most important takeaways, as well as additional practice problems that students can use to prepare for exams.

  • Key Terms provides a formal definition for each bold-faced term in the chapter.
  • Key Equations presents a compilation of formulas, theorems, and standard-form equations.
  • Key Concepts summarizes the most important ideas introduced in each section, linking back to the relevant Example(s) in case students need to review.
  • Chapter Review Exercises include 40-80 practice problems that recall the most important concepts from each section.
  • Practice Test includes 25-50 problems assessing the most important learning objectives from the chapter. Note that the practice test is not organized by section, and may be more heavily weighted toward cumulative objectives as opposed to the foundational objectives covered in the opening sections.

Additional Resources

Student and Instructor Resources

We’ve compiled additional resources for both students and instructors, including Getting Started Guides, instructor solution manual, and PowerPoint slides. Instructor resources require a verified instructor account, which can be requested on your openstax.org log-in. Take advantage of these resources to supplement your OpenStax book.

Partner Resources

OpenStax Partners are our allies in the mission to make high-quality learning materials affordable and accessible to students and instructors everywhere. Their tools integrate seamlessly with our OpenStax titles at a low cost. To access the partner resources for your text, visit your book page on openstax.org.

About the Authors

Senior Contributing Authors

Jay Abramson, Arizona State University

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Jay Abramson has been teaching Precalculus for 33 years, the last 14 at Arizona State University, where he is a principal lecturer in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. His accomplishments at ASU include co-developing the university’s first hybrid and online math courses as well as an extensive library of video lectures and tutorials. In addition, he has served as a contributing author for two of Pearson Education’s math programs, NovaNet Precalculus and Trigonometry. Prior to coming to ASU, Jay taught at Texas State Technical College and Amarillo College. He received Teacher of the Year awards at both institutions.

Contributing Authors

Valeree Falduto, Palm Beach State College

Rachael Gross, Towson University

David Lippman, Pierce College

Melonie Rasmussen, Pierce College

Rick Norwood, East Tennessee State University

Nicholas Belloit, Florida State College Jacksonville

Jean-Marie Magnier, Springfield Technical Community College

Harold Whipple

Christina Fernandez

Reviewers

Phil Clark, Scottsdale Community College

Michael Cohen, Hofstra University

Charles Conrad, Volunteer State Community College

David French, Tidewater Community College

Matthew Goodell, SUNY Ulster

Lance Hemlow, Raritan Valley Community College

Dongrin Kim, Arizona State University

Cynthia Landrigan, Eerie Community College

Wendy Lightheart, Lane Community College

Chinenye Ofodile, Albany State University

Carl Penziul, Tompkins-Cortland Community College

Sandra Nite, Texas A&M University

Eugenia Peterson, Richard J. Daley College

Rhonda Porter, Albany State University

Michael Price, University of Oregon

Steven Purtee, Valencia College

William Radulovich, Florida State College Jacksonville

Camelia Salajean, City Colleges of Chicago

Katy Shields, Oakland Community College

Nathan Schrenk, ECPI University

Pablo Suarez, Delaware State University

Allen Wolmer, Atlanta Jewish Academy

The following faculty contributed to the development of OpenStax Precalculus, the text from which this product was updated and derived.

Precalculus Reviewers

Nina Alketa, Cecil College

Kiran Bhutani, Catholic University of America

Brandie Biddy, Cecil College

Lisa Blank, Lyme Central School

Bryan Blount, Kentucky Wesleyan College

Jessica Bolz, The Bryn Mawr School

Sheri Boyd, Rollins College

Sarah Brewer, Alabama School of Math and Science

Charles Buckley, St. Gregory’s University
Michael Cohen, Hofstra University

Kenneth Crane, Texarkana College

Rachel Cywinski, Alamo Colleges

Nathan Czuba

Srabasti Dutta, Ashford University

Kristy Erickson, Cecil College

Nicole Fernandez, Georgetown University / Kent State University

David French, Tidewater Community College

Douglas Furman, SUNY Ulster

Lance Hemlow, Raritan Valley Community College

Erinn Izzo, Nicaragua Christian Academy

John Jaffe

Jerry Jared, Blue Ridge School

Stan Kopec, Mount Wachusett Community College

Kathy Kovacs

Cynthia Landrigan, Erie Community College

Sara Lenhart, Christopher Newport University

Wendy Lightheart, Lane Community College

Joanne Manville, Bunker Hill Community College

Karla McCavit, Albion College

Cynthia McGinnis, Northwest Florida State College

Lana Neal, University of Texas at Austin

Rhonda Porter, Albany State University

Steven Purtee, Valencia College

William Radulovich, Florida State College Jacksonville

Alice Ramos, Bethel College

Nick Reynolds, Montgomery Community College

Amanda Ross, A. A. Ross Consulting and Research, LLC

Erica Rutter, Arizona State University

Sutandra Sarkar, Georgia State University

Willy Schild, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Todd Stephen, Cleveland State University

Scott Sykes, University of West Georgia

Linda Tansil, Southeast Missouri State University

John Thomas, College of Lake County

Diane Valade, Piedmont Virginia Community College

Allen Wolmer, Atlanta Jewish Academy

Footnotes

  • 1 6,367 total exercises. Includes Chapter Reviews and Practice Tests.

License

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Algebra and Trigonometry OpenStax Copyright © 2015 by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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