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The following descriptions serve as an introduction to the specific
features included within this text.
Examples and Matched Problems
Integrated throughout the text, completely worked examples
and practice problems are used to introduce concepts and demonstrate
problem-solving techniques. Each example is followed by a similar Matched
Problem for the student to work through while reading the material.
Answers to the matched problems are located at the end of each section,
for easy reference. This active involvement in the learning process
helps students develop a more thorough understanding of algebraic concepts
and processes.
Technology
The generic term "graphing utility" is used
to refer to any of the various graphing calculators or computer software
packages that might be available to students using this book. The use
of a graphing utility is optional within this text. To assist those
that choose to use a graphing utility, optional activities are included
throughout the book beginning in Chapter 3. These include brief discussions
in the text, examples or portions of examples solved on a graphing utility,
and problems for the student to solve. All optional graphing material
is clearly identified by the following symbol 
and can be omitted without loss of continuity, if desired.
Exploration and Discussion
Interspersed at appropriate places in every section,
Explore/Discuss boxes encourage students to think critically about mathematics
and to explore key concepts in more detail. Verbalization of mathematical
concepts, results, and processes is encouraged in these Explore/Discuss
boxes, as well as in some matched problems, and in particular problems
in almost every exercise set. Explore/Discuss material can be used in
class or as an out-of-class activity.
Balanced Exercise Sets
College Algebra with Trigonometry
contains over 5600 problems. Each Exercise Set is designed so that an
average or below-average student will experience success and a very
capable student will be challenged. Exercise Sets are found at the end
of each section in the text, and are divided into A (routine, easy mechanics),
B (more difficult mechanics), and C (difficult mechanics and some theory)
levels of difficulty so that students at all levels can be challenged.
Problem numbers that appear in blue indicate exercises that require
the students to apply their reasoning and writing skills to the solution
of the problem.
Applications
One of the primary objectives
of this book is to give the student substantial experience in modeling
and solving real-world problems. Over 700 application exercises help
convince even the most skeptical student that mathematics is relevant
to everyday life. The most difficult application problems are marked
with two stars (HH),
the moderately difficult application problems with one star (H),
and the easier application problems are not marked. An Applications
Index is included in the back of this textbook to help locate particular
applications.
Functional Use of Four Colors
The functional use of four colors improves the clarity
of many illustrations, graphs, and developments, and guides students
through certain critical steps.
Foundation for Calculus
As many students will use this book to prepare for
a calculus course, examples and exercises that are especially pertinent
to calculus are marked with an icon. 
Group Activities
A Group Activity is located at the end of each chapter
and involves many of the
concepts discussed in that chapter. These activities strongly encourage
the verbalization of mathematical concepts, results, and processes.
All of these special activities are highlighted to emphasize their importance.
Graphs and Illustrations
All graphs in this text are computer generated to ensure
mathematical accuracy. Graphing utility screens displayed in the text
are actual output from a graphing calculator.
Boldface Type
Boldface type is used to introduce new terms and highlight
important comments.
Think Boxes
Think boxes are dashed boxes used to enclose steps
that are usually performed mentally.
Caution Boxes
Caution boxes appear throughout the text to indicate
where student errors often occur.
Annotation
Annotation of examples and developments, in small colored
type, is found throughout the text to help students through critical
stages.
Screened Boxes
Screened boxes are used to highlight important definitions,
theorems, results, and step-by-step processes.
Chapter Review
Chapter Review sections are provided at the end of
each chapter and include a thorough review of all the important terms
and symbols. This recap is followed by a comprehensive set of review
exercises.
Cumulative Review Exercise
A Cumulative Review Exercise is provided after every
second or third chapter, for additional reinforcement.
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