This textbook has been in constant use since 1980, and this edition represents the first major revision of this text since the second edition. It was time to select, make hard choices of material, polish, refine, and fill in where needed. Much has been rewritten to be even cleaner and clearer, new features have been introduced, and some peripheral topics have been removed.

The authors continue to provide real-world, technical applications that promote intuitive reader learning. Numerous fully worked examples and boxed and numbered formulas give students the essential practice they need to learn mathematics. Computer projects are given when appropriate, including BASIC, spreadsheets, computer algebra systems, and computer-assisted drafting. The graphing calculator has been fully integrated and calculator screens are given to introduce computations. Everything the technical student may need is included, with the emphasis always on clarity and practical applications.