A Graphical Approach to College Algebra (5th Edition)

A Graphical Approach to College Algebra illustrates how the graph of a function can be used to support the solutions of equations and inequalities involving the function. Beginning with linear functions in Chapter 1, the text uses a four-part process to analyze each type of function, starting first with the graph of the function, then the equation, the associated inequality of that equation, and ending with applications. The text covers all of the topics typically caught in a college algebra course, but with an organization that fosters students’ understanding of the interrelationships among graphs, equations, and inequalities.

With the Fifth Edition, the text continues to evolve as it addresses the changing needs of today’s students. Included are additional components to build skills, address critical thinking, solve applications, and apply technology to support traditional algebraic solutions, while maintaining its unique table of contents and functions-based approach. A Graphical Approach to College Algebra continues to incorporate an open design, with helpful features and a careful explanations of topics.

John Hornsby: When John Hornsby enrolled as an undergraduate at Louisiana State University, he was uncertain whether he wanted to study mathematics, education, or journalism. His ultimate decision was to become a teacher, but after twenty-five years of teaching at the high school and university levels and fifteen years of writing mathematics textbooks, all three of his goals have been realized; his love for teaching and for mathematics is evident in his passion for working with students and fellow teachers as well. His specific professional interests are recreational mathematics, mathematics history, and incorporating graphing calculators into the curriculum.

John’s personal life is busy as he devotes time to his family (wife Gwen, and sons Chris, Jack, and Josh). He has been a rabid baseball fan all of his life. John's other hobbies include numismatics (the study of coins) and record collecting. He loves the music of the 1960s and has an extensive collection of the recorded works of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Marge Lial has always been interested in math; it was her favorite subject in the first grade! Marge's intense desire to educate both her students and herself has inspired the writing of numerous best-selling textbooks. Marge, who received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from California State University at Sacramento, is now affiliated with American River College.

Marge is an avid reader and traveler. Her travel experiences often find their way into her books as applications, exercise sets, and feature sets. She is particularly interested in archeology. Trips to various digs and ruin sites have produced some fascinating problems for her textbooks involving such topics as the building of Mayan pyramids and the acoustics of ancient ball courts in the Yucatan.

Gary Rockswold has been teaching mathematics for 33 years at all levels from seventh grade to graduate school, including junior high and high school students, talented youth, vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students, and adult education classes. He is currently employed at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he is a full professor of mathematics. He graduated with majors in mathematics and physics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Iowa State University. He has an interdisciplinary background and has also taught physical science, astronomy, and computer science. Outside of mathematics, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and two children.