|
Textbook
Precalculus: A Prelude to Calculus, 2nd EditionNovember 2012, ©2013
 |
Sheldon Axler's Precalculus focuses only on topics that students actually need to succeed in calculus. Because of this, Precalculus is a very manageable size even though it includes a student solutions manual. The book is geared towards courses with intermediate algebra prerequisites and it does not assume that students remember any trigonometry. It covers topics such as inverse functions, logarithms, half-life and exponential growth, area, e, the exponential function, the natural logarithm and trigonometry.
The Student Solutions Manual is integrated at the end of every section. The proximity of the solutions encourages students to go back and read the main text as they are working through the problems and exercises. The inclusion of the manual also saves students money. Axler’s Precalculus is available with WileyPLUS, a research-based, online environment for effective teaching and learning.
Chapter 0: The Real Numbers
Chapter 1: Functions and Their Graphs
Chapter 2: Linear, Quadratic, Polynomial, and Rational Functions
Chapter 3: Exponential Functions, Logarithms, and e
Chapter 4: Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 5: Trigonometric Algebra and Geometry
Chapter 6: Applications of Trigonometry
Chapter 7: Sequences, Series, and Limits
Chapter 8: Systems of Linear Equations
- Numerous examples, exercises, and problems have been be added to the text, including many that are applications oriented.
- Multiple significant improvements have been made throughout the text to enhance clarity and understanding for student readers.
- Conics are now covered in more depth. Rather than being scattered throughout the book, this topic has been consolidated into one section.
- A subsection on the Binomial Theorem has been added to Chapter 7 (Sequences, Series, and Limits).
- Trigonometry content has been rearranged from two to three chapters. This change allows for more thought-provoking applications.
- A section on parametric curves has been added.
- Coverage of vectors and the complex plane has been expanded from one section to two in the new edition, allowing for better coverage of each of these topics.
- WolframAlpha launched after the first edition published. To help students utilize this free new resource, scattered examples using WolframAlpha have been incorporated into the Second Edition.
- Systems of linear equations and matrices have been moved from Section 2.7 to Chapter 8. These topics, which have been expanded, can be easily skipped by instructors focusing only on material needed for first-semester calculus.
- Manageable Size: Even with a student solutions manual included, the text is shorter and more concise than other Precalculus books. It is also cost-effective for students because they do not have to purchase a separate solutions manual.
- Flexible and Plentiful Topics: The text is not overloaded with extraneous topics.
- Designed to be Read: The writing style and layout are meant to encourage students to read and understand the material. Explanations are plentiful with descriptions of concepts making the ideas concrete whenever possible.
- Technology Optional: To aid instructors in presenting the kind of course they want, an icon appears next to exercises and problems that require students to use a calculator. Some exercises and problems that require a calculator are intentionally designed to make students realize that by understanding the material, they can overcome the limitations of calculators.
- Worked-Out Solutions to Odd-Numbered Exercises: These solutions are written exclusively by the author. Therefore students can expect a consistent approach to the material.
Available Versions
Previous Edition
Resources for
Instructors
Contact a Wiley Sales Rep
Find Your Rep
Evaluation Copy
Request an Evaluation Copy
Resources for
Students
Related Subjects
Interactive Tour
