Basic technical mathematics

This book is intended primarily for students in technical or pre-engineering technology programs where a coverage of basic mathematics is required. Chapters 1 through 19 provide the necessary background in algebra and trigonometry for analytic geometry and calculus courses, and Chapters 1 through 20 provide the background necessary for calculus courses. There is an integrated treatment of mathematical topics, primarily algebra and trigonometry, which have been found necessary for a sound mathematical background for the technician. Numerous applications from many fields of technology are included primarily to indicate where and how mathematical techniques are used. It is assumed that students using this text will have a background including algebra and geometry. However, the material is presented in sufficient detail for use by those whose background is possibly deficient to some extent in these areas. The material presented here is sufficient for two to three semesters. One of the primary reasons for the arrangement of topics in this text is to present material in such an order that it is possible for a student to take courses in allied technical areas, such as physics and electricity, concurrently. These allied courses normally require that a student know certain mathematical topics by certain definite times, and yet, with the traditional mathematical order of topics, it is difficult to attain this coverage without loss of continuity. However, this material can be arranged to fit any appropriate sequence of topics, if this is deemed necessary. Another feature of the material in this text is that certain topics which are traditionally included, primarily for mathematical completeness, have been omitted. The approach used here is basically an intuitive one. It is not unduly mathematically rigorous, although all appropriate terms and concepts are introduced as needed and given an intuitive or algebraic foundation. The book’s aim is to help the student develop a feeling for mathematical methods, and not simply to have a collection of formulas when he has completed his work in the text.