This classic in the series of highly respected Swokowski/Cole mathematics texts retains the elements that have made it so popular with instructors and students alike: it is clearly written, the time-tested exercise sets feature a variety of applications, its exposition is clear, its uncluttered layout is appealing, and the difficulty level of problems is appropriate and consistent. Now this Ninth Edition of Fundamentals of Algebra and Trigonometry has been improved in three important ways. First, discussions have been rewritten to enable students to more easily understand the mathematical concepts presented. Second, exercises have been added that require students to estimate, approximate, interpret a result, write a summary, create a model, explore, or find a generalization. Third, graphing calculators have been incorporated to a greater extent through the addition of examples and exercises as well as the inclusion of a cross-referenced appendix on the use of the TI-82/83. All of this has been accomplished without compromising the mathematical integrity that is the hallmark of this text.
I do not know about you. But I can study math a lot better if the book has a hard cover. This first chapter assumes you are coming from ground zero and is good to read just to brush up or see if there is anything new, that you missed originally. There is a smooth transition and a gradual complexity as you go from the fundamentals through the subject. Now some people will complain that it is not all practical or applied. This was not designed as a course for practical or applied. However, it sure helps when reading other books that can only explain things in at least rudimentary math.
Even the fundamentals of trig are needed to follow The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski. Now I call that practical.