Precalculus Essentials [Hardcover]

Robert F. Blitzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0131090445 | ISBN-13: 978-0131090446

For courses in Precalculus. This text takes the same approach as the regular Blitzer Precalculus version, but has been condensed by deleting the last 5 chapters (Chapter 7 Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Chapter 8 Matrices and Determinants; Chapter 9 Conic Sections and Analytic Geometry; Chapter 10 Sequences, Induction, and Probability; Chapter 11 Introduction to Calculus). This text explores math the way it evolved: by describing real problems and how math explains them. It is interesting, lively (with applications you won't see in any other math book), and exceedingly clear. Blitzer's philosophy: present the full scope of mathematics, while always (1) engaging the student by opening their minds to learning (2) keeping the student engaged on every page (3) explaining ideas directly, simply, and clearly. Students are strongly supported by a consistent pedagogical framework. A "See it, Hear it, Try it?" format consistently walks students through each and every example in just the same way that an instructor would teach this example in class. Blitzer liberally inserts voice balloons and annotations throughout the text helping clarify the more difficult concepts for students.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bob Blitzer is a native of Manhattan and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual majors in mathematics and psychology (minor: English literature) from the City College of New York. His unusual combination of academic interests led him toward a Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of Miami and a doctorate in behavioral sciences fro Nova University. Bob is most energized by teaching mathematics and has taught a variety of mathematics courses at Miami-Dade College for nearly 30 years. He has received numerous teaching awards, including Innovator of the Year from the League for Innovations in the Community College, and was among the first group of recipients at Miami-Dade College for an endowed chair based on excellence in the classroom. Bob has written Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Introductory Algebra for College Students, Essentials of Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Introductory and Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Essentials of Introductory and Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Algebra for College Students, Thinking Mathematically, College Algebra, Algebra and Trigonometry, and Precalculus, all published by Prentice Hall. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 800 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (September 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131090445
• ISBN-13: 978-0131090446
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,225,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bob Blitzer is a native of Manhattan and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual majors in mathematics and psychology (minor: English literature) from the City College of New York. His unusual combination of academic interests led him toward a Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of Miami and a doctorate in behavioral sciences from Nova University. Bob's love for teaching mathematics was nourished for nearly 30 years at Miami Dade College, where he received numerous teaching awards, including Innovator of the Year from the League for Innovations in the Community College and an endowed chair based on excellence in the classroom. In addition to Thinking Mathematically, Bob has written textbooks covering introductory algebra, college algebra, algebra and trigonometry, and precalculus, all published by Prentice Hall. When not secluded in his Northern California writer's cabin, Bob can be found hiking the beaches and trails of Point Reyes National Seashore, and tending to the chores required by his beloved entourage of horses, chickens, and irritable roosters.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to use, September 29, 2009

By 

Casey Martinson (California City, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Precalculus Essentials (Hardcover)

This book is better than the Larson text I have (7th edition). Even though it's second edition and chopped off about five or so chapters near the end to make it less than a full Pre-Calculus book. I recommend it to anyone struggling with the algebra portion of their course. He explains the concepts clearly, takes you through the example problems step-by-step, and for those people interested in applications of a subject or those notes about math that make it interesting, it's all here. The imagery ain't too bad either.

I definitely didn't know if it was all hype over this one author about how good he was at writing math texts, but I ordered mine (you can get this book for less than a dollar! great deal) and am very pleased with the outcome. It's very engaging in that he keeps you interested in what you're doing. When in doubt I definitely referred back to this book because there would be a problem or two that wasn't in my Larson text that my teacher would pull out of her [...] and it'd be similar to an example problem in this text. Anyway, I usually study from it.

Buy it, it's cheap and is worth every cent for the quality of writing and learning you'll be receiving.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great seller, June 25, 2010

By 

Cristina - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Precalculus Essentials (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

Great price, super fast shipping. Overall a great experience with this seller. The book is the instructors edition which I didn't know it was but it's almost identical to the students edition. Would buy from this seller again!

5.0 out of 5 stars Precalc Book, December 19, 2011

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Braulio R - See all my reviews

This review is from: Precalculus Essentials (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

The book arrived in a short amount of time and in mint condition. I will definitely consider buying from this merchant in the future!