The Distributive Property is used in applications involving discount and markup. By the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to solve linear equations and inequalities with any kind of coefficients. The ideas of square root and absolute value are introduced. The emphasis in this chapter is on equations of lines which are tied in with the applications that give rise to them and with the geometry of the plane. Both slope-intercept form and standard form for equations are addressed in this section.
Students also explore a method for finding a line which closely describes data.
The chapter closes with a lesson on graphing linear inequalities. These applications arise when there is a constant growth factor as contrasted with situations of constant increase or decrease. This chapter introduces compound interest and problem addressing this topic can be solved using a scientific calculator. The properties of exponents are pursued in the remaining sections of the chapter. The goal of the chapter is to have students become skillful in the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of polynomials.