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- Blitzer: Precalculus (2010)
Blitzer: Precalculus (2010)
p: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
p.1: Algebraic Expressions, Mathematical Models, and Real Numbers
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Using Algebraic Expressions
Translate algebraic expressions into English phrases, and translate English phrases into algebraic expressions. Read the expression or phrase and select word tiles or symbol tiles to form the corresponding phrase or expression. 5 Minute Preview
p.2: Exponents and Scientific Notation
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Dividing Exponential Expressions
Choose the correct steps to divide exponential expressions. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
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Exponents and Power Rules
Choose the correct steps to simplify expressions with exponents using the rules of exponents and powers. Use feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
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Multiplying Exponential Expressions
Choose the correct steps to multiply exponential expressions. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
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Unit Conversions 2 - Scientific Notation and Significant Digits
Use the Unit Conversions Gizmo to explore the concepts of scientific notation and significant digits. Convert numbers to and from scientific notation. Determine the number of significant digits in a measured value and in a calculation. 5 Minute Preview
p.4: Polynomials
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Addition and Subtraction of Functions
Explore the graphs of two polynomials and the graph of their sum or difference. Vary the coefficients in the polynomials and investigate how the graphs change in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Addition of Polynomials
Add polynomials using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
p.5: Factoring Polynomials
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Factoring Special Products
Choose the correct steps to factor a polynomial involving perfect-square binomials, differences of squares, or constant factors. Use the feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
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Modeling the Factorization of ax2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient greater than 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
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Modeling the Factorization of x2+bx+c
Factor a polynomial with a leading coefficient equal to 1 using an area model. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose any mistakes. 5 Minute Preview
p.7: Equations
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Using Algebraic Equations
Translate equations into English sentences and translate English sentences into equations. Read the equation or sentence and select word tiles or symbol tiles to form the corresponding sentence or equation. 5 Minute Preview
p.9: Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities
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Compound Inequalities
Explore the graphs of two inequalities and find their union or intersection. Determine the relationship between the endpoints of the inequalities and the endpoints of the compound inequality. 5 Minute Preview
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Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Solve an inequality involving absolute values using a graph of the absolute-value function. Vary the terms of the absolute-value function and vary the value that you are comparing it to. Then explore how the graph and solution set change in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Find the solution set to a linear inequality in two variables using the graph of the linear inequality. Vary the terms of the inequality and vary the inequality symbol. Examine how the boundary line and shaded region change in response. 5 Minute Preview
1: Functions and Graphs
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Points, Lines, and Equations
Compare the graph of a linear function to its rule and to a table of its values. Change the function by dragging two points on the line. Examine how the rule and table change. 5 Minute Preview
1.2: Basics of Functions and Their Graphs
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
1.4: Linear Functions and Slope
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Linear Functions
Determine if a relation is a function from the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or graph. Use the graph to determine if it is linear. 5 Minute Preview
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Slope
Explore the slope of a line, and learn how to calculate slope. Adjust the line by moving points that are on the line, and see how its slope changes. 5 Minute Preview
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Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Compare the slope-intercept form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
1.6: Transformations of Functions
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Translating and Scaling Functions
Vary the coefficients in the equation of a function and examine how the graph of the function is translated or scaled. Select different functions to translate and scale, and determine what they have in common. 5 Minute Preview
1.8: Inverse Functions
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Function Machines 3 (Functions and Problem Solving)
Drop a number into a function machine, and see what number comes out! You can use one of the six pre-set function machines, or program your own function rule into one of the blank machines. Stack up to three function machines together. Input and output can be recorded in a table and on a graph. 5 Minute Preview
1.9: Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles
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Distance Formula
Explore the distance formula as an application of the Pythagorean theorem. Learn to see any two points as the endpoints of the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Drag those points and examine changes to the triangle and the distance calculation. 5 Minute Preview
1.10: Modeling with Functions
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Zap It! Game
Adjust the values in a quadratic function, in vertex form or in polynomial form, to "zap" as many data points as possible. 5 Minute Preview
2: Polynomials and Rational Functions
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
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General Form of a Rational Function
Compare the equation of a rational function to its graph. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by linear factors and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Rational Functions
Compare the graph of a rational function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph is translated and stretched as a result. Examine the domain on a number line and compare it to the graph of the equation. 5 Minute Preview
2.2: Quadratic Functions
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Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
2.3: Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
2.4: Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems
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Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division
Divide a polynomial by dragging the correct numbers into the correct positions for synthetic division. Compare the interpreted polynomial division to the synthetic division. 5 Minute Preview
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Polynomials and Linear Factors
Create a polynomial as a product of linear factors. Vary the values in the linear factors to see how their connection to the roots of the function. 5 Minute Preview
2.5: Zeros of Polynomial Functions
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Points, Lines, and Equations
Compare the graph of a linear function to its rule and to a table of its values. Change the function by dragging two points on the line. Examine how the rule and table change. 5 Minute Preview
2.6: Rational Functions and Their Graphs
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General Form of a Rational Function
Compare the equation of a rational function to its graph. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by linear factors and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Rational Functions
Compare the graph of a rational function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph is translated and stretched as a result. Examine the domain on a number line and compare it to the graph of the equation. 5 Minute Preview
3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
3.1: Exponential Functions
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Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
3.2: Logarithmic Functions
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Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
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Logarithmic Functions: Translating and Scaling
Vary the values in the equation of a logarithmic function and examine how the graph is translated or scaled. Connect these transformations with the domain of the function, and the asymptote in the graph. 5 Minute Preview
3.5: Exponential Growth and Decay; Modeling Data
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Exponential Growth and Decay
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or decay function. Vary the initial amount and the rate of growth or decay and investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
4: Trigonometric Functions
4.2: Trigonometric Functions: The Unit Circle
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Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
4.5: Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions
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Cosine Function
Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
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Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
5: Analytic Trigonometry
5.1: Verifying Trigonometric Identities
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Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions
Choose the correct steps to simplify a trigonometric function. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
5.2: Sum and Difference Formulas
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Sum and Difference Identities for Sine and Cosine
Choose the correct steps to evaluate a trigonometric expression using sum and difference identities. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
6: Additional Topics in Trigonometry
6.5: Complex Numbers in Polar Form; DeMoivre's Theorem
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Points in the Complex Plane
Identify the imaginary and real coordinates of a point in the complex plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview
6.6: Vectors
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Vectors
Manipulate the magnitudes and directions of two vectors to generate a sum and learn vector addition. The x and y components can be displayed, along with the dot product of the two vectors. 5 Minute Preview
7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
7.1: Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
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Solving Linear Systems (Matrices and Special Solutions)
Explore systems of linear equations, and how many solutions a system can have. Express systems in matrix form. See how the determinant of the coefficient matrix reveals how many solutions a system of equations has. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means for an (x, y) point to be a solution of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview
7.5: Systems of Inequalities
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Quadratic Inequalities
Find the solution set to a quadratic inequality using its graph. Vary the terms of the inequality and the inequality symbol. Examine how the boundary curve and shaded region change in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Systems of Linear Inequalities (Slope-intercept form)
Compare a system of linear inequalities to its graph. Vary the coefficients and inequality symbols in the system and explore how the boundary lines, shaded regions, and the intersection of the shaded regions change in response. 5 Minute Preview
7.6: Linear Programming
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Linear Programming
Use the graph of the feasible region to find the maximum or minimum value of the objective function. Vary the coefficients of the objective function and vary the constraints. Explore how the graph of the feasible region changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
8: Matrices and Determinants
8.2: Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Their Applications
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Solving Linear Systems (Standard Form)
Solve systems of linear equations, written in standard form. Explore what it means to solve systems algebraically (with substitution or elimination) and graphically. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means when (x, y) values are solutions of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview
9: Conic Sections and Analytic Geometry
9.1: The Ellipse
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Ellipses
Compare the equation of an ellipse to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the ellipse and examine how the graph changes in response. Drag the vertices and foci, explore their Pythagorean relationship, and discover the string property. 5 Minute Preview
9.2: The Hyberola
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Hyperbolas
Compare the equation of a hyperbola to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the hyperbola. Examine how the graph of the hyperbola and its asymptotes changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
9.3: The Parabola
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Parabolas
Explore parabolas in a conic section context. Find the relationship among the vertex, focus, and directrix of a parabola, and how that relates to its equation. 5 Minute Preview
10: Sequences, Induction, and Probability
10.2: Arithmetic Sequences
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Arithmetic Sequences
Find the value of individual terms in arithmetic sequences using graphs of the sequences and direct computation. Vary the common difference and examine how the sequences change in response. 5 Minute Preview
10.3: Geometric Sequences
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Geometric Sequences
Explore geometric sequences by varying the initial term and the common ratio and examining the graph. Compute specific terms in the sequence using the explicit and recursive formulas. 5 Minute Preview
10.6: Counting Principles, Permutations, and Combinations
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Permutations and Combinations
Experiment with permutations and combinations of a number of letters represented by letter tiles selected at random from a box. Count the permutations and combinations using a dynamic tree diagram, a dynamic list of permutations, and a dynamic computation by the counting principle. 5 Minute Preview
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Permutations and Combinations
Experiment with permutations and combinations of a number of letters represented by letter tiles selected at random from a box. Count the permutations and combinations using a dynamic tree diagram, a dynamic list of permutations, and a dynamic computation by the counting principle. 5 Minute Preview
10.7: Probability
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Independent and Dependent Events
Compare the theoretical and experimental probabilities of drawing colored marbles from a bag. Record results of successive draws to find the experimental probability. Perform the drawings with replacement of the marbles to study independent events, or without replacement to explore dependent events. 5 Minute Preview
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Independent and Dependent Events
Compare the theoretical and experimental probabilities of drawing colored marbles from a bag. Record results of successive draws to find the experimental probability. Perform the drawings with replacement of the marbles to study independent events, or without replacement to explore dependent events. 5 Minute Preview
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Probability Simulations
Experiment with spinners and compare the experimental probability of particular outcomes to the theoretical probability. Select the number of spinners, the number of sections on a spinner, and a favorable outcome of a spin. Then tally the number of favorable outcomes. 5 Minute Preview
How Free Gizmos Work
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Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.
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Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.
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All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.
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Free Gizmos change each semester. The new collection will be available January 1 and July 1.
About STEM Cases
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
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Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
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STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
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Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
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Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
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Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
Find Your Solution
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