Features

• Chapter Zero
• Transitional Section
• Real-World Vignette
• Objectives
• Marginal Notes
• Check Yourself Exercises
• Exercise Sets
• Collaborative and Group Exercises
• Summary Exercises
• Cumulative Tests
• Self-Tests

Chapter Zero is provided for your students who may elect to brush up on pre-algebra topics.

The Transitional Section is found between Chapters 6 and 7. It contains summaries of each chapter along with self-tests. Students have an opportunity to review their work from chapters 0-6 in this section so that they may be prepared to move on to topics relating to "Intermediate Algebra."

Each chapter opens with a Real-World Vignette that showcases an example of how mathematics is used in a wide variety of jobs and professions. Problem sets for each section then feature one or more applications that relate to the chapter-opening vignette.

Objectives for each section are clearly identified in the margin. Related media icons are included in these boxes.

Marginal Notes are provided throughout and are designed to help the students focus on important topics and techniques. Caution icons point out potential trouble spots or common errors.

Check Yourself Exercises are designed to actively involve students throughout the learning process. Each example is followed by an exercise that encourages students to solve a problem similar to the one just presented. Answers are provided at the end of the section for immediate feedback.

Complete Exercises sets are at the end of each section. These exercises are designed to reinforce basic skills and develop critical thinking and communication abilities. Exercise sets include, writing exercises, and challenge exercises, all denoted by distinctive icons. The calculator icon points out examples and exercises that illustrate when the calculator can best be used for further understanding of the concept at hand.

Collaborative and Group Exercises provide opportunities for students to develop teamwork, exploration, and conjecture skills.

Summary Exercises are found at the end of each chapter and provide an opportunity for students to review content from each chapter.

The Cumulative Tests help students build on what was previously covered and give them additional opportunities to build skills necessary in preparing for midterm and final exams.

Self-Tests provide students with an opportunity to confirm their understanding of concepts within a particular chapter. For Chapters 0-6, the self-tests are found within the transitional section. For chapters 7-13, the self-tests directly follow the summary exercises.