Algebra: Form and Function

Form is related to function. An airplane wing has the form it does because of its lifting function. The pillars of the Parthenon and the girders of a skyscraper are shaped to the purpose of supporting their massive structures. Similarly, the form of an algebraic expression or equation reflects its function. To use algebra in later courses, students need not only procedural fluency, but an ability to recognize algebraic form and an understanding of the purpose of different forms. Algebra: Form and Function Preliminary Edition introduces each function-linear, power, quadratic, exponential, polynomial-and presents a study of the basic form of expressions for that function. Students are encouraged to examine the basic forms, see how they are constructed, and consider the role of each component. Throughout the text, there are Tools sections placed at the ends of chapters to help students acquire the skills they need to perform basic algebraic manipulations.

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