Precalculus: Functions and Graphs, Fifth Edition

Rating:
Summary: precalc-demana etal
Review: The topics in this text have enough breadth to cover
Functions (algebraic, transcendentals, etc) and their Graphs.

One typical feature that is extremely disturbing is the fact that the authors decided to throw in mathematical terms without
defining them first. For instance, as early as Chapter 1.2,
the term "lim f(x) as x approaches ***" is introduced so that
the graphical concept "continuity" can be taught.
There is much more to
limits than just "plotting the graph, seeing where the curve goes". The purpose of PreCalc as suggested by its name is to prepare the students to take Calculus. And if we do not want to
cover some concepts correctly (algebraically and graphically - the motto of this text!) but only to do it in a touchy-feely sense, then please do NOT cover it in PreCalc. Do it in Calculus!

The only reason I ever used this is because someone else chose it for our multiple sections course!