Mathematics for the Trades: A Guided Approach, 12th edition

Published by Pearson (19 October 2026) © 2027

  • Hal M. Saunders Santa Barbara High School
  • Robert A. Carman Santa Barbara Community College
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In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More supportive. Get AI explanations and practice questions (select titles).
  • More interactive. Bring learning to life with audio, videos, and diagrams.
  • More memorable. Make concepts stick with highlights, search, notes, and flashcards.
  • More understandable. Translate text into 100+ languages with one tap.
 
Products list

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  • Register with a Course ID, a link from your instructor or an LMS link (Blackboard™, Canvas™, Moodle or D2L®)

Features

  • Interactive digital learning experience
  • Help when and where you need it
  • Instant feedback on assignments
  • Apps and study tools
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Details

  • A print edition you can rent
  • Fulfilled by eCampus.com
  • Option to keep after rental expires

Title overview

Mathematics for the Trades: A Guided Approach helps you build a foundation of math skills needed for trades in electrical, automotive, plumbing, allied health, construction, and many others. Every concept is presented entirely in the context of practical on-the-job applications. A friendly, straightforward style makes the content manageable regardless of your background in math.

The 12th Edition updates dozens of applications with current data; adds new application exercises; revises many calculator keystroke sequences; updates photos throughout in full color; and much more.

Table of contents

  • Preface
  • How to Use This Book
  1. Arithmetic of Whole Numbers
    • Preview
    • 1-1 Reading, Writing, Rounding, and Adding Whole Numbers
    • 1-2 Subtraction of Whole Numbers
    • 1-3 Multiplication of Whole Numbers
    • 1-4 Division of Whole Numbers
    • 1-5 Order of Operations
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
    • Using a Calculator, I: Whole-Number Calculations
  2. Fractions
    • Preview
    • 2-1 Working with Fractions
    • 2-2 Multiplication of Fractions
    • 2-3 Division of Fractions
    • 2-4 Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
    • Using a Calculator, II: Fractions
  3. Decimal Numbers
    • Preview
    • 3-1 Addition and Subtraction of Decimal Numbers
    • 3-2 Multiplication and Division of Decimal Numbers
    • 3-3 Decimal Fractions
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
    • Using a Calculator, III: Decimals
  4. Ratio, Proportion, and Percent
    • Preview
    • 4-1 Ratio and Proportion
    • 4-2 Special Applications of Ratio and Proportion
    • 4-3 Introduction to Percent
    • 4-4 Percent Problems
    • 4-5 Special Applications of Percent Calculations
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  5. Measurement
    • Preview
    • 5-1 Working with Measurement Numbers
    • 5-2 U.S. Customary Units and Unit Conversion
    • 5-3 Metric Units
    • 5-4 Metric—U.S. Customary Conversions
    • 5-5 Direct Measurements
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  6. Pre-Algebra
    • Preview
    • 6-1 Addition of Signed Numbers
    • 6-2 Subtraction of Signed Numbers
    • 6-3 Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
    • 6-4 Exponents and Square Roots
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  7. Basic Algebra
    • Preview
    • 7-1 Algebraic Language and Formulas
    • 7-2 Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Expressions
    • 7-3 Solving Simple Equations
    • 7-4 Solving Two-Operation Equations
    • 7-5 Solving More Equations and Solving Formulas
    • 7-6 Solving Word Problems
    • 7-7 Multiplying and Dividing Algebraic Expressions
    • 7-8 Scientific Notation
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  8. Practical Plane Geometry
    • Preview
    • 8-1 Angle Measurement
    • 8-2 Perimeter of Polygons and Area of Quadrilaterals
    • 8-3 Triangles, Regular Hexagons, and Irregular Polygons
    • 8-4 Circles
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  9. Solid Figures
    • Preview
    • 9-1 Prisms
    • 9-2 Pyramids and Frustums of Pyramids
    • 9-3 Cylinders and Spheres
    • 9-4 Cones and Frustums of Cones
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  10. Triangle Trigonometry
    • Preview
    • 10-1 Angles and Right Triangles
    • 10-2 Trigonometric Ratios
    • 10-3 Solving Right Triangles
    • 10-4 Oblique Triangles
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  11. Intermediate Algebra
    • Preview
    • 11-1 Systems of Equations
    • 11-2 Quadratic Equations
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  12. Statistics
    • Preview
    • 12-1 Reading and Constructing Graphs
    • 12-2 Measures of Central Tendency
    • 12-3 Measures of Dispersion
    • Summary
    • Problem Set
  • Answers to Previews
  • Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems
  • Protractor, Multiplication Table, and Metric Ruler
  • Index
  • Index of Applications
  • Credits

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