Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, Second Edition
by Peter H. Selby, Steve Slavin
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Book Summary Information
Author: Peter H. Selby, Steve SlavinEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1991-02-14
ISBN: 0471530123
Number of pages: 329
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Book Reviews of Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, Second Edition
Book Review: Good book but I still want my $10,000...
Summary: 5 Stars
Page 3 talks about offering $10,000 to whoever can find a mistake. Here's one: Page 309 -the equation listed to answer 28 (D) is incorrect - ".50x + 60(x + 5) = 14". The correct equation to find the answer is " .50x + .60(x + 5) = 14 " . If the publisher ever decides to honor the offer, please send me my check.
That being said, this is a really good Algebra book. The reason I bring up the typo is that it is the only one that I can find in the book-which is awesome. I've gone through math books that list sometimes over a dozen typos to problems. That's not a big deal when you are reading a book about how to grow succulents in your garden-you can usually figure out that it's a typo. But when it comes to math, a typo means you can spend a long time trying to figure out a concept, and then end up learning something that doesn't make sense. Thank God this book has very few errors.
I also like that there are many problems, pre tests, tests and review tests in the book. You can't learn algebra without actually doing the problems. The Algebra for Dummies series forces you to buy two books-this book has everything rolled into one.
Also they take you step by step through the material. For most of the problems that you have trouble with, there's a detail explanation showing the equation and steps they took to arrive at the answer.
"Most", by the way, is the key word here.There are a few places that I would have loved to see more detail (IE -the fulcrum problem on page 283 gives no explanation at all as to how the answer is arrived at. All that's given is the answer '60 pounds of force'. This for me, was the hardest problem in the whole book, but no equation or anything is given to show you how they arrived at the solution. The frame it references doesn't give you a clue how to solve it. How this was arrived at I have no idea. It sure would be nice to know.)
Of all the books that I have used on Algebra though, so far, this is the best one. My only other suggestion is that more problems and solutions should be in the book. Math books in general, I've found just don't offer enough problems and solutions. And really, practice is the only way you will every really learn a topic like math. Sometimes when you are having problems understanding something in the book, there will be only one or two problems, and you might get both of them wrong. Then you end up going onto the next section without fully understanding what they are trying to teach.
Summary of Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, Second Edition
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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