With a visual, graphical approach that emphasizes connections among concepts, this text helps readers make the most of their study time. The authors show how different mathematical ideas are tied together through their zeros, solutions, and x-intercepts theme; side-by-side algebraic and graphical solutions; calculator screens; and examples and exercises. By continually reinforcing the connections among various mathematical concepts as well as different solution methods, the authors lead readers to the ultimate goal of mastery and success.
Basic Concepts of Algebra. Graphs, Functions, and Models. Functions, Equations, and Inequalities. Polynomial and Rational Functions. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions. The Trigonometric Functions. Trigonometric Identities, Inverse Functions, and Equations. Applications of Trigonometry. Systems of Equations and Matrices. Analytic Geometry Topics. Sequences, Series, and Combinatorics.
For all readers interested in precalculus.
This third edition of the perennial bestseller defines the recent changes in how the discipline is taught and introduces a new perspective on the discipline. New material in this third edition includes:
There's no getting around the cool styling of the 49G: complete with a sleek metallic blue exterior and a groovy translucent blue hard slide cover, the 49G commands attention. When we were using it in public, it received plenty of looks and inquiries.
But how does it measure up in terms of power? Competing with the notorious Texas Instruments TI89 advanced graphing calculator is tough business, but HP pulls it off with some success. This graphing calculator has all the bells and whistles, including a whopping 1.5 MB of user memory; 2 MB of flash ROM, which enables future software upgrades; a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS); math, scientific, statistical, financial, and 2-D/3-D graphing capabilities; programming capabilities with reverse Polish notation, assembly, and HP Basic languages; and a unit-to-unit and PC/Macintosh connectivity feature. It also features an equation solver, vectors, lists, arrays, matrices, expressions, and object storing.
One key feature we liked is the history screen, which displays what you've already input, so you can reference it to determine what went wrong and correct it. Another notable function is the 49G's alarm function. You can set the date and time on the calculator, and program the alarm along with a text message to remind you of appointments. You can also set control alarms, which perform functions such as automatically running a program when you're not using the calculator. Additionally, the calculator emits beeps when you enter an incorrect function, which can be annoying at times--especially when you're already frustrated.
One of this calculator's flaws is that it is hard to read the second and third functions above each key. In keeping with the calculator's sense of aesthetics, the print is in blue and red, which is difficult to see, especially in low lighting situations. It also has a one-touch X-variable key, but no Y- or Z-variable keys.
We wished the manual had gone into greater depth and provided clearer examples, but this might be a concern only to those who don't immediately get the full functionality of the 49G. Unlike some manuals we've seen, the 49G does not show both the necessary keys needed to input an equation along with how they appear on the screen. We also would have liked for the manual to include more examples.
If style is just as important to you as functionality, the 49G is the coolest looking calculator we've seen. But if it's pure power you're looking for, you'll probably be just as pleased with any one of the 3-D graphing calculators currently on the market.
Pros:
The large 1.5 MB memory (512 KB RAM and 1 MB Flash ROM for data storage) encourages taking full advantage of the comprehensive library of third-party calculator programs, games, and software applications. The HP49G doesn't just give you the answer to your equation; it can walk you through the process of finding that answer by using the CAS step-by-step mode for dynamic derivation, integration, and other linear algebra problem-solving techniques. All steps and results are displayed in textbook mode on the 131 x 64 pixel, high-contrast screen. If you aren't fond of textbook mode, try traditional algebraic or RPN input modes.
With its smooth edges, streamlined curves, and light blue metallic exterior, the HP49G is a sleek and modern tool for professionals or students in the sciences, math, and engineering. --Dana Van Nest
Includes FLY Pentop Computer, earbuds, carrying case, FLY Launch Pad Guide, 17 games, 35 FLY paper pages, three interactive FLY-FX cards, interactive map and one silver face plate. Requires one "AAA" battery (included).
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To hear a menu of options, draw an "M" with a circle around it on the special dot-matrix FLYpaper. Tap the drawing with the Fly pen, and wait for the computer to recite menu options, including scheduler, calculator, time, notepad, settings, and games. To select an option, print a check mark to the right of the "M." The computer announces your selection and options.
The Fly Pentop Computer is an electronic pen with a brain (a built-in computer processor) and a recorded voice. |
We felt a bit like the first viewers of television must have felt the first time we drew eight squares and a few circles with the fairly regular looking pen and paper, then started tapping the shapes to play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (hey, we were overwhelmed; it was all we could think of in the moment…), with various percussives backing up the melody. Imagine where this technology can go!
For tweens today who have grown up with LeapFrog and other computer technology, getting the hang of the Fly shouldn’t be too tough. Some will simply turn it on (after installing the one AAA battery required) and start messing around, figuring it out on the fly, as it were. Others won’t mind wading through the kid-almost-friendly packet of manuals, stickers (tap on the goofy cartoon guy for a loud belch, the clock image for the correct time of day, the "Aaah!" for a scream worthy of Psycho), FLYpaper, and maps (the creator of Fly is a big believer in geography education). After an initially steep slope, the Fly’s learning curve levels out quickly. It’s mostly the small details that might create snags: backing out of a program already started, figuring out where to write a check mark when you’ve already written half a dozen of them next to the circled letter, that kind of thing. Pretty easily resolvable issues.
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The fly parts: Fly takes standard computer methodology and turns it on its head: instead of a mouse and keypad being the input devices and the screen being the output, writing and paper are the input and the speaker is the output. This is more than just a switcheroo of components. The impact lies more in how kids using the Fly will learn. Reading words and numbers on a monitor is very different from putting pen to paper and hearing responses. It’s somehow more interactive. Learning feels more flexible and forgiving.
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The whack parts: you have to hold the pen correctly (don’t block the camera or hold the pen too horizontally), print neatly and appropriately (capital letters, no connected script), and press firmly enough. The pen itself is somewhat ungainly, as compared to a regular Bic, but hey, there’s a whole computer in there, what do you expect? Also, the only paper Fly will respond to is the special dot-matrix "FLYpaper," so you’ll be locked into a purchasing cycle.
The entire Fly introductory kit comes with FLY Pentop Computer, earbuds, carrying case, FLY Launch Pad Guide, 17 games, 35 FLYpaper pages, 3 interactive FLY-FX cards, interactive map, 1 silver face plate, and 1 AAA Alkaline Battery. Additional paper, accessories, and interactive learning and game cartridges are sold separately. Winner of the Toy of the Year Award for 2005. --Emilie Coulter
