Beginning Algebra

Building a Better Path To Success!Connecting Knowledge - Sherri prepares her students for success by refreshing their knowledge of arithmetic. By helping students see the connection between arithmetic and algebra, Sherri found that her students were more confident in their abilities as they progressed through the course. This classroom tested practice was integrated into the texts so that both instructors and students could benefit. Messersmith accomplishes this by including arithmetic examples for most sections before the use of algebraic examples. Also, the author has developed through classroom use a series of Basic Skills Worksheets that can easily be integrated into the classroom.
Presenting Concepts in "Bite Size" Pieces - By breaking down the sections into manageable pieces, the author has identified the core places where students traditionally struggle and then assists them in understanding that material to be successful moving forward.
Mastering Concepts - With the textbook and Connect Math hosted by ALEKS, a new online homework and assessment tool, students can practice and master their understanding of algebraic concepts.
Messersmith is rigorous enough to prepare students for the next level yet easy to read and understand. The exposition is written as if a professor is teaching in a lecture to be more accessible to students. The language is mathematically sound yet easy enough for students to understand.

Chapter 1The Real Number System and Geometry 1.1 Review of Fractions 1.2 Exponents and Order of Operations 1.3 Geometry Review 1.4 Sets of Numbers and Absolute Value 1.5 Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers 1.6 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers 1.7 Algebraic Expressions and Properties of Real Numbers Chapter 2 The Rules of Exponents 2.1 Basic Rules of Exponents Part AThe Product Rule and Power Rules Part BCombining the Rules 2.2 Integer Exponents Bases Part AReal-Number Bases Part BVariable Bases 2.3 The Quotient Rule Putting It All Together 2.4 Scientific Notation Chapter 3 Linear Equations and Inequalities 3.1 Solving Linear Equations Part I 3.2 Solving Linear Equations Part II 3.3 Solving Linear Equations Part III 3.4 Applications of Linear Equations 3.5 Applications Involving Percentages 3.6 Geometry Applications and Solving Formulas 3.7 Applications of Linear Equations to Proportions, Money Problems, and d=rt 3.8 Solving Linear Inequalities in One Variable Chapter 4 Linear Equations in Two Variables 4.1 Introduction to Linear Equations in Two Variables 4.2 Graphing by Plotting Points and Finding Intercepts 4.3 The Slope of a Line 4.4 The Slope-Intercept Form of a Line 4.5 Writing an Equation of a Line 4.6 Introduction to Functions Chapter 5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations 5.1 Solving Systems by Graphing 5.2 Solving Systems by Substitution 5.3 Solving Systems by the Elimination Method Putting It All Together 5.4 Applications of Systems of Two Equations 5.5 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables Chapter 6 Polynomials 6.1 Review of the Rules of Exponents 6.2 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials; Graphing 6.3 Multiplication of Polynomials 6.4 Division of Polynomials Chapter 7 Factoring Polynomials 7.1 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping 7.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Form x2+bx+c 7.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax2+bx+c (ä1) 7.4 Factoring Special Trinomials and Binomials Putting It All Together 7.5 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring 7.6 Applications of Quadratic Equations Chapter 8 Rational Expressions 8.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions 8.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions 8.3 Finding the Least Common Denominator 8.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions Putting It All Together 8.5 Simplifying Complex Fractions 8.6 Solving Rational Equations 8.7 Applications of Rational Equations and Variation Chapter 9 Radicals and Rational Exponents 9.1 Finding Roots 9.2 Simplifying Expressions Containing Radicals 9.3 Adding and Subtracting Radicals 9.4 Combining Operations on Radicals 9.5 Dividing Radicals 9.6 Solving Radical Equations 9.7 Rational Exponents Chapter 10 Quadratic Equations 10.1 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property 10.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square 10.3 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula Putting It All Together 10.4 Complex Numbers 10.5 Graphs of Quadratic Equations Appendix A.1Mean, Median, and Mode A.2Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables A.3Quadratic Inequalities