Key Benefit: Essentials of College Algebra by Lial, Hornsby, and Schneider, gives readers a solid foundation in the basic functions of college algebra and their graphs, starting with a strong review of intermediate algebra concepts and ending with an introduction to systems and matrices. This brief version of the College Algebra, Tenth Edition has been specifically designed to provide a more compact and less expensive book for courses that do not include the more advanced topics covered in the longer book.   Focused on helping readers develop both the conceptual understanding and the analytical skills necessary to experience success in mathematics, the authors present each mathematical topic in this text using a carefully developed learning system to actively engage students in the learning process. The book addresses the diverse needs of today's students through a clear design, current figures and graphs, helpful features, careful explanations of topics, and a comprehensive package of supplements and study aids. Key Topics: R. Review of Basic Concepts, Sets, Real Numbers and Their Properties, Polynomials, Factoring Polynomials, Rational Expressions, Rational Exponents, Radical Expressions, Equations and Inequalities, Linear Equations, Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations, Other Types of Equations and Applications, Inequalities, Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities, Graphs and Functions,  Rectangular Coordinates and Graphs, Circles,  Functions, Linear Functions, Equations of Lines; Curve Fitting, Graphs of Basic Functions, Graphing Techniques, Function Operations and Composition, Polynomial and Rational Functions,  Quadratic Functions and Models, Synthetic Division, Zeros of Polynomial Functions, Polynomial Functions: Graphs, Applications, and Models, Rational Functions: Graphs, Applications, and Models, Variation, Inverse, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions, Inverse Functions, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions, Evaluating Logarithms and the Change-of-Base Theorem, Exponential and Logarithmic Equations, Applications and Models of Exponential Growth and Decay, Systems and Matrices, Systems of Linear Equations, Matrix Solution of Linear Systems, Determinant Solution of Linear Systems, Partial Fractions, Nonlinear Systems of Equations, Systems of Inequalities and Linear Programming, Properties of Matrices, Matrix Inverses, Glossary,  Solutions to Selected Exercises, Answers to Selected Exercises,  Index of Applications, Index Market Description: Intended for readers who are interested in learning the basics of college algebra