Intermediate Algebra 2e<\/i>\u00a0is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of a one-semester intermediate algebra course. The book\u2019s organization makes it easy to adapt to a variety of course syllabi. The text expands on the fundamental concepts of algebra while addressing the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. The material is presented as a sequence of clear steps, building on concepts presented in prealgebra and elementary algebra courses.<\/p>\n
The second edition contains detailed updates and accuracy revisions to address comments and suggestions from users. Dozens of faculty experts worked through the text, exercises and problems, graphics, and solutions to identify areas needing improvement. Though the authors made significant changes and enhancements, exercise and problem numbers remain nearly the same in order to ensure a smooth transition for faculty. The first edition of\u00a0Intermediate Algebra<\/i>\u00a0by OpenStax is available in web view\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For years, doctors and engineers have worked to make artificial limbs, such as this hand for people who need them. This particular product is different, however, because it was developed using a 3D printer. As a result, it can be printed much like you print words on a sheet of paper. This makes producing the limb less expensive and faster than conventional methods.<\/p>\n Biomedical engineers are working to develop organs that may one day save lives. Scientists at NASA are designing ways to use 3D printers to build on the moon or Mars. Already, animals are benefitting from 3D-printed parts, including a tortoise shell and a dog leg. Builders have even constructed entire buildings using a 3D printer. The technology and use of 3D printers depend on the ability to understand the language of algebra. Engineers must be able to translate observations and needs in the natural world to complex mathematical commands that can provide directions to a printer. In this chapter, you will review the language of algebra and take your first steps toward working with algebraic concepts.<\/p>\n By the end of this section, you will be able to:<\/p>\n Find factors, prime factorizations, and least common multiples This chapter is intended to be a brief review of concepts that will be needed in an Intermediate Algebra course. A more thorough introduction to the topics covered in this chapter can be found in the Elementary Algebra 2e chapter, Foundations.<\/p>\n Algebra <\/b>is one of the\u00a0broad areas<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0mathematics<\/a>. Roughly speaking, algebra is the study of\u00a0mathematical symbols<\/a>\u00a0and the rules for manipulating these symbols in\u00a0formulas<\/a>; <\/sup>it is a unifying thread of almost all of mathematics.<\/sup><\/p>\n Elementary algebra<\/a>\u00a0deals with the manipulation of\u00a0variables<\/a>\u00a0as if they were numbers (see the image), and is therefore essential in all applications of mathematics.\u00a0Abstract algebra<\/a>\u00a0is the name given in\u00a0education<\/a>\u00a0to the study of\u00a0algebraic structures<\/a>\u00a0such as\u00a0groups<\/a>,\u00a0rings<\/a>, and\u00a0fields<\/a>.\u00a0Linear algebra<\/a>, which deals with\u00a0linear equations<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0linear mappings<\/a>, is used for modern presentations of\u00a0geometry<\/a>, and has many practical applications (in\u00a0weather forecasting<\/a>, for example). There are many areas of mathematics that belong to algebra, some having “algebra” in their name, such as\u00a0commutative algebra<\/a>\u00a0and some not, such as\u00a0Galois theory<\/a>.<\/p>\n The word\u00a0algebra<\/i>\u00a0is not only used for naming an area of mathematics and some subareas; it is also used for naming some sorts of algebraic structures, such as an\u00a0algebra over a field<\/a>, commonly called an\u00a0algebra<\/i>. Sometimes, the same phrase is used for a subarea and its main algebraic structures; for example,\u00a0Boolean algebra<\/a>\u00a0and a\u00a0Boolean algebra<\/a>. A mathematician specialized in algebra is called an algebraist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Introduction<\/h4>\n
Use the Language of Algebra<\/h4>\n
Learning Objectives<\/h5>\n
\nUse variables and algebraic symbols
\nSimplify expressions using the order of operations
\nEvaluate an expression
\nIdentify and combine like terms
\nTranslate an English phrase to an algebraic expression<\/p>\n