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Algebra For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) | 
 enlarge | Author: Mary Jane Sterling
Publisher: For Dummies
Category: Book
List Price: $19.99
Buy New: $13.70
You Save: $6.29 (31%)
New (10) Used (9) from $12.36
Rating:  32 reviews
Sales Rank: 76925
Format: Bargain Price
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Pages: 384
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 9 x 7.4 x 0.9
Dewey Decimal Number: 512
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: Read 27 more reviews...
 Helping to Overcome the Fear of Algebra September 30, 2007
M. Toney (Western NY USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
ALGEBRA FOR DUMMIES was purchased, along with ALGEBRA WORKBOOK FOR DUMMIES, for a close friend that has gone back to school at a "mature" age. Together they haven't exactly made her a raving algebraic enthusiast but they put forth the concepts in a manner that is logical and easier to understand. I don't think she'll score a 4 for this class but there's no doubt that she'll achieve a passing grade!
Does Exactly What it is Supposed to Do July 30, 2008
E. Hughes (CA United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is NOT an algebra textbook and it was never meant to be one. It's meant to SUPPLEMENT a textbook. I have an extremely hard time understanding math books and math teachers. I've always been that way. I've repeated Pre-Algebra and Algebra so many times it'd make your head spin. Well, this gives me a second explanation to turn to when I don't understand the one in my Algebra book.
I own or have owned a total of over twenty "...For Dummies" books and this is the best of them all. The explanations in this book are the clearest I have ever seen. The author is a master at making things easy for me to understand. She gives me confidence that I never had before.
Meets my needs as a returning student needing review August 27, 2007
silversurf (Planet of Paint)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I took algebra years ago, and wanted to brush up before taking a formal
class. This book is fine for my purposes. I like being able to look up concepts and definitions that I had trouble undersanding the first time around. The language is clear, and the explanations seem to give just enough detail without being long-winded. I wish this book had been around when I was in high school!
If you want a book with lots of problems and practice drills, this will NOT be a good choice. The purpose of the book is mainly to help you understand the problem-solving process. The emphasis is firmly on teaching the vocabulary and concepts used in algebra, so you will have them in your head when you start encountering actual problems and homework assignments. This knowledge can then be applied to whatever textbooks are used in your algebra class.
Great book for reviewing forgotten concepts, or as a reference when you encounter something in class that doesn't make sense as presented in your textbook or by your teacher. I would also recommend it as a pre-algebra book, if you want to get a head start on learning the basic ideas behind algebra. However, it isn't the only book you need, because learning algebra (or any form of math), requires plenty of practice using the kinds of exercises you find in conventional textbooks.
Going back to college... January 16, 2004
20 out of 21 found this review helpful
I had gone back to college and had not been in an algebra class in about 16 years...this book helped me tremendously! The book is very easy to follow and I found it short and to the point.
Setting Expectations is Key . . . January 5, 2007
J. Cocchini (SouthEast United States (still income tax free))
16 out of 21 found this review helpful
note: The "..." in the title are an algebra pun! ;O)
When I hear or read a book title that includes the phrase, "for Dummies", I easily pull together the concepts that this book is not likely a foundational text for building one's doctorate upon, and that there might very well be some non-standard methodology in its construct. How is it possible to mistake a book titled, "Algebra for Dummies" as something other than that?!?
In any event, had my high school algebra teacher(s) approached the subject in this vein, I would have never developed a fear of the subject, and by now, my adult income would [approximate] be about quadruple what it is/was/has been. It took more than twenty years and three math-gifted offspring to discover that I have an aptitude for algebra, but was too afraid to pursue it. I have successfully and convincingly discussed 4-plane time and space theory with literal rocket scientists - naturally figured how to solve for a proportional unknown, blah-blah-blah. In other words, I had the goods, but was delusional about being any good at it.
I say this to point out that most everyone that lives in fear of "higher mathematics" need not do so. That most all those folks could be and would be hysterically excited to discover that their understanding of math is there, just waiting to be coaxed along a bit.
The author's assertion that the knowledge of algebra is power is not far off the mark, if off at all. Even if you never use it (although you will, or will have the opportunity to do so), the provable fact that you are not a math retard after all is worth considerably more than this book costs. That you will be able to pursue algebraic exploits without fear is just gravy.
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