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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 2. 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
Precalculus: Functions and graphs
contains over 5900 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 600 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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