Pre-Calculus For Dummies, 2E - Softcover

Grasp the principles and concepts you need to score high in pre-calculus

Getting ready for calculus but feel confused? Have no fear! This un-intimidating guide walks you through all the essential topics, from absolute value and quadratic equations to logarithms and exponential functions to trig identities and matrix operations. You'll understand the concepts — not just the number crunching — and see how to perform all the tasks you need to score high at exam time.

• Pre-calculus 101 — get a review of the Algebra II you need to know, real numbers, and how to graph, solve, and perform operations with functions

• What's your angle? — take a tour of the essentials of trigonometry, from angles, right triangles, and trig ratios to graphing the parent graph of the six basic trig functions

• Keep it simple — discover how to simplify trig expressions and solve for an unknown variable using formulas and identities (and solve triangles that aren't right triangles using Law of Sines and Law of Cosines)

• Not just plane thinking — delve into analytic geometry and system solving with the understanding of complex numbers, polar-coordinate graphing, conics, systems of equations, sequences, and more

Open the book and find:

• An overview of pre-calculus

• Tips on graphing trig functions like a pro

• How to apply the major theorems and formulas

• The lowdown on analytic geometry

• Guidance on identifying limits and continuity

• The 4-1-1 on working with a graphing calculator

• The laws for solving oblique triangles

• Everything you need to prepare for calculus

Learn to:

• Grasp essential pre-calculus topics

• Apply the major theorems and formulas

• Tackle proofs with confidence and ease

Yang Kuang, PhD, is a professor of mathematics at Arizona State University. He currently serves on the calculus committee where he and other members discuss what and how to teach calculus to students majoring in math and physical sciences. Elleyne Kase is a professional writer.