Precalculus: A
Study of Functions and Their Applications Swanson,
Andersen, and Keeley
Precalculus: A Study of Functions
and Their Applications has several important features:
Coverage of Functions Each of
the basic types of functions (linear, exponential, logarithmic, periodic,
and power) are introduced early in the book. Properties of these functions
are developed throughout the reminder of the text. This leads to a natural
review as students build on their understanding of these functions. It
also emphasizes the connections of mathematical ideas by unifying the study
of functions around mathematical concepts rather than around types of functions.
Writing Style Students are expected
to read the text. It is written in a conversational format addressed to
the student. Reading questions are incorporated throughout each section.
In these questions, students are asked to write about key concepts and
do simple problems.
Exercises & Investigations
Each exercise set includes investigations. These are extended problems
in which students explore either a mathematical concept or an application.
Several topics covered in the reading first appear as an investigation
in an earlier section. This foreshadows mathematical ideas and allows the
students to gain some firsthand experience with a concept before encountering
it formally. Investigations can be used as part of a regular homework assignment,
group homework, a small group inclass activity, or as a class discussion.
Projects A project is included
with each chapter. These incorporate a variety of topics and can be used
to reinforce and extend the topics presented in that chapter. A typical
project requires one or two class periods and approximately five additional
hours of student work outside class. The projects are best completed by
students working in groups. These projects were written with the partial
support of a grant from the National Science Foundation. This material
was previously published under the title Projects for Precalculus
by Saunders College Publishing.
Applications The inclusion of
applications is an integral part of the text. All of the applications included
in the text involve real situations with actual data. These applications
occur in the reading, the exercises, the investigations, and the projects.
Every application has been researched and care has been taken to insure
that the data given is accurate.
Historical Anecdotes Included
in the reading are historical anecdotes. We also include some recent developments
in mathematics so students realize that mathematical knowledge continues
to evolve and that interesting, applicable mathematical questions are still
being explored. We want students to see mathematics as an ongoing human
endeavor with roots in the past.
Approach Topics are presented
using multiple representations (symbolic, numerical, graphical, and verbal).
Graphing Calculator It is assumed
that students have daily access to graphing calculators. We emphasize ways
in which the calculator can be used to gain mathematical understanding,
but rarely give specific keystrokes.