Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies [Paperback]

Mark Zegarelli (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470288175 | ISBN-13: 978-0470288177 | Publication Date: September 2, 2008 | Edition: 1

When you have the right math teacher, learning math can be painless and even fun! Let Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies teach you how to overcome your fear of math and approach the subject correctly and directly. A lot of the topics that probably inspired fear before will seem simple when you realize that you can solve math problems, from basic addition to algebraic equations. Lots of students feel they got lost somewhere between learning to count to ten and their first day in an algebra class, but help is here!

Begin with basic topics like interpreting patterns, navigating the number line, rounding numbers, and estimating answers. You will learn and review the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Do remainders make you nervous? You’ll find an easy and painless way to understand long division. Discover how to apply the commutative, associative, and distributive properties, and finally understand basic geometry and algebra. Find out how to:

• Properly use negative numbers, units, inequalities, exponents, square roots, and absolute value
• Round numbers and estimate answers
• Solve problems with fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Navigate basic geometry
• Complete algebraic expressions and equations
• Understand statistics and sets
• Uncover the mystery of FOILing
• Answer sample questions and check your answers

Complete with lists of ten alternative numeral and number systems, ten curious types of numbers, and ten geometric solids to cut and fold, Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies will demystify math and help you start solving problems in no time!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Get the confidence and the math skills you need to get started with algebra!

Are you about to jump into algebra? This easy-to-follow, hands-on workbook helps you brush up on your general math skills and practice the types of problems you'll encounter in your coursework. You get plenty of work space, step-by-step solutions to every problem, and expert tips on making the leap from arithmetic to algebra.

100s of Problems!

• Detailed, fully worked-out solutions to problems

• The inside scoop on converting fractions, decimals, and percents

• The tips and tricks you need to solve basic algebra problems

About the Author

Mark Zegarelli is a math tutor and writer, as well as the author of Logic For Dummies. He holds degrees in math and English from Rutgers University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470288175
• ISBN-13: 978-0470288177
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mark Zegarelli is the author of Logic For Dummies. He holds degrees in both English and math from Rutgers University. He has earned his living for many years writing vast quantities of logic puzzles, a hefty chunk of software documentation, and the occasional book or film review. Along the way, he's also paid a few bills doing housecleaning, decorative painting, and (for ten hours) retail sales. He likes writing best, though.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what you need, July 8, 2009

By 

SMF Joubert "Juniper" (South Korea) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies (Paperback)

I was cautious selecting this title- the other reviews weren't too helpful, but I am so glad I chose this specific publication. I barely passed high school math and have all the usual math baggage associated with years of miserable stress and failure (add to that a father who was a professor of applied mathematics and mix in some exceptionally clever siblings). Now as a 34 year old, I wanted to see if I could use the logic skills I acquired as an adult and dabble in some vacation time algebra. I didn't want to study math in the sense of grasping long explanations, I wanted to see if I could do the math. I knew I would need explanations if I wanted to work out the sums, so I wasn't sure which book to choose- the study book or the workbook. The workbook provided me with exactly what I needed. Brief, but thorough explanations with examples and several questions of each type to work out. Even the answer section has step-by-step explanations and it was impossible not to get your head wrapped around the solutions. I could solve each and every problem without any assistance. I never used a calculator and loved revising things like long division and precentages. What impressed me most by the end of the book was how neatly the different sections (and principles)fitted together to form an entirely unintimidating whole. It alsmot seemed as beautiful as I secretly thought it should. I could now see why I failed math at school,and confirmed what I always suspected: everybody can follow the rules, and you don't have to be smart to do so. My deepest thanks to the author for this excellent work- it won't be a stretch to say that you have made the world a better place with this humble contribution. Thanks to the publishers too, for this meaningful series.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great biik, November 23, 2008

By 

Leonardn O. Norris - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies (Paperback)

This book has a lot of good information for the beginer who wants to understand Pre algebra it tells you step by step and is easy to read and understand I highly recommend this book to any one who needs help in algebra or is needing to review and learn their algebra skills again.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars refresher, February 5, 2009

By 

returning student "returning student" (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies (Paperback)

If you only need a refresher and simple, understandable explanations- this book is perfect. I haven't formally done any of this for over 20 years- but this was very helpful.