Customer Reviews

Algebra Success in 20 Minutes a Day (Skill Builders (Learningexpress))

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a homeschooling mother who is now in the process of teaching one class in algebra and one class in geometry. I did take these classes in high school myself but it has been over 30 years and I barely passed both classes. I had never really grasped some of the basic concepts and now I had to somehow get these concepts across to my children. I do have regular school books to teach from and have been able to do an adequate job but it has been a struggle until I found this book. The basic ideas of algebra are clearly laid out without alot of extra words that are sometimes found in regular texts. You are led step-by-step with tests throughout each chapter to make sure you understand each idea before you go on. A wonderful supplement to the regular text book.

This is indeed a good algebra primer, though not without its failings. First the positive. The authors avoid the use of math jargon and long winded explanations that many other academic types use primarily for self-aggrandizement purposes. There are plenty of practice problems, and the lessons are laid out in a logical order. Now the negative. Some of the more difficult concepts are given little attention, while the very simple are given far too much attention. Also, the book should have been edited more closely (there are several typos and at least one repeated paragraph, but these errors are, for the most part, easily recognizable). I have found that books written by teachers are quite often rubberstamped by the people checking for accuracy, but this book avoids one of the worst failings of teacher/authors--the apparent practice of an author simply handing class notes to a publisher, believing their work is infallible. The authors of this book obviously put much thought into this work, and have succeeded admirably. Oh, by the way, "...In 20 Minutes A Day" means absolutely nothing.

I am planning to go to College as a mature student in Spring and really and truly needed to fully understand Algebra. Well this book is perfect. Step by Step. If you don't understand Algebra after studying this book, you really weren't paying attention.

That and it's actually enjoyable. I also bought learn Geometry in 20 minutes a day. And I also feel the same way about that book.

I took Algebra over the summer and before taking the class I read this book. It helped me alot. This book gets down to the facts and helps you understand them with practice and examples. For me this book was better than a teacher teaching me Algebra. It was great and helped me alot. I think this should be a required material for all algebra classes; it is better than any textbook. I am taking Geometry next year and I am soon to order Geometry Success in 20 Minutes a Day!

There are a lot of errors in the answer key (I have the 2nd edition); since this is a self-study book, the errors can be quite frustrating. The book is also a little bit watered-down, and doesn't cover some topics standard in most algebra texts. For example, factoring cubes is completely uncovered, and the section on graphing is very limited. It's excellent at teaching the basics and building confidence, but the errors are annoying, and if you are planning on going on to pre-calculus with only this book as preparation , you will probably find yourself a little behind most of the other students.

It was almost time for my Algebra finals and I was nervous. I got an 80 on the mid-term, so I needed to get an A on the final. So I grabbed this book and it really helped me. The book was so easy to read AND understand. I finished the book in two weeks(which was all I had). I took the final exam and I got a 97! Now I am taking Geometry & Algebra II next year.

stumbled on this book in a book store after searching for a book for my brother. he just cannot understand the concept well enough because the text he uses in school is written in a fashion that assumes you know some stuff i think a good book is written when an author explains to you like a "dummy" that helps alot i know that because i'm a math tutor. i have spent 6 hours reviewing the style of this book and it really impresses me of how simple and understanding can an author make algebra. I dont quiet remember if there were any big emphasis on exponentials which i think are important, but if i over look this i stand correction. Any way great book it has taught me alot of easier way to do problems. its also great for those who have taken algebra years ago and need a brush up. GO GET IT I'M SERIOUS

This book is by far the best math teaching book I have ever seen. Its up there with The complete idiots guide to calculus.
Superb!!

This is a good book for algebra and does an excellent job of explaining the concepts and formulas. It is great if you are a beginner and want to understand algebra on a common language level and move forward from there.

But, there is a lot left out if you're planning to test out for college credit. For example: absolute value, infinities, logarithms, "f" domain of function, graphing cones, arithmetic sequence, etc. are not included.

I'm glad I was able to get it from my library and didn't have to buy it!

This book along with practical algebra have helped me become a great math student.