Algebra I for Dummies |  | Author: Mary Jane Sterling
Publisher: For Dummies
List Price: $19.99
Buy Used: $2.89
as of 11/20/2009 13:27 CST details
You Save: $17.10 (86%)
New (69) Used (102) from $2.89
Seller: Bookbrothers1
Rating:  41 reviews
Sales Rank: 7094
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Pages: 384
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 7.3 x 1
ISBN: 0764553259
Dewey Decimal Number: 512
UPC: 785555054066
EAN: 9780764553257
ASIN: 0764553259
Publication Date: September 29, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
One of the most commonly asked questions in a mathematics classroom is, "Will I ever use this stuff in real life?" Some teachers can give a good, convincing answer; others hem and haw and stare at the floor. The real response to the question should be, "Yes, you will, because algebra gives you power" – the power to help your children with their math homework, the power to manage your finances, the power to be successful in your career (especially if you have to manage the company budget). The list goes on. Algebra is a system of mathematical symbols and rules that are universally understood, no matter what the spoken language. Algebra provides a clear, methodical process that can be followed from beginning to end to solve complex problems. There's no doubt that algebra can be easy to some while extremely challenging to others. For those of you who are challenged by working with numbers, Algebra For Dummies can provide the help you need. This easy-to-understand reference not only explains algebra in terms you can understand, but it also gives you the necessary tools to solve complex problems. But rest assured, this book is not about memorizing a bunch of meaningless steps; you find out the whys behind algebra to increase your understanding of how algebra works. In Algebra For Dummies, you'll discover the following topics and more: - All about numbers – rational and irrational, variables, and positive and negative
- Figuring out fractions and decimals
- Explaining exponents and radicals
- Solving linear and quadratic equations
- Understanding formulas and solving story problems
- Having fun with graphs
- Top Ten lists on common algebraic errors, factoring tips, and divisibility rules.
No matter if you're 16 years old or 60 years old; no matter if you're learning algebra for the first time or need a quick refresher course; no matter if you're cramming for an algebra test, helping your kid with his or her homework, or coming up with next year's company budget, Algebra For Dummies can give you the tools you need to succeed.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 41
 I usually write good reviews but... November 6, 2009
M. Lee (Houston, Texas United States)
I have to tell you, I wish I had read the reviews before I purchased this book but I needed it in a hurry. So here I am at my kitchen table trying to study for an algebra exam but this book is of very little help. I thought it would help me grasp the elementary concepts of algebra so I could build my knowledge upon them but it doesn't. As another reviewer said, the author states on the 4th page: "...I also assume that you have some experience with algebra - full exposure for a year or so..." Oh really?? It seems to me that the safer assumption would be that I have had NO exposure to algebra since I'm buying a "For Dummies" book. Why would the "For Dummies" people publish a book that isn't really written for people who know nothing about the subject when that is the whole premise for the "For Dummies" books? The "Algebra I" title is misleading because a buyer thinks they are getting a ground level introduction. Note to the "For Dummies" people: If I had previous exposure to algebra I would have purchased "Algebra II for Dummies." I'm very disappointed and think the publishers could have tried a little harder to find an algebra instructor who really knows how to dumb down the basics of algebra for those of us who really need to have it explained to us as though we are completely ignorant. After not getting what I needed in the book, I found this introduction to algebra online and it helped me a little bit: [...]Maybe the "For Dummies" publishers can take a look at this website and decide to publish a real "Algebra for Dummies" book next time.
 Poorly Written October 3, 2009
FancyPance
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Slapping a bunch of demeaning baby talk on top of poorly worded, disorganized and incomplete "explanations" does not a user-friendly math book make. Sadly, that's precisely what this book does. In one breath the author is insulting your intelligence: "Operations in algebra are nothing like operations in hospitals". (Oh really?) In the next, she is using technical terms without first explaining them, placing some steps out of order, and entirely skipping other steps. To make matters worse, the explanations she does provide are often so convoluted that they raise more questions than they answer.
If you've been frustrated in your attempts to learn algebra and are looking for someone to explain things in a no-nonsense, understandable, step-by-step manner, this is NOT the book for you.
 Exactly what was expected September 17, 2009
G. Tummond
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Wish I could have gotten it a little sooner, but the wait wasn't excessive and the book was in good condition.
DO NOT get this book if you are trying to learn algebra July 24, 2009
chroot (Italy)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Do Not get this book if you are trying to learn algebra. The first half of the book is OK, the basic stuff. Once you get further along there are tons of problems with no explanation AT ALL as to why she is doing certain things in the problem. This is a good book for a refresher, that's it.
Algebra for, of and by dummies. June 19, 2009
R. Gelb (St. Louis, MO)
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
I think the 'dummies franchise is doomed if they permit this kind of product to leave their publisher. The author befuddles the reader and obfuscates the subject. My high school algebra was never this confusing. Our country lags much of the world because of teachings like this.
Teaching requires empathy and there's little in this book.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 41
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