Algebra II For Dummies

Mary Jane Sterling

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9781119543176
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Mathematics
• Subtopic: Algebra
• Index: Mathematics

Algebra II For Dummies, 2 nd Edition (9781119543145) was previously published as Algebra II For Dummies, 2 nd Edition (9781119090625). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.

Your complete guide to acing Algebra II

Do quadratic equations make you queasy? Does the mere thought of logarithms make you feel lethargic? You're not alone! Algebra can induce anxiety in the best of us, especially for the masses that have never counted math as their forte. But here's the good news: you no longer have to suffer through statistics, sequences, and series alone. Algebra II For Dummies takes the fear out of this math course and gives you easy-to-follow, friendly guidance on everything you'll encounter in the classroom and arms you with the skills and confidence you need to score high at exam time.

Gone are the days that Algebra II is a subject that only the serious 'math' students need to worry about. Now, as the concepts and material covered in a typical Algebra II course are consistently popping up on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, the demand for advanced guidance on this subject has never been more urgent. Thankfully, this new edition of Algebra II For Dummies answers the call with a friendly and accessible approach to this often-intimidating subject, offering you a closer look at exponentials, graphing inequalities, and other topics in a way you can understand.

• Examine exponentials like a pro
• Find out how to graph inequalities
• Go beyond your Algebra I knowledge
• Ace your Algebra II exams with ease

Whether you're looking to increase your score on a standardized test or simply succeed in your Algebra II course, this friendly guide makes it possible.

Part 1

Homing in on Basic Solutions

IN THIS PART …

Get a handle on the basics of simplifying and factoring.

Find out how to get in line with linear equations.

Queue up to quadratic equations.

Take on basic rational and radical equations.

Work through graphing on the coordinate system.

Chapter 1

Going Beyond Beginning Algebra

IN THIS CHAPTER

Abiding by (and using) the rules of algebra

Adding the multiplication property of zero to your repertoire

Raising your exponential power

Looking at special products and factoring

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that people study before they move on to other areas or branches in mathematics and science. For example, you use the processes and mechanics of algebra in calculus to complete the study of change; you use algebra in probability and statistics to study averages and expectations; and you use algebra in chemistry to work out the balance between chemicals. Algebra all by itself is esthetically pleasing, but it springs to life when used in other applications.

Any study of science or mathematics involves rules and patterns. You approach the subject with the rules and patterns you already know, and you build on those rules with further study. The reward is all the new horizons that open up to you.

Any discussion of algebra presumes that you’re using the correct notation and terminology. Algebra I (check out Algebra I For Dummies [Wiley]) begins with combining terms correctly, performing operations on signed numbers, and dealing with exponents in an orderly fashion. You also solve the basic types of linear and quadratic equations. Algebra II gets into more types of functions, such as exponential and logarithmic functions, and topics that serve as launching spots for other math courses.

Going into a bit more detail, the basics of algebra include rules for dealing with equations, rules for using and combining terms with exponents, patterns to use when factoring expressions, and a general order for combining all the above. In this chapter, I present these basics so you can further your study of algebra and feel confident in your algebraic ability. Refer to these rules whenever needed as you investigate the many advanced topics in algebra.

Outlining Algebraic Properties

Mathematici...