Book Description
Gain a solid understanding of the principles of trigonometry and how these concepts apply to real life with McKeague/Turner's TRIGONOMETRY, Sixth Edition. This book’s proven approach presents contemporary concepts in brief, manageable sections using current, detailed examples and interesting applications. Captivating illustrations drawn from Lance Armstrong’s cycling success, the Ferris wheel, and even the human cannonball show trigonometry in action. Unique Historical Vignettes offer a fascinating glimpse at how many of the central ideas in trigonometry began. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

most understandable mathbook I ever used
It explains things well enough that I had a basic understanding of the material before going to my professor's lectures. It made it really easy to find the topics in the book to help me solve problems too.

learn trig without a teacher
This book is great. It is well organized, but best of all, it comes with a CD-Rom that ROCKS!! The actual author, Chuck McKeague, teaches each concept on a markerboard, then you can practice as much as you want with different problems every time. Plus, if you just can't get it, the CD will guide you step-by-step through every problem if you want. If your teacher requires another book for Trig. you can still benefit from this one's excellent CD-Rom.

A step at a time
Well laid out book, taking you a step at a time through trigonometry.Frequent reviews of material from previous chapters enables you to stay in touch with the full subject so you can be ready for the cumulative final.Author does a good job of trying to find real world examples, which is not easy. (Hardcover edition)

A little too late
Pretty easy to follow at some points but suddenly the books throws things at you and expects you to "discover" how to solve it.The answer and the easiest way to approach the answer shows up in the next or following sections/chapters.I shouldn't be wasting my time trying to discover something that was discovered centuries ago.Had I not taken a self-paced course, I probably would not have been dissapointed by the book.The instructor would have helped. Also, some references for the HP calc. would have been nice.

good book
This is a good book, with decent summaries and reference points.Neatly organized unlike my current Calc book. ... Read more

Book Description
A plain-English guide to the basics of trig
From sines and cosines to logarithms, conic sections, and polynomials, this friendly guide takes the torture out of trigonometry, explaining basic concepts in plain English, offering lots of easy-to-grasp example problems, and adding a dash of humor and fun. It also explains the "why" of trigonometry, using real-world examples that illustrate the value of trigonometry in a variety of careers.
Mary Jane Sterling (Peoria, IL) has taught mathematics at Bradley University in Peoria for more than 20 years. She is also the author of the highly successful Algebra For Dummies (0-7645-5325-9). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Excellent Book But Could Have Used a Proofreader Or Two
I was in a bit of a quandary as to how to rate this book.I bought the book and the companion "Trigonometry Workbook for Dummies" to refresh my trig skills, long rusted after nearly 50 years of little use.Both books are really quite good although the workbook could be more comprehensive.The big problem with the workbook, and to a lesser extent with the "Trigonometry for Dummies" book, is the large number of errors in the book.One works out a very complicated identity problem only to find that the stated problem is different from the problem answered due to typographical errors.I don't think I went seven pages in the workbook without finding an error.Most of the errors were changed minus or plus signs.This made maintaining confidence in the book very difficult.

One would think that a big publisher like Wiley would employ competent proofreaders.I would also expect them to have an errata sheet somewhere on their web page.But, nooo, nothing helpful there at all except a glossary they forgot to put in this book.

Overall, both books were very helpful, with the exception of not having a lot of confidence that the answer to the problem I was trying to solve would be correct.

Good, but be careful
I took calculus years ago, but I found I'd forgotten about everything about math, even algebra. The book explains trigonometry fairly well, but I found several errors. One problem contained a minus sign, but was worked out with a plus sign in the answers. Another problem had a similar mistake. Still, about every math book has mistakes, and this one does explain things well. Sometimes you have to really think to see how the author got the answer since a few steps were skipped, but that's probably a good mental exercise. I've had fun working through it and have been obsessed with finishing it at times, so I guess it's accomplishing its purpose.

a decent book
A fine book for those who are real strong in algebra.At the risk of appearing sexist, it is definitely written from an female academic's point of view.Some real-world examples would be helpful.Overall, a decent book.

Great thing from Dummies and Amazon
Trigonometry For Dummies (For Dummies (Math & Science))

This book is really good as a supplemental book for high school student. Since our school want to be an international school, I think this book and any other Dummies books will be relevant to be used for teaching and learning in International developmental based school.

Great reference book
Recently took college-level calculus and forgot most of what I had learned in high school. Bought this along with "Calculus for Dummies" and used both to help me survive the course.

This book is definitely not comprehensive, but I still have to give it five stars for its great plain-english descriptions of some difficult concepts. I wouldn't buy this book as my only source to learn trigonometry, but as an accompaniment to a good class or as an assistant to help with homework, it does a great job. ... Read more

Book Description
This book, intended for a graphing calculator optional trigonometry course, offers students the content and tools they will need to successfully master trigonometry.The authors have addressed the needs of students who will continue their study of mathematics, as well as those who are taking trigonometry as their final mathematics course. Emphasis is placed on exploring mathematical concepts by using real date, current applications and optional technology. Applied examples and exercises, allowing students to focus on real-life applications of mathematics. Selected examples feature traditional algebraic as well as optional graphing calculator solutions. We have taken great care to only use this format in examples where the graphing calculator can naturally be used to support and/or enhance the algebraic solution.For those interested in Mathematics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Frustrating and Incomplete
This text was required for my university Trig class. Other reviewers have argued that math text books are only supplemental to the material covered in class - that it's the teacher that makes the difference.If that's the case, without a good teacher, this book is nearly useless. Whether the authors are covering fundamentals or advanced concepts/calculations, most everything gets a very cursory, succinct treatment. Should you not understand something covered in class, this text likely will not help to clarify. If you are at all unfamiliar with Trigonometry (as I was going in to this class), this text is not intended to enhance your understanding.

Trigonometry is fun
I first learned trigonometry 26 years ago, and am currently a tutor in a Tutoring Center where math and English are the primary calls for our assistance.We started using this book on Trigonometry by Lial, Hornsby and Schneider last year, and it has been a real aid to all of us.

The chapters are designed with brief overviews, 'Chapter Openers', at the beginning of each.There are sample exercises in the explanations, as well as exercises in the problem sets keyed to specific application of examples.There are summary exercises that give review of mixed concepts, pull-quote boxes (here called 'Function Boxes') to highlight the reference aspect of the text, and useful chapter reviews to the same.

One thing that stands out about this text from the one I used so many years ago is the colour aspect.There are pictures, multi-coloured graphs and illustrations, and a general feel to the book that makes it visually worthwhile to look at.This book also takes advantage of the increasing sophistication of calculators - again, back when I took trigonometry, there were tables of data in the back for looking things up, since calculators (such as they were) had only add/subtract/multiply/divide functions.

The chapters go in a fairly standard pattern for trigonometry.Chaptes progress from basic Trigonometric Functions, defining triangular and angular ideas.This continues more in depth with Acute Angles and Right Angles, then proceeds to Circular Functions, introducing Radian Measures in for good measure.The fourth chapter introduces graphing ideas for the circular functions (sine, cosine, etc.), while the sixth chapter introduces the idea of the inverse circular and trigonometric functions.Other chapters include trigonometric identities (this always seemed to me to be like geometry or logic using trig functions), vectors, complex numbers, polar equations, exponential and logarithmic functions.Many of these concepts have direct application in engineering and other sciences.

This book is also geared for students who will be advancing on to calculus, and gives marginal notes on how trigonometry is used in calculus (so as to pre-empt the question, 'when am I ever going to use this?').

Actually, I found trigonometry to be among the more enjoyable math courses I ever took; together with geometry, it confirmed an early love of the discovery of patterns and symmetry in the very fabric of existence.This book reminds me of those early days of exploring ideas, and it is a pleasure to share these same ideas with new students via this text.

Best Trig book I ever use!
This trig book I used in college in Spring 2005 was GREAT. When I'm stuck with difficult math problems, I looked at the examples in the book and then i got it figured it out and got right answers. This book made homework easier for me. The examples are very clear. This book was so much better than other book (I dont remember the title of the book and name of publisher and author's name) I used in high school trigonometry. The high school trig book was terrible and confusing and caused me to fail the class. Great job, Lial because this book made me to aced the trig final and pass the class with a B in college!

Not Spectacular
I used this book in a semester trigonometry course (covering Chapters 1 through 8), and the book was not the best.First of all, some lessons contained too much information and some too little.In addition, although the exercises are worthwhile, their difficulty levels differ from question to question, so there is no gradual increase in skill and difficulty.The book only provided good explanations on a couple of topics (for example, inverse trig. functions).All in all, the book is "okay"; if you have a good instructor, you'll still learn trigonometry.

Good if you are NOT majoring in Math or Engineering
This book really lacks proper theory and instruction. The book focuses more on giving you problems than it does trying to explain the principle and aspect covered in Trigonometry. If you are are looking for a book that can help you out by giving you work(math problems), this is it. Otherwise, stay clear of this book, find a book that has more instructions, more theories, simply more. ... Read more

Book Description

The Eighth Edition of this highly dependable book retains its best features–accuracy, precision, depth, and abundant exercise sets–while substantially updating its content and pedagogy. Striving to teach mathematics as a way of life, Sullivan provides understandable, realistic applications that are consistent with the abilities of most readers. Chapter topics include Graphs; Trigonometric Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Analytic Geometry; Analytic Trigonometry; Counting and Probability; and more. For individuals with an interest in learning algebra and trigonometry as it applies to their everyday lives.

Customer Reviews (9)

This is an excellent book - period
I am 55 years old and promised myself that when I became financially able I would relearn Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus I, II,III & IV and ODE skills from start to finish. I am now finished with Sullivan's book I have found the book easy to read and understand. The presenation of the material is well thought out and the abundance of practice problems invaluable. If you are serious about math then this is a great book.

A retired hedge fund manager.

Helpful
This book has the solutions for the material presented in the book.The book has helped me alot. The only think I don't like about it, is that the book has to many practice exercises and too many pages.

Buyer Beware
The information listed in the "Product Details" section for this book is very misleading.As noted in the other comments, this book is the paperback Student Solutions Manual.It is NOT a hardcover book and the ISBN number is not ISBN: 0130914657 (as listed in the product detail section).This book may prove to be helpful but it was not the book I thought I ordered.

Very Good Precalculus Reference
With the sixth edition of this textbook, Sullivan has made significant strides since the fifth edition of the College Algebra portion. The interval notations used to indicate the regions where the value of a function is increasing or decreasing is so much more clear and concise. In contrast to the former use of frequently displaying number lines with pluses and minuses underneath, in which the readings of them were perhaps more of an exercise for the eyes than for the mind, Sullivan revised this mess using parentheses and brackets to indicate test intervals.

As a teacher, I say that this is not the most user-friendly book for an instructor who teaches one hour college algebra classes three times a week. Oftentimes, for me to quickly get the fundamentals across, I have to paraphrase what Sullivan lays out in many of the sections. The language is often too theoretical for several of my students (Many are in non-technical majors but have to complete college algebra as a last mathematics course requirement), and I have to put the symbolic logic sequences into terms that can cross over to applied mathematics. This is not meant to be a criticism, however.

Perhaps the main weaknesses lie in the shortcomings of applied problems, particularly in the sections concerning maxima and minima, and especially in the inequality segments. On a very positive note, however, I will grant that the sixth chapter, which involves logarithms and exponents is quite fascinating. For instance, you have applied problems involving the amount of interest that can be gained after so many years if, say, [money amount]is deposited into an account and accumulates interest at 6% compounded quarterly. Physics problems are also well presented. One interesting tidbit: if you wondered how long it would take for a 300-degree dish to cool down to 100 degrees in an environment that is at room temperature, the formula that can be used, namely Newton's Law of Cooling, is provided. As another example: suppose that a dead animal was discovered in a barn at midnight and its temperature was 80°F° ; the temperature of the barn is kept constant at 60°F; two hours later the temperature of the corpse dropped to 75°F; find the time of death. The formula for this type of problem is also shown.

As added kudos, I especially like the intermittent TI-83 calculator tips. The use of technology in mathematics classes is notably increasing in the community colleges. All in all, this is a finer, more updated version, and it is especially recommended for those who want to go beyond the call of duty and discover new ways of applying mathematics to their daily lives.

Please read this review!!!!
1)Michael Sullivan (Sr.) is one of the four or five best writers
of math textbooks on today's scene. If you can find a textbook written by him that fits whatever current math course you are in
buy the book sight unseen. You will be more than happy that you
did.
2)As far as this book is concerned, I used it from chapter 1 to the end (every section of every chapter) and did every problem in
the book. I did not have an instructor and I was not enrolled in a course. I used the book to brush up for calculus after being out of school for 20 years.
3)This book is great for a course in college algebra, trigonometry, or precalculus. It serves all three purposes. I know this because after I finished the text and began studying
calculus, on my own, I was really able to appreciate how well
Sullivan's book prepared me for calculus.
4)The explanations of each concept are clear, not more rigorous
than is appropriate for a student at the level of the textbook,
but certainly not dumbed down.
5)The problems and questions are well written, comprehensive, and
most importantly, instructive. I found that the best question I
could ask myself about every problem in the book was "now what is
Sullivan trying to get me to see by doing this problem or answering this question". I mention this because this is what Sullivan is really good at; he doesn't spoon feed you.
6)Look, we all want essentially the same things from a textbook.
We want clearly written, well illustrated worked out problems
that allow us to grasp the concept in question so that we can use
it to solve problems and answer conceptual questions. With Sullivan, you get this in great measure.
This is a wonderful textbook for both sudents and teachers. It is
a great book to learn from and a great book to learn to teach from. ... Read more

Book Description
Featuring updated content, vivid applications, and integrated coverage of graphing utilities, the ninth edition of this hands-on trigonometry text guides readers step by step, from the right triangle to the unit-circle definitions of the trigonometric functions.  Examples with matched problems illustrate almost every concept and encourage readers to be actively involved in the learning process. Key pedagogical elements, such as annotated examples, think boxes, caution warnings, and reviews, help readers comprehend and retain the material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Book to Compliment Great Class
The strength of this book is its organization. The reader is first introduced to the relation of arc length, radius, and angle. Then degrees and radians are learned. Then the unit circle is introduced. This is one of the best ways to learn trig.

The textbook presents the theory in a clear way that is easy to follow. If you were to read the chapter, you know enough to answer any of the problems. And if you were decided between texts, the layout of the problems of this text would be the reason to choose it. That is because of the science and real world applications of the problems. This is not "plug and chug." It is applying what was learned.

For me this book and the class in which it was used formed the foundation of all my latter math courses. This book has some pre-calculus problems, but that isn't its focus. Calculus has its advantages, but I always found trig to be more visual than most things in calculus. It is easier to picture what is actually going on in the math problem. But if you can relate your newly learned problem solving skills when approaching calculus problems, you will have no trouble.

One of my favorite problems in this book, which was included in the sixth edition on page 281, problem 71,is about an arched doorway. I don't know if the current versions have this problem. However it is worth researching. On my website (see my profile), I discuss this problem. And the excellent problems is what make this the best trig book I've seen.

Pre Calculas Prep
one of the best trig books in the world. the same goes for algebra and trig (right triangle)by beecher and bittinger:1993 edition.

Excellent book for all levels
It provides wide range of practical applications, with plain English, colorful pages, step by step from basic to advanced approach. It has got answers at the back. I recommend it`s Instructor`s solutions manual as well... ... Read more

Book Description
From angles to functions to identities - solve trig equations with ease

Got a grasp on the terms and concepts you need to know, but get lost halfway through a problem or worse yet, not know where to begin? No fear - this hands-on-guide focuses on helping you solve the many types of trigonometry equations you encounter in a focused, step-by-step manner. With just enough refresher explanations before each set of problems, you'll sharpen your skills and improve your performance. You'll see how to work with angles, circles, triangles, graphs, functions, the laws of sines and cosines, and more!

100s of Problems!
* Step-by-step answer sets clearly identify where you went wrong (or right) with a problem
* Get the inside scoop on graphing trig functions
* Know where to begin and how to solve the most common equations
* Use trig in practical applications with confidenceDownload Description
Topics can include cartesian coordinates, sines and cosines,secants and cosecants, tangents and cotangents,transforming functions, operating on identities, adding Heron's formula, and determining domain and range. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Too Many Errors; Proofreading is Missing
I was in a bit of a quandary as to how to rate this book.I bought the book and the companion "Trigonometry for Dummies" to refresh my trig skills, long rusted after nearly 50 years of little use.Both books are really quite good although the workbook could be more comprehensive.The big problem with this workbook, and to a lesser extent with the "Trigonometry for Dummies" book, is the large number of errors and typos in the book.One works out a very complicated identity problem only to find that the stated problem is different from the problem answered due to typographical errors.I don't think I went seven pages without finding an error.Most of the errors were changed minus or plus signs.This made maintaining confidence in the book very difficult.

One would think that a big publisher like Wiley would employ competent proofreaders.I would also expect them to have an errata sheet somewhere on their web page.But, nooo, nothing helpful there at all except a glossary they forgot to put in the main trig book.

Overall, both books were very helpful, with the exception of not having a lot of confidence that the answer to the problem I was trying to solve would be correct.

a first course in trig
If you have never done trigonometry before, Sterling gives a gentle introduction. She assumes some previous acquaintance with geometry and simple algebra and analytic geometry. But not too much of the latter, so don't let this scare you off.

The trig concepts are slowly introduced and explained at some length. With plenty of examples. Now, you really should tackle as many of the problems as possible. Yes, it takes time. But if you want a solid, fluid grasp of trig, you have to spend the time to familiarise yourself with sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant.

There are certainly numerous relationships between these functions. You don't have to know all of them. But being acquainted with them, and knowing where to look for formulae in a book like this is useful. ... Read more

Book Description

Accessible to students and flexible for instructors, College Trigonometry, Sixth Edition, uses the dynamic link between concepts and applications to bring mathematics to life. By incorporating interactive learning techniques, the Aufmann team helps students to better understand concepts, work independently, and obtain greater mathematical fluency. The text also includes technology features to accommodate courses that allow the option of using graphing calculators. Additional program components that support student success include Eduspace tutorial practice, online homework, SMARTHINKING Live Online Tutoring, and Instructional DVDs.

The authors' proven Aufmann Interactive Method allows students to try a skill as it is presented in example form. This interaction between the examples and Try Exercises serves as a checkpoint to students as they read the textbook, do their homework, or study a section. In the Sixth Edition, Review Notes are featured more prominently throughout the text to help students recognize the key prerequisite skills needed to understand new concepts.

• Updated! End-of-chapter exercises—Assessing Concepts—have been revised to include more question types including fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and matching.
• Revised! Prepare for This Section exercises, formerly Prepare for the Next Section, have been moved from the end of each chapter to the beginning of each chapter and afford students the opportunity to test their understanding of prerequisite skills about to be covered.
• New! Calculus Connection icons have been added to indicate topics that will be revisited in subsequent courses, laying the groundwork for further study.
• New! A Quantitative Reasoning feature demonstrates math solutions to real-world problems and is compliant with MAA Guidelines and AMATYC 2006 Crossroads Revisited.
• Applications require students to use problem-solving strategies and new skills to solve practical problems. Covering topics from many disciplines, including agriculture, business, chemistry, education, and sociology, these problems demonstrate to students the practicality and value of algebra.
• Noted by a pie chart icon, Real Data examples and exercises require students to analyze and construct mathematical models from actual situations.
• Appearing throughout the text, Integrating Technology notes offer relevant information about using graphing calculators as an alternative way to solve a problem. Step-by-step instructions allow students to use technology with confidence.
• Exploring Concepts with Technology, an optional end-of-chapter feature, uses technology (graphing calculators, CAS, etc.) to explore ideas covered in the chapter. These investigations can be used in a variety of ways, such as group projects or extra-credit assignments. Together with Integrating Technology tips, this feature makes the text appropriate for courses that allow the use of graphing calculators.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent way to learn trig!
I used this textbook with a high school independent study course that I took through a university.This book taught me more about mathematics than any previous book I have studied.

As I said, I used this book with an independent study program, but it was absolutely no problem learning the material.This book teaches you trigonometry in an easy-to-understand and thorough way.I didn't have a teacher, and I didn't need one with this book.

This book is excellent for learning trigonometry, and a great preparation for calculus.If you want to learn trig, buy this book! ... Read more

Book Description
Updated to match the emphasis in today's courses, this clear study guide focuses entirely on plane trigonometry. It summarizes the geometry properties and theorems that prove helpful for solving trigonometry problems. Also, where solving problems requires knowledge of algebra, the algebraic processes and the basic trigonometric relations are explained carefully. Hundreds of problems solved step by step speed comprehension, make important points memorable, and teach problem-solving skills. Many additional problems with answers help reinforce learning and let students gauge their progress as they go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Lacks theory and application
This book only presents the formulas and basic concepts of plane trigonometry, leaving the reader in the dark abouts its uses and what it really means.The overlycomplicated math lingo can be overlooked, however when a text fails to state the usefulness of its contents ,its automatically labeled bad. This text is good for quick test review, but for theory explanation and application it is horrible.

Summer School REview
I used Schaum's for a Summer School Trigonometry course.It doesn't replace a textbook but it covered all the necessary topics effectively and provided a good alternative to derivations and problems found in the text.I relied on it as a backup and a good check on the work being covered in class.

Terrible for Theory
I needed to brush up on my Trig for a calculus class that I'm currently in. While reading the text I found it hard to follow what the author was getting at.

At certain times magic equations would pop out of thin air and you would have to stew over them for hours at a time trying to figure out what the heck they meant.

This book is definately not for a beginner or someone who's looking for an easy quick overview after being away from the subject for abotu 6 years.

Great for Trigononometry exams
I am observing that my test scores on tests on tests involving trigonometery are increasing, thanks to this thin aid. It is thin, yet it is good. That is almost impossible. This book is one of the best created. Trigonometry is hard, and is mentioned and applied almost everywhere. This book is comphrehensive and is both easy and advanced. Everyone should have this. You can have knowledge of math, science, and computers with it.

Utterly and Deplorably Horrible
This book as mentioned in the title is horrible.It is incomplete in many areas, case and point, curve graphing.In many cases the book does little more than introduce the topic and give somewhat bland math questions.This book will not help you through a normal course because it is somewhat babified.
Now back to the incompleteness.Half-way through the book trigonometric function graphs are introduced (y=sinx and so on).The book very briefly describes aspects of each periodic function in a somewhat scattered manner.All of the information that is given fits on about one 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper, somewhat terse isn't it?
This book is not for beginners and is most likely not even for people that would like to brush up on trigonometry.For a more comprehensive edition of a trigonometry tutorial you must turn elsewhere because this book will leave you asking what? huh? how?Perhaps one of the better trigonometry titles out there, and believe me I say this reluctantly because it is also deplorable, is Trigonometry the Easy Way. In conclusion if you have this book return it or if you can't use it only as a way to reinforce trigonometry ideas. ... Read more

Book Description

This market-leading text continues to provide students and instructors with sound, consistently structured explanations of the mathematical concepts. Designed for a one-term course that prepares students to study calculus, the new Seventh Edition retains the features that have made Trigonometry a complete solution for both students and instructors: interesting applications, cutting-edge design, and innovative technology combined with an abundance of carefully written exercises.

• New! Side-by-side Example Solutions for select examples include multiple problem solving approaches—such as algebraic, graphical, and numerical—to appeal to a variety of teaching and learning styles.
• New! Checkpoints after each Example/Solution refer students to similar drills in the Section Exercises, allowing students to practice and reinforce the concepts they just learned. Answers to Checkpoints are included at the back of the book.
• New! Vocabulary Checks open every set of Section Exercises. This review of mathematical terms, formulas, and theorems provides regular assessment and reinforcement of students' understanding of algebraic language and concepts.
• Exercise Sets have been carefully analyzed and revised to improve the categorization of problems from basic skill-building to challenging; improve the pairing of similar odd- and even-numbered exercises; update all real data; and add real-life and real-data applications.
• New! Make a Decision applications—presented throughout the text at the end of selected exercise sets—are based on large sets of real data. These extended modeling applications give students the opportunity to use all the mathematical concepts and techniques they've learned and apply them to large sets of real date—analyzing it, graphing it, and making conjectures about its behavior. These applications are featured in Eduspace and the Online Learning Center in an interactive format.
• Eduspace, powered by Blackboard, Houghton Mifflin's online learning environment, brings your students quality online homework, tutorials, multimedia, and testing that correspond to the College Algebra text. This content is paired with the recognized course management tools of Blackboard.
• For copyright 2007, two titles have been added to the Precalculus Series: Precalculus with Limits and Precalculus: A Concise Course. These titles enhance the scope of the series, making it even more flexible and adaptable to a variety of learning and teaching styles.

Book Description
CliffsQuickReview course guides cover the essentials of your toughest classes. Get a firm grip on core concepts and key material, and test your newfound knowledge with review questions.

CliffsQuickReview Trigonometry provides you with all you need to know to understand the basic concepts of trigonometry — whether you need a supplement to your textbook and classes or an at-a-glance reference. Trigonometry isn't just measuring angles; it has many applications in the real world, such as in navigation, surveying, construction, and many other branches of science, including mathematics and physics. As you work your way through this review, you'll be ready to tackle such concepts as

• Trigonometric functions, such as sines and cosines
• Graphs and trigonometric identities
• Vectors, polar coordinates, and complex numbers
• Inverse functions and equations

With titles available for all the most popular high school and college courses, CliffsQuickReview guides are a comprehensive resource that can help you get the best possible grades. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Take another look
This book seems to be pretty nice, until you start finding all the super horrible mistakes that are thrown in ever couple of pages. They are all do the this book not being edited, and make it a hassle to read as you have to second guess everything that is written. I got about half way done and the mistakes turned me off so bad I put the book away and don't intend to read from it again. This book could have been a real nice book but the mistakes are just too horrible to look over.

Handy Little Summary
After several years in a corporate engineering job, I started moonlighting as a math tutor. The Cliff's Quick Review Guides are wonderful to have in my "back pocket" when I need to quickly look something up that is covered in dust in the "archives of my brain."

Great series...Great book.
I'm a (returning :P) university Freshman preparing for the College Board CLEP tests.I was already familiar with the material covered in this book, but needed to refresh my memory.This review turned out to be *exactly* what I needed.

The author's ability to explain the material to the student are just shy of enlightening.The discussions & theorem proofs are written in a very concise, clear style.

I'm a big advocate of the Cliff's QuickReview series.Intended as a course supplement, these books are also *GREAT* for students wanting to refine their skills.Most of them are also very accessible to students with less familiarity on the subject; trying to learn it for the first time.

After reading this, I bought the Calculus & Differential Equations QuickReviews & I'm looking forward to reading them! ... Read more

Book Description

Trigonometry, a work in the collection of the Gelfand School Program, is the result of a collaboration between two experienced pre-college teachers, one of whom, I.M. Gelfand, is considered to be among our most distinguished living mathematicians. His impact on generations of young people, some now mathematicians of renown, continues to be remarkable. Trigonometry covers all the basics of the subject through beautiful illustrations and examples. The definitions of the trigonometric functions are geometrically motivated. Geometric relationships are rewritten in trigonometric form and extended. The text then makes a transition to the study of algebraic and analytic properties of trigonometric functions, in a way that provides a solid foundation for more advanced mathematical discussions. Throughout, the treatment stimulates the reader to think of mathematics as a unified subject. Like other I.M. Gelfand treasures in the programAlgebra, Functions and Graphs, and The Method of CoordinatesTrigonometry is written in an engaging style, and approaches the material in a unique fashion that will motivate students and teachers alike.

Customer Reviews (5)

Many Exercises, No Solutions
The book is well written with clear descriptions, many examples and plenty of diagrams. The book also contains a large number of exercises and therein lies my gripe. There are absolutely NO SOLUTIONS. For self study this is of little use and I have had to revert to the Schaum's Outline for Trigonometry for practice. Two stars is perhaps a bit harsh but I think it important that potential purchasers notice that no solutions are provided for any of the exercises.

Innovative, clear, well written trigonomety textbook
I enjoyed this textbook, especially the way some subjects were so well explained.Not only does this text cover a good bit of material, but it also reveals the way in which the author thinks about this subject.I have noticed, both with this text and the previous two which I have commented on, that certain aspects of the subject become much more transparent or understandable when reexamined with a keener mathematical ability than, at least I possessed, when I was first exposed to these subjects in high school. I had no special interest in math at that time. The limited reexposure one has to trigonomety and geometry as one learns new areas of mathematics in college doesn't seem to do justice to these foundation areas of math.

Terrific!
Finally - a trig book that doesn't talk down to students.Gelfand treats his readers as intellegent, curious, and competent.This goes far ... especially with kids.

Most other trig books are written by educational consultants who view the subject as a odorous swamp that you have to slog through.They distract the reader with glitzy graphics and useless photos.No such chartjunk here.It's from someone who loves the subject, and places the mathematics first.

I feel like an avuncular mathematician is showing me the delights of trig ... indeed, he seems to revel in sines, cosines, and tangents.Several of the problems have tickled my 10 year old son:"Dad! Did you know that the area under the first half of the sine curve is exactly 2?"

Aaah.Now *that's* a great trig book!

Outstanding Math Text
I rarely compose reviews even if I happen to really appreciate a book. But THIS is one of those rare exceptions!Gelfand (who also happens to rank among the 20th Century's most renowned and prolific Mathematicians ... I noticed that no reviewer has mentioned this little fact) has written an exceptionally clear and concise, easy to read and to digest text concerning Trigonometry with advancement to higher education in mind. The perfectly logical format and development is novel, very inspiring, coaxing the reader to read on and on and one truly begins to learn right from the first sentence. The reader requires little in the way of prior knowledge and yet, I am convinced, will come away with an enthusiasm for this subject (and hopefully for Mathematics in general).
I am a member of a Mathematical Honor Society and of the Mathematical Association of America but I must confess that I was a poor math student, had some very poor teachers and, thanks to some inspiring individuals along the way, managed to discover the real magic and beauty of Math before it was too late (although I have spent the better portion of my professional life compensating for the failures of my former teachers!).
This text represents the way Math should be taught in schools. I believe that any frustrated math student will benefit from this text (and probably the other texts also by Gelfand).

A fascinating treatment of trigonometry.
This text, which is designed as a supplement to a trigonometry course, is noteworthy for the clarity of its explanations, the connections it draws between trigonometry and other mathematical topics, its many challenging problems, and its numerous worked and illustrated examples.Of particular interest are the appendices to the later chapters in which the authors relate trigonometry to Pythagorean triples, use sequences of trigonometric functions to approximate pi, and introduce Fourier series.

After reviewing the geometry of the triangle, the authors cover right triangle trigonometry, the relationship between trigonometry and the geometry of the triangle, unit circle trigonometry, trigonometric formulas and identities, graphs of trigonometric functions, and inverse trigonometric functions.The authors make every effort to explain why the results hold and how to use them.Rather than presenting a self-contained treatment, the authors make every effort to connect trigonometry with other branches of mathematics, thereby providing the reader with many fascinating insights.

The problems are designed to be challenging.The reader who diligently studies the numerous worked examples in the text and works through the problems will acquire considerable knowledge of the subject.Solutions to the problems are not provided in the text.

I also highly recommend the other texts in the Gelfand School Outreach Program.They include The Method of Coordinates, Algebra, and Functions and Graphs (Dover Books on Mathematics). ... Read more

Book Description
Clear explanations, an uncluttered and appealing layout, and examples and exercises featuring a variety of real-life applications have made this text popular among students year after year. This latest edition of Swokowski and Cole's ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY retains these features. The problems have been consistently praised for being at just the right level for precalculus students like you. The book also provides calculator examples, including specific keystrokes that show you how to use various graphing calculators to solve problems more quickly. Perhaps most important-this book effectively prepares you for further courses in mathematics. ... Read more

Book Description

Gets Them Engaged. Keeps Them Engaged

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 so they don't get "lost" when studying and reviewing.

Customer Reviews (8)

best pre-calc book ever
my first go at pre-calculus i had the most horrid and difficult to follow text book in the world, and quite naturally failed the class. this book of my second go at pre-calc has been one hundred times better. difficult concepts are not dumbed down but rather explained in a way that makes them seem easy, examples in the text are well laid out, explained completely and linked to problems in the excersises that are similar. the excersises themselves progress from the easiest form of a problem to the hardest so one builds on the previous. honestly, buy this book, you will not be disappointed.

Textbook industry: Use 1/3 of book, Respend money for same darn thing
First, I wouldn't say Blitzer's books are as great as hyped...a decent portion of explanation was wordy, convoluted and confusing. I mostly stopped reading the book and only took notes of the teacher's explanations.

I have to disagree about exercise difficulty. Each chapter or section started with easier exercises which increased in difficulty. However, in the 2nd Edition there were quite a few errors in the answers to odd-numbered problems in the back of the book, so if you couldn't arrive at the same answer you wondered if you were really wrong or not! Had to wait until the next class to find out...bad!

My HUGE GRIPE is our college makes a big deal of all teachers (with the exception of ever-changing technology/computer texts) using the same book...but WHAT'S THE POINT? Each book is designed to cover several courses so the textbook publishers can rake in BIG MONEY for their thick book. The next year, they add some different charts and change some problems so you can't get by on your old edition if the college goes to the next one...which the college ALWAYS does, for no benefit...regardless of the errors you must put up with, that are undoubtedly a result of the pressure to constantly "upgrade" the book.

So, you buy a book that is SUPPOSED to cover at least 2 courses, you use less than half of it, then when you take the 2nd course, you have to RE-BUY IT!

In addition, they now market books with CDs using the publisher's own online-course website instead of the schools...which you cannot access unless you buy the new-edition book with THEIR CD. The stupid college uses the publisher's online-course website even if the college's own online-course website is perfectly fine.

So now I have to buy this stupid 3rd edition in addition to my 2nd edition, and I have to get the one with the CD. This is just the publisher's way of forcibly preventing people from recycling textbooks. If I am not allowed into the publisher's course website with a used CD, I am withdrawing from this college and transferring! I'm only at this college to take some courses required to transfer to a top college, anyway. I will GLADLY take them somewhere else!

College deans pay attention...YOU DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO DEMAND COLLEGE STUDENTS WASTE THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY MAKING TEXTBOOK MANUFACTURERS RICH...USE YOUR OWNED DARNED WEBSITES FOR ONLINE COURSES!

Excellent Book!
This book teaches a real understanding of the concepts, not just memorization or how to enter the data into a calculator.I am returning to college after a 27ish year hiatus, and needless to say, needed some brushing up.

The first text that I attempted to use was given to me by a co-worker and omitted much of the understanding needed to progress.

We, as a nation, need to LEARN again, not memorize, and this book actually teaches!

Bravo!

Great Math Textbook
I used this book for an accelerated Algebra/Trig class at the college level.I found this book to be one the best math books I have ever encountered.When examples are given in the text it goes step by step and for most, explanations of what is being done.Other texts that I've used have skipped steps and left you wondering how did they get from A to Z?

I wasn't always able to make it to class, but the examples and explanations did not loose me and I was able to play catch up successfully on my own with this text.I can't say that about any other math text.

I must agree with the other person who wrote a review and said it would sure be nice if Blitzer had a Calculus text (though Larson is a good Calc author).Calculus would have been a breeze with a Blitzer book instead of a stuggle (had to buy a Larson book to supplement by school's Calc book choice).

Shameful execution!!!

First off Robert Blitzer is a smart man but this book is poorly written.

When going through some practice exercises i found that the difficulty kicked in right away, giving me no time to get used to the concept of the problem i was faced with. To add insult to injury some problems were hard to solve since they left blank on how to accomplish solving the task....

I also felt his tendency to useexcessive amount of word problems led me to belive this was wriiten for a master level college class. ... Read more

Book Description
This carefully crafted learning resource helps students develop their problem-solving skills while reinforcing their understanding with detailed explanations, worked-out examples, and practice problems. Students will also find listings of key ideas to master. Each section of the main text has a corresponding section in the Study Guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book
This math book helped me get into calculus without much of a mathematical background. I messed around in high school too much :p. For three months I intensely studied this book - I nearly answered all the question. I bought the answer guide to help me see what I was doing wrong. The book is easy to read and understand; all the steps are explained in an orderly manner. If you get stuck, try reading the chapter again, you might have missed a critical part of the puzzle.

Many wonderful long night hours with this book. It's hard enough to keep your attention and make you want to strive to improve.

Made math fun!!!
This book helps when you miss a class session.I was able to keep up when I read the text on days missed. ... Read more

Book Description
Here’s a complete, easy-to-grasp course in trigonometry that takes the form of a fantasy novel. The King of Carmorra and his subjects have many practical problems to solve, and their answers can be found by applying principles of trigonometry. Readers follow along and learn to solve many different problems that can be reduced to triangular diagrams. They learn the laws of sine and cosine, trigonometric functions and inverse functions, waves, conic sections, polynomial approximation, and much more. The book is filled with instructive exercises and their solutions, plus illustrative drawings, graphs, and diagrams. This new edition contains updated coverage on using graphing calculators and computer spreadsheets for solving trigonometric problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Trig stories
This is a great resource for teachers who want to teach the difficult concept of trigonometry in a simple, steady fashion - through the use of story telling.

I like it over the textbook approach.

I'm not a rocket scientist
Ok, so I'm an archaeologist, just finished my masters degree in archaeology. However, I specialize in 3D visualization. My master's thesis was on 3D laser scanning of fossil casts. Anyway, I don't have a background in computer science or math, but because of this book I was able to pickup enough trig to write a 3D graphics program and finish my masters. I'm no rocket scientist, and I hate borring math books. So say what you want about this book's corny storyline, at least it's not a list of formulas and numbers. I recommend this book.

One more 'No' vote
Like many other reviewers, I found the attempt to imbed trig into a fairy tale very unamusing at best.The math concepts covered were hard to keep straight, since you had to keep re-reading the crappy story to refresh your memory.I can't imagine that anyone could really learn trig (or anything) with this kind of approach.And the author shouldn't have even attempted to write it...not without some serious background work in creative writing anyway.

Don't you dare buy this book!
This is by far the worst workbook I have ever encountered.I would give this piece of crapp "negative infinity stars" just to express my anger, if it were possible.I have spent a month and a half of my summer studying for trig using this book which ended up as a waste of effort and, most importantly, time.The summer is the only time where can I boost my brain and get ahead of everybody, and even sometimes become smarter than the teachers (hee!hee!).
The thing that annoys me the most was the blasted organization of this book.The stupid fairy tale was the entire gist than learning trig.Each chapter was focused on a dilemma faced by the king and his servants, and hardly anything about trig.It took me 3-4 days just to interpreteach chapter due to these: the lack of examples, the lack of practice following the lesson before the new stuffs are taught (I call it "try it"), the tone is for a 8 year old (hey, wow! a 8 year is learning trig), and learning the materials can be a toil since the informations are, rather than stated directly like most workbooks, implied in the story, meaning you will waste time rereading the stupidstory again and again trying to comprehend it.Another thing, you have to understand the story in order to actually learn trig in T.E.W (who said that!).
Mr. Douglas A. Downing has written a pain in the head.Why does he have to teach us trig by the usage of a gay fairy tale.He could have taken an easier turn by just teaching trig directly to us instead of deriving ways to make the story relevant to trig, then we are more into the story (a reason why I didn't purchase Calculus the Easy Way).You have to give him credit for being creative but all his works just turned out to be B.S.Maybe he was on crack.One thing is for certain, I will never purchase anything with the name Douglas A. Downing on it.

Trigonometry the easy way
This book was not that helpful to me.I have had trigonometry before and purchased this book as a refresher.There are very few examples throughout the text, which makes it very difficult to solve the exercises at the end of each chapter. ... Read more

Book Description
This latest edition in the highly respected Swokowski/Cole precalculus series retains the elements that have made it so popular with instructors and students alike: its exposition is clear, the time-tested exercise sets feature a variety of applications, its uncluttered layout is appealing, and the difficulty level of problems is appropriate and consistent. Mathematically sound, ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY, Eleventh Edition, effectively prepares students for further courses in mathematics through its excellent, time-tested problem sets. This edition has been improved in many respects, including the addition of technology inserts with specific keystrokes for the TI-83 Plus and the TI-86, ideal for students who are working with a calculator for the first time. The design of the text makes the technology inserts easily identifiable, so if a professor prefers to skip these sections it is simple to do so. ... Read more

Book Description
This text, written by best-selling developmental mathematics author Pat McKeague, features a more streamlined review of elementary algebra, allowing for earlier coverage of intermediate topics. An early introduction to graphing presents the foundation for a wide variety of graphing problems throughout the text. Early coverage of functions helps students feel comfortable with the many examples and graphs of functions that occur in later chapters. The first ten chapters of this book cove the topics usually found in a college-level algebra course. The last three chapters cover the essential topics from trigonometry. Optional technology sections and integrated throughout text as a way for students to better understand the material being discussed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
An excellent book such as this one deserves praise. I read it, I got it, and I can teach it.

This book was not very helpful.
This book was the text for a class I took.Everyone, including the teacher, found it almost impossible to learn from the book.We used it for exercises and examples, but that was about it. ... Read more

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews (4)

...
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.

Horrible!!!
This book is so bad. I have to use it for my Trig class, and it is very unclear, your lucky if you get an example in the book, and its just horrible. Formuals and concepts are BARELY explained. I hate this book. It makes you totally depend on your teacher for help, becasue this won't do you any good.

Vague and Unclear
The textbook does not have central focus and all the formulas are not explained properly.The explanations are overbroad and vague and do not focus on the most important stuff. I would not recommend this textbook to any student. The two stars I give is for the nice paper it is printed on.

Needs improvement!
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. ... Read more

Book Description

Accessible to students and flexible for instructors, College Algebra and Trigonometry, Sixth Edition, uses the dynamic link between concepts and applications to bring mathematics to life. By incorporating interactive learning techniques, the Aufmann team helps students to better understand concepts, work independently, and obtain greater mathematical fluency. The text also includes technology features to accommodate courses that allow the option of using graphing calculators. Additional program components that support student success include Eduspace tutorial practice, online homework, SMARTHINKING Live Online Tutoring, and Instructional DVDs.

The authors' proven Aufmann Interactive Method allows students to try a skill as it is presented in example form. This interaction between the examples and Try Exercises serves as a checkpoint to students as they read the textbook, do their homework, or study a section. In the Sixth Edition, Review Notes are featured more prominently throughout the text to help students recognize the key prerequisite skills needed to understand new concepts.

• Updated! End-of-chapter exercises—Assessing Concepts—have been revised to include more question types including fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and matching.
• Revised! Prepare for This Section exercises, formerly Prepare for the Next Section, have been moved from the end of each chapter to the beginning of each chapter and afford students the opportunity to test their understanding of prerequisite skills about to be covered.
• New! Calculus Connection icons have been added to indicate topics that will be revisited in subsequent courses, laying the groundwork for further study.
• New! A Quantitative Reasoning feature demonstrates math solutions to real-world problems and is compliant with MAA Guidelines and AMATYC 2006 Crossroads Revisited.
• Applications require students to use problem-solving strategies and new skills to solve practical problems. Covering topics from many disciplines, including agriculture, business, chemistry, education, and sociology, these problems demonstrate to students the practicality and value of algebra.
• Noted by a pie chart icon, Real Data examples and exercises require students to analyze and construct mathematical models from actual situations.
• Appearing throughout the text, Integrating Technology notes offer relevant information about using graphing calculators as an alternative way to solve a problem. Step-by-step instructions allow students to use technology with confidence.
• Exploring Concepts with Technology, an optional end-of-chapter feature, uses technology (graphing calculators, CAS, etc.) to explore ideas covered in the chapter. These investigations can be used in a variety of ways, such as group projects or extra-credit assignments. Together with Integrating Technology tips, this feature makes the text appropriate for courses that allow the use of graphing calculators.

Customer Reviews (1)

Good textbook.
Some textbooks can be really hard to follow and aren't put together very well.This is one of the few out there that's well thought out, easy to understand, and gives lots and lots of useful examples that make topics clearer and clearer as you go along.It helped a lot to have a good textbook in class. ...