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Preface

This book is designed for technical and vocational students who need a solid, thorough background in computational skills as applied to the technical and trade work and who desire mathematical success. It is suitable for use in any self-study situation or standard lecture mode. There are many illustrative examples and problems that will be of value to both self-instruction and for formal classwork. The text is designed to be a companion to Mathematics for Technical and Vocational Students: A Worktext, 2nd Edition. Features

A pretest is given at the beginning of each chapter. The results will tell the student which sections of the chapter to study. Those who need more than a refresher are encouraged to skip the pretest and study all of the chapter.

The examples are plentiful and lead the students step by step to the solution.

The practice checks are sequenced periodically with each section. After a new idea or technique is explained, students are directed to work a practice exercise in the margin. The practice exercises are self-paced and allow the student to become actively involved with the material before starting the problem set at the end of the unit. The solutions to the practice checks are conveniently located within the margins of each chapter.

The section problem sets are graduated in degree of difficulty and afford the students more drill, practice, and reinforcement. The answers to odd-numbered problems appear in the back of the text.

Technical, occupational, and vocational application problems are contained throughout the text.

Space is provided for the students to work out the problems in each problem set.

To help retention, most problem sets begin with the review problems. Test Your Memory cumulative reviews are given at the close of Chapters 3, 6, 9, 12 to further reinforce retention.

Each chapter ends with a chapter overview, a self-test, and a chapter test to aid the students in their preparation for an instructor-given chapter test. These tests contain a variety of problems representative of those found in the chapter, and all answers are given in the back of the book.

In short, the book is designed for student understanding, retention, and successes with short explanations, practice exercises, and constant review of skills. Use of Calculators

No reference to the use of calculators is made in this basic text for two reasons:

1. Some instructors require that calculators not be used in basic mathematics.

2. For instructors who encourage their use, calculators are so widespread that any text reference for their use for solving problems or exercises would not be necessary. Supplements For the Instructor

The Instructor's Manual includes answers to all the exercises, self-tests, and chapter tests. The Manual also includes Just for Fun sections as an optional mental challenge for students.

The Test Item File contains a quick assessment check, a pretest covering all chapters, and five free-response tests per chapter and two final examinations.

The Prentice Hall Custom Test is an electronic test bank that allows instructors to create a variety of tests, including numerous randomized versions of the same test. The Custom Test can also be used for on-line testing. For the Students

The Students Solutions manual consists of worked-out, step-by-step solutions to selected odd-numbered end of section exercises. This manual may be purchased as an optional resource by students.

Special Notes to the Learner How to Be Successful in Mathematics

Most People find reading mathematics or technical book is not like reading a novel. But, with the following tips, it doesn't have to be that way.

Read slowly and carefully. Reading a mathematics or technical book is not like reading a novel. You can read and comprehend a page from an average novel in two or three minutes, but reading and comprehending a page from a mathematics or technical book could take you up to an hour. Don't be shocked if you find yourself rereading something several times, because every word and symbol is important.

Be actively involved. Mathematics is not a spectator sport. Work out all examples step by step on paper. Both the practice exercises and the problem sets are part of this involvement. Be involved right from the start-the pay-off will be ore learning power.

Seek help. Even with the most careful reading and practice, some concepts will remain fuzzy. Don't be afraid to seek help-there are no “dumb” questions.

Take time to review. Allow time for ideas to sink in. It helps to review material from time to time.

Success in mathematics comes with perseverance, patience, and doing.