Precalculus, by Warren W. Esty

From the Preface:

"The goal of this course is to develop your ability to read, write, think, and do mathematics and to give you command of the facts and methods of algebra and trigonometry. It emphasizes everything you need to understand to be prepared for calculus .

 "A unique feature of this course is its emphasis on developing fluency in the abstract and symbolic language of algebra. That "foreign" language is extremely important because it is the most effective and efficient language in which to learn, understand, recall, and think mathematical thoughts."
 

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 is not typical. It emphasizes learning the symbolic language of algebra. It discusses what algebraic symbolism is for and how it is used to say what it says.
 

Table of Contents, Chapter 1

All chapters briefly described
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Warren Esty, Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University,