About the Book

NOTE: This edition features the same content as the traditional text in a convenient, three-hole-punched, loose-leaf version. Books a la Carte also offer a great value; this format costs significantly less than a new textbook. Before purchasing, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. For Books a la Carte editions that include MyLab(TM) or Mastering(TM), several versions may exist for each title--including customized versions for individual schools--and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a Course ID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use MyLab or Mastering platforms.

For courses in College Algebra.

Effectively emphasizes both concept development and real-life applications

The Ratti/McWaters/Skrzypek series draws from the authors' extensive classroom experience to connect concepts while maintaining course rigor. Just-in-time review throughout College Algebra, 4th Edition ensures that all students are brought to the same level before being introduced to new concepts. Numerous applications are used to help students apply the concepts and skills they learn in college algebra and trigonometry to other courses (including the physical and biological sciences, engineering, economics, and to on-the-job and everyday problem solving).

Students are given ample opportunities to think about important mathematical ideas and to practice and apply algebraic skills. Because mathematical concepts are developed thoroughly and with clearly defined terminology, students see the "why" behind those concepts-paving the way for a deeper understanding, better retention, less reliance on rote memorization, and ultimately more success.

Also available with MyLab Math.

MyLab(TM) Math is the teaching and learning platform that empowers you to reach every student. By combining trusted author content with digital tools and a flexible platform, MyLab Math personalizes the learning experience and improves results for each student.

NOTE: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab Math does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MyLab Math, ask your instructor to confirm the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.

If you would like to purchase both the loose-leaf version of the text and MyLab Math, search for:

0134850963 / 9780134850962 College Algebra, Books a la Carte Edition Plus MyLab Math -- Access Card Package, 4/e

Package consists of:

• 0134860314 / 9780134860312 MyLab Math with Pearson eText - Standalone Access Card - for College Algebra, 4/e

• 0134698363 / 9780134698366 College Algebra, Books a la Carte Edition, 4/e

About the Author: About our authors

J.S. Ratti has been teaching mathematics at all levels for over 35 years. He is currently a full professor and past chair of mathematics at the University of South Florida. Professor Ratti is the author of numerous research papers in analysis, graph theory and probability. He has received several awards (including a USF Research Council Grant, USF Teaching Incentive Program/TIP Award, USF Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, and Academy of Applied Sciences grants), and is the coauthor of a successful finite mathematics textbook. He enjoys both college and professional football as well as traveling.

Marcus McWaters is currently an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF). He is a former Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at USF. Since receiving his PhD in mathematics from the University of Florida, he has taught all levels of undergraduate and graduate courses, with class sizes ranging from 3 to 250. As Chair, he successfully structured a course delivery system for lower-level courses that improved the low retention rate in those courses at USF. He is also a founding member of the USF Center for Digital and Computational Video. When not involved with mathematics or administrative activity he enjoys traveling with his wife and two daughters, theater, waterskiing and racquetball.

Leslaw Skrzypek is currently the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of South Florida. His research is in the area of Banach Spaces and Approximation Theory. He is the recipient of a Fulbright Award and a NATO Advanced Grant research award, and is a founding director of the USF Center for Complex Data Systems. Throughout his career Professor Skrzypek has enjoyed teaching all levels of courses, from remedial to graduate real analysis. Over the years he also has been involved in training students for the Mathematical Olympiads. He enjoys nature, listening to music and spending time with his family.