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Intermediate Algebra for College Students, 8th edition

Published by Pearson (February 27, 2020) © 2021

  • Robert F. Blitzer Miami Dade College

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For courses in Intermediate Algebra.

Gets them engaged. Keeps them engaged. 

Intermediate Algebra for College Students shows students how math applies to their daily lives and culture. Blitzer's use of realistic, interesting applications piques students' curiosity about mathematical concepts in the world around them. These applications are apparent in his student-friendly examples, unique writing style and thought-provoking features. The 8th Edition updates Blitzer's hallmark applications, with topics relevant to college students (often from pop culture, the news, and everyday life), offers abundant resources to help underprepared students get up to speed, and much more.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Blitzer Bonuses are interesting connections to the math at hand, showcasing it as a dynamic discipline applicable to the real world.
  • Great Question!  presents helpful study tips in the form of a typical student question.
  • Explanatory Voice Balloons translate algebraic ideas into English, clarify problem solving, present alternative approaches, and connect problem-solving strategies to concepts already covered.
  • Check Point exercises after every example help students test their understanding by working a similar exercise.
  • Extensive exercise sets offer a wide variety of exercises, making it easy to create well-rounded homework assignments.
  • Mid-Chapter Check Points help students periodically assess the skills and concepts they've learned separately.

New and updated features of this title

  • Bob Blitzer is on a constant search for data and real-world scenarios that can be used to illustrate algebra applications. 
    • More than 100 new or revised examples, applications and exercises are based on new or updated data sets. 
    • Many of these applications involve topics relevant to college students, such as the earnings of college graduates and political orientation of freshmen. Other applications tackle larger issues such as participation in presidential elections and the pay gap.

Features of MyLab Math for the 8th Edition

  • Integrated Review provides embedded and personalized review of prerequisite topics within relevant chapters. Integrated Review can support a corequisite course model or any course where students would benefit from review. 
    • Integrated Review assignments, including a Skills Check and personalized homework for the review topics, are premade and available to assign in the Assignment Manager. 
    • For students who need to learn or refresh on a particular skill, videos and worksheets are available to give students remediation right where they need it. 
  • Animations powered by GeoGebra encourage conceptual understanding by encouraging hands-on manipulation and exploration. Corresponding assessment exercises check that students have understood the main takeaway of each animation. 
  • A Mindset module offers growth mindset-focused videos and exercises that encourage students to maintain a positive attitude about learning, value their own ability to grow, and view mistakes as a learning opportunity.
  • Personal Inventory Assessments are a collection of online exercises designed to promote self-reflection and engagement in students. These 33 assessments include topics such as a Stress Management Assessment, Diagnosing Poor Performance and Enhancing Motivation, and Time Management Assessment. 
  1. Algebra, Mathematical Models, and Problem Solving
    • 1.1 Algebraic Expressions, Real Numbers, and Interval Notation
    • 1.2 Operations with Real Numbers and Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
    • 1.3 Graphing Equations
    • 1.4 Solving Linear Equations
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 1.5 Problem Solving and Using Formulas
    • 1.6 Properties of Integral Exponents
    • 1.7 Scientific Notation
  2. Functions and Linear Functions
    • 2.1 Introduction to Functions
    • 2.2 Graphs of Functions
    • 2.3 The Algebra of Functions
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 2.4 Linear Functions and Slope
    • 2.5 The Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line
  3. Systems of Linear Equations
    • 3.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
    • 3.2 Problem Solving and Business Applications Using Systems of Equations
    • 3.3 Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 3.4 Matrix Solutions to Linear Systems
    • 3.5 Determinants and Cramer's Rule
  4. Inequalities and Problem Solving
    • 4.1 Solving Linear Inequalities
    • 4.2 Compound Inequalities
    • 4.3 Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 4.4 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
    • 4.5 Linear Programming
  5. Polynomials, Polynomial Functions, and Factoring
    • 5.1 Introduction to Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
    • 5.2 Multiplication of Polynomials
    • 5.3 Greatest Common Factors and Factoring by Grouping
    • 5.4 Factoring Trinomials
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 5.5 Factoring Special Forms
    • 5.6 A General Factoring Strategy
    • 5.7 Polynomial Equations and Their Applications
  6. Rational Expressions, Functions, and Equations
    • 6.1 Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing
    • 6.2 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
    • 6.3 Complex Rational Expressions
    • 6.4 Division of Polynomials
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 6.5 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem
    • 6.6 Rational Equations
    • 6.7 Formulas and Applications of Rational Equations
    • 6.8 Modeling Using Variation
  7. Radicals, Radical Functions, and Rational Exponents
    • 7.1 Radical Expressions and Functions
    • 7.2 Rational Exponents
    • 7.3 Multiplying and Simplifying Radical Expressions
    • 7.4 Adding, Subtracting, and Dividing Radical Expressions
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 7.5 Multiplying with More Than One Term and Rationalizing Denominators
    • 7.6 Radical Equations
    • 7.7 Complex Numbers
  8. Quadratic Equations and Functions
    • 8.1 The Square Root Property and Completing the Square
    • 8.2 The Quadratic Formula
    • 8.3 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 8.4 Equations Quadratic in Form
    • 8.5 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
  9. Exponents and Logarithmic Functions
    • 9.1 Exponential Functions
    • 9.2 Composite and Inverse Functions
    • 9.3 Logarithmic Functions
    • 9.4 Properties of Logarithms
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 9.5 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
    • 9.6 Exponential Growth and Decay; Modeling Data
  10. Conic Sections and Systems of Nonlinear Equations
    • 10.1 Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles
    • 10.2 The Ellipse
    • 10.3 The Hyperbola
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 10.4 The Parabola; Identifying Conic Sections
    • 10.5 Systems of Nonlinear Equations in Two Variables
  11. Sequences, Series, and the Binomial Theorem
    • 11.1 Sequences and Summation Notation
    • 11.2 Arithmetic Sequences
    • 11.3 Geometric Sequences and Series
    • Mid-Chapter Check Point
    • 11.4 The Binomial Theorem

About our author

Bob Blitzer is a native of Manhattan and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual majors in mathematics and psychology (minor: English literature) from the City College of New York. His unusual combination of academic interests led him toward a Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of Miami and a doctorate in behavioral sciences from Nova University. Bob's love for teaching mathematics was nourished for nearly 30 years at Miami Dade College, where he received numerous teaching awards, including Innovator of the Year from the League for Innovations in the Community College and an endowed chair based on excellence in the classroom. Bob has written textbooks covering developmental mathematics, introductory algebra, intermediate algebra, algebra & trigonometry, trigonometry, college algebra, precalculus, and liberal arts mathematics, all published by Pearson. When not secluded in his Northern California writer's cabin, Bob can be found hiking the beaches and trails of Point Reyes National Seashore and tending to the chores required by his beloved entourage of horses, chickens, and irritable roosters.  

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