Messersmith Beginning Algebra with P.O.W.E.R. Learning — standalone Beginning-Algebra volume in the Messersmith P.O.W.E.R. (Plan / Organize / Work / Evaluate / Rethink) developmental-mathematics series (McGraw-Hill). Latest standalone Beg edition. Built against the M0481 source class with M0482 cross-listing for Ch 7-9 (Rational, Radicals, Quadratic).
A POWER-Learning-framed introduction: sets of real numbers and their properties; operations on real numbers including signed-number arithmetic; exponents, order of operations, and basic geometry vocabulary as a launch pad for the developmental sequence.
Solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable; literal equations and formulas; problem-solving strategies and applications including percent, ratio, and proportion.
The rectangular coordinate system; graphing lines; slope and rates of change; equations of lines; linear inequalities in two variables; an introduction to functions and function notation.
Two-variable and three-variable linear systems; substitution and elimination; applications using systems.
Exponent rules including negative integer exponents; scientific notation; polynomial operations.
Greatest common factor and grouping; factoring trinomials; special-form factoring; using factoring to solve quadratic equations and applications.
Simplifying, multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting rational expressions; complex fractions; rational equations; proportion- and variation-style applications.
Square roots and higher roots; simplifying radicals; operations on radical expressions; rationalizing denominators; solving radical equations.
Solving quadratic equations by factoring, the square-root property, completing the square, and the quadratic formula; applications and an introduction to graphing quadratic functions.