A Graphical Approach to Algebra and Trigonometry

by John Hornsby, Margaret L. Lial, Gary K. Rockswold

A Graphical Approach to Algebra and Trigonometry illustrates how the graph of a function can be used to support the solutions of equations and inequalities involving the function. Beginning with linear functions in Chapter 1, the text uses a four-part process to analyze each type of function, starting first with the graph of the function, then the equation, the associated inequality of that equation, and ending with applications. The text covers all of the topics typically caught in a college algebra course, but with an organization that fosters students’ understanding of the interrelationships among graphs, equations, and inequalities. With the Fifth Edition, the text continues to evolve as it addresses the changing needs of today’s students. Included are additional components to build skills, address critical thinking, solve applications, and apply technology to support traditional algebraic solutions, while maintaining its unique table of contents and functions-based approach. A Graphical Approach to Algebra and Trigonometry continues to incorporate an open design, with helpful features and careful explanations of topics.

Genres: Mathematics

992 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2006

About the author

When John Hornsby enrolled as an undergraduate at Louisiana State University, he was uncertain whether he wanted to study mathematics education or journalism. His ultimate decision was to become a teacher, and now after more than twenty-five years of teaching at the high school and university levels and fifteen years of writing mathematics textbooks, both of his goals have been realized. His love for both teaching andmathematics is evident in his passion for working with students and fellow teachers as well. His specific professional interests are recreational mathematics, mathematics history, and incorporating graphing calculators into the curriculum. John's personal life is busy, as he devotes time to his family (wife Gwen, and sons Chris, Jack, and Josh). He has been a rabid baseball fan all of his life. John's other hobbies include numismatics (the study of coins) and record collecting. He loves the music of the 1960s and has an extensive collection of the recorded works of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Reviews

[Nyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Additional Review 4/25/18

I have nothing to add to this review perse. Just noting that trigonometry has been the most challenging class I have ever taken, and I will be thrilled if I escaped it with a passing grade. We concentrated on chapters 8 through 10 for the course, and all of chapter nine kicked my butt up one side of the street and down the other.
I have never been very good at remembering formulas, theorems, or the like, but this class made me feel as though my mind was made of swiss cheese.
My only book related complaint would be for there to be more, varied, examples.

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Original Review
With my final precalculus exam under my belt, I can say that I have finished this textbook...for now.
However, I'll be picking it up again in just over a month as we will be using this same text for trigonometry next semester.

Pros - A lot of information, and I do like that there is an example problem for each concept covered in a chapter. I also like that it highlights what I'll need in Calculus as well.

Cons - There are times that the authors make assumptions about prior knowledge and therefore do not always work the examples all the way through. Occasionally steps are skipped that can make following along difficult, especially since our Precal class started with Chapter 5. There are concepts that a student may have either not covered in detail before taking this class or forgot along the way.

I'm giving it a 3 for now. I plan to follow up on this review after my trigonometry class as well.