Chapter 1 – Algebraic Notation

This chapter recaps the prerequisite material necessary for the study of algebraic concepts in preparation for taking a course in Calculus. The assumption is that students are already familiar with this material, therefore the presentation is intentionally brief. The major focus is working with polynomials and rational expressions, specifically expanding and factoring polynomials, and the arithmetic of fractions/rational expressions. Laws of Exponents are also introduced. These ideas are expanded upon in later chapters: Polynomials and Rational Expressions are connected to their graphs in the chapter on Quadratics, Polynomials and Rational Expressions and the Laws of Exponents are crucial for the chapter on Exponential and Logarithmic Functions.