ix
Preface
It is with pleasure that we offer the eleventh edition of Intermediate 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 al-
ways, we have taken special care to respond to the specific suggestions of users and
reviewers 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 re-
view of basic algebraic concepts before taking additional courses in mathematics,
business, 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:
N Beginning Algebra,Eleventh Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis
N Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and
McGinnis
N Algebra for College Students,Seventh Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis
We are pleased to offer the following new student-oriented features and study aids:
Lial Video Library This collection of video resources helps students navigate the
road to success. It is available in MyMathLab and on Video Resources on DVD.
MyWorkBookThis helpful guide provides extra practice exercises for every chap-
ter of the text and includes the following resources for every section:
N Key vocabulary terms and vocabulary practice problems
N Guided Examples with step-by-step solutions and similar Practice Exercises,
keyed to the text by Learning Objective
N References to textbook Examples and Section Lecture Videos for additional help
N Additional Exercises with ample space for students to show their work, keyed to
the text by Learning Objective
Study Skills Poor 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 102 and 225.)
NEW IN THIS EDITION