Beginning Algebra, 11th Edition

xi

Preface

It is with pleasure that we offer the eleventh edition of Beginning Algebra. With each

new edition, the text has been shaped and adapted to meet the changing needs of both

students and educators, and this edition faithfully continues that process. As always,

we have taken special care to respond to the specific suggestions of users and re-

viewers through enhanced discussions, new and updated examples and exercises,

helpful features, updated figures and graphs, and an extensive package of supple-

ments and study aids. We believe the result is an easy-to-use, comprehensive text that

is the best edition yet.

Students who have never studied algebra—as well as those who require further review

of basic algebraic concepts before taking additional courses in mathematics, busi-

ness, science, nursing, or other fields—will benefit from the text’s student-oriented

approach. Of particular interest to students and instructors will be the Study

Skills activities and Now Try Exercises.

This text is part of a series that also includes the following books:

NIntermediate Algebra,Eleventh Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis

NBeginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and

McGinnis

NAlgebra for College Students,Seventh Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis

In this edition of the text, we are pleased to offer the following new student-oriented

features:

Study SkillsPoor study skills are a major reason why students do not succeed in

mathematics. In these short activities, we provide helpful information, tips, and

strategies on a variety of essential study skills, including Reading Your Math Text-

book, Tackling Your Homework, Taking Math Tests,andManaging Your Time.While

most of the activities are concentrated in the early chapters of the text, each has been

designed independently to allow flexible use with individuals or small groups of stu-

dents, or as a source of material for in-class discussions. (See pages 48 and 163.)

Now Try ExercisesTo actively engage students in the learning process, we now

include a parallel margin exercise juxtaposed with each numbered example. These all-

new exercises enable students to immediately apply and reinforce the concepts and

skills presented in the corresponding examples. Answers are conveniently located on

the same page so students can quickly check their results. (See pages 3 and 87.)

Revised Exposition As each section of the text was being revised, we paid special

attention to the exposition, which has been tightened and polished. (See Section 1.

Real Numbers and the Number Line, for example.) We believe this has improved dis-

cussions and presentations of topics.

NEW IN THIS EDITION

NEW