Precalculus: Graphs And Models

This book rocks! I read the entire book 4-5 years ago (the explanatory sections, not the problem assignments) and it has since become my first reference for any precalculus math concepts. I use it in tutoring. I use it for review. There are only a few sections that don't do a good job, but they are on the more obscure topics like partial fractions, which my class didn't cover at all. Most of the book is excellent! The graph identification practice feature is great. The summary of the most essential concepts in algebra on the inside front cover is great! The 50 page review of basic algebra concepts is great (and could replace those much longer textbooks that you had used in high school...) I love this book, I have taught myself from this book! I'm posting in reaction to another review I saw here - someone who probably is taking the minimum amount of math possible for college, and who claims the instructor doesn't use it much, and that it's confusing. Silly. Out of a half-dozen algebra/trig books I've used, this one is by far the clearest and the best! People may not like math, or math books, but before giving this a bad review, what is it being compared to? Algebra for Dummies is aimed for people who wish they could simply learn math concepts without actually practicing the problems. That's wishful thinking. This book is excellent for actually learning the subject and passing classes.

Shipping took about a week which was a lot less than what I expected and the condition of the book was excellent. I also enjoyed paying such a small portion of the price compared to my school.

This review applies to all books written by Marvin Bittinger. I have used his books on elementary algebra, college algebra, precalculus, and calculus. His writing is clear, concise, and always on the level of the maturity of his audience. The examples are excellent and the problems are suitable for each book. He doesn't "dumb down" the material nor is the presentation overly rigorous. I wish he would right a full blown 1,000 - 1,200 page three semester text for calculus.