Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition | 
| Authors: Peter H. Selby, Steve Slavin
Publisher: Wiley
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $10.98
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Avg. Customer Rating:  64 reviews
Sales Rank: 6266
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 9.6 x 7 x 1
ISBN: 0471530123
Dewey Decimal Number: 512.077
EAN: 9780471530121
ASIN: 0471530123
Publication Date: February 14, 1991
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Product Description
Practical Algebra If you studied algebra years ago and now need a refresher course in order to use algebraic principles on the job, or if you're a student who needs an introduction to the subject, here's the perfect book for you. Practical Algebra is an easy and fun-to-use workout program that quickly puts you in command of all the basic concepts and tools of algebra. With the aid of practical, real-life examples and applications, you'll learn:- The basic approach and application of algebra to problem solving
- The number system (in a much broader way than you have known it from arithmetic)
- Monomials and polynomials; factoring algebraic expressions; how to handle algebraic fractions; exponents, roots, and radicals; linear and fractional equations
- Functions and graphs; quadratic equations; inequalities; ratio, proportion, and variation; how to solve word problems, and more
Authors Peter Selby and Steve Slavin emphasize practical algebra throughout by providing you with techniques for solving problems in a wide range of disciplines—from engineering, biology, chemistry, and the physical sciences, to psychology and even sociology and business administration. Step by step, Practical Algebra shows you how to solve algebraic problems in each of these areas, then allows you to tackle similar problems on your own, at your own pace. Self-tests are provided at the end of each chapter so you can measure your mastery.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 59 more reviews...
 Can't judge a book by the cover November 23, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am extremely disappointed in this book based on what I expected from the title. There's nothing practical about it at all. At least the author and I have a very different definition of the word "practical." For instance, in one place the author says "in a practical sense, then, the distributive law tells us that if we wish to multiply the sum of two numbers...we multiply each number..."It simply explains in words how to do the distributive property. I expected practical, as in designed for actual use or for useful activities or how to use in actual practice. This is just another algebra book with lots of big words (that I have no problem with, but my students do) inserted into an informal writing style. In the introduction the author defines "practical" as an emphasis on techniques and problem solving, and by this the author means algebraic problems with no relationship to word problems, which, again, would be real life. The author states the hope that the reader will find the applications in his chosen field. I would title the book something other than "practical" to mean these things.
So, what is good about it? The informal writing style is friendly and there are quite a few examples worked out step by step. There are also problems to practice with. If you want a cheap textbook or something to work with alongside your class textbook to explain the same stuff another way, this may be your book.
It may be a "self-teaching guide," but it is really just another textbook in paperback and cheaper.
 Misses the mark November 22, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
For a book to be a good self teaching device it needs to:
1.) Be clearly written
2.) Provide copious and abundant examples/questions
3.) Leave nothing to assumption
This book is clearly written. Provides a minimal amount of examples and questions. And leaves much to be assumed.
Having read the book I can easily see why it is well rated as the format and style is quite approachable. To an extent this is a problem when combined with the shallowness of the examples and test questions in the book, as this can lead to a false confidence. There is very little in the way of converse examples, and the examples to be found are about as basic as they can get. So as you're reading this book you're constantly making assumptions and if your assumptions are wrong there are not enough examples to know any better.
I constantly found myself going online seeking clarity. And After finishing the book I did not feel confident in the subject and got another book. If you're looking for a good book on algebra pick up a Elementary Algebra with Applications by Wesner and Nustad; it covers the same range of material as this book, yet fills in all the holes.
 Tremendous Help September 10, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm 24 years old, and just started my college career. Since my ACT/SAT scores were too old, I was required to take assessment tests before I could be accepted back into school. In fear of not passing the math portion the first time, I bought this book. After a few weeks of studying, I took the test, and scored 119/120. I would highly recommend this book. It does a VERY good job of explaining things and breaking them down for the reader. It also allows you to learn at your own pace, and gives you a thorough understanding of things before moving on to the next lessons. HIGHLY recommend.
 Nice try July 28, 2008
2 out of 9 found this review helpful
It's not my intent to diminish the value of this book; however, in my experience using it, I am reminded that there still exists a huge void in Math and/or Algebra books that is yet to be filled. My conjecture is that "numbers people" (math professors, or those who just love math) are not in their element when they try to use language to explain how to solve math problems/ procedures. I think the authors of this book and authors of other Math books would serve the interests of their readers better if they operated from a "less is more" strategy. Namely: Present a subject; show a problem; solve the problem- and be DONE with it! A new student is burdened enough without verbose explanations.
Another improvement would be large font for number problems. It's a matter of balance: Less unnecessary words leaves room for larger font for the numbers.
It's also my observation that the value of a gifted professor teaching in person, will never be surpassed by authors attempting to use text to do the same thing. At least not in the subjects of Math and Algebra.
Great Book July 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Right now I'm a mature student preparing for college and was in need of a major brush up on my algebra knowledge. I researched and researched throughout the libraries and couldn't find the right book to teach myself what I needed to know, thats until I went on amazon and found this book. I gotta tell ya this is by far the best book for anyone brushing up on there algebra like me or anyone who's new to it. This book explains everything you need to know in easy and understandable detail. I'm a slow learner when it comes to math but with this book I rarely had to go back and reread what I just read. Everything came to me so quick and I promise it will for you as well. Like it says in the name its practical and would be money well spent. Enjoy!
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