Trigonometry: A Unit Circle Approach (8th Edition) [Hardcover]

Michael Sullivan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0132392798 | ISBN-13: 978-0132392792 | Edition: 8

A proven motivator for readers of diverse mathematical backgrounds, this book explores mathematics within the context of real life using understandable, realistic applications consistent with the abilities of most readers. Graphing techniques are emphasized, including a thorough discussion of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and conics. Chapter topics include Functions and Their Graphs; Trigonometric Functions; Analytic Trigonometry; Analytic Geometry; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; and more. For anyone interested in trigonometry.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A proven motivator for students of diverse mathematical backgrounds, this text is organized and written with all students in mind. Striving to teach mathematics as a way of life, Sullivan provides understandable, realistic applications that are consistent with the abilities of any student. This text develops the trigonometric functions using a unit circl approach and showing how it leads to the right triangle approach. Graphing techniques are emphasized, including a thorough discussion of polar coordinates, parametric equations, and conics using polar coordinates. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

A proven motivator for readers of diverse mathematical backgrounds, this book explores mathematics within the context of real life using understandable, realistic applications consistent with the abilities of any reader. Graphing techniques are emphasized, including a thorough discussion of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and conics. Includes Case Studies; New design that utilizes multiple colors to enhance accessibility; Multiple source applications; Numerous graduated examples and exercises; Discussion, writing, and research problems; Important formulas, theorems, definitions, and objectives; and more. For anyone interested in trigonometry. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 720 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 8 edition (May 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0132392798
• ISBN-13: 978-0132392792
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #480,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars ..., December 14, 2007

By 

Elizabeth Cox (APO, AE United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Trigonometry: A Unit Circle Approach (8th Edition) (Hardcover)

This is the worst math book I have EVER used. Awful awful. When I needed help, did I turn to my outrageously priced trig book? Nope! Google was of more help than this book.

So, what is wrong with it?
No background. I hadn't been in school for 7 years. I was a bit rusty and this book was of no help. It has really bad examples (if you are lucky enough to get an example for the type of problem you are working) that skip steps and don't give any explanation of the concepts.

The my mathlab that comes with this book is great. It really supplements where the book fails.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes the concepts make sense, January 29, 2010

By 

BookFan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trigonometry: A Unit Circle Approach (8th Edition) (Hardcover)

I am very surprised by the other reviews of this book. I have been teaching myself trigonometry with this book as a text for an online class. The concepts are presented in a way that makes sense and there are many different approaches given to derive the answer. Learning trigonometry has been an enjoyable experience for me with this book and the online MathLab that can be purchased to accompany it.

The book itself does not come with the correct way to work the problems in case you get them incorrect, although the correct answer for the odd numbered problems are given. Because of this, you have to figure out for yourself what you are doing wrong, but if you look at it positively, this can help to solidify what you are learning. Another note: There are not many sample problems although the book does come with a disk and perhaps it contains more.

The book features an alegebra review section, are you prepared problems, problems to try as you are learning, common problem warnings, step-by-step problem examples, and the skill building and applications & extensions sections. There is a notation whenever you encounter information necessary for calculus so that you can be better prepared in case you plan, as I do, to continue in sequence. There are also instructions given for how to calculate the problems, when applicable, on the calculator.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Needs improvement!, May 10, 2002

By 

Rachelle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trigonometry (6th Edition) (Hardcover)

The explanations in this book could be more concise for students who have other assignments to study and fulfill. Throughout all my years in reading mathematical textbooks, this one does not head straight-to-the-point. The author spends more time introducing the subject than explaining how one step is derived from another in the examples, which leaves the student to spend time figuring how one concept abruptly transitions into the next. Aside from that, the exercise questions sometimes do not relate to the examples given in the book.