Customer Reviews

Beginning Algebra (6th Edition)

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Tobey and Slater's 'Beginning Algebra' text is used by my college where I tutor mathematics in the first course in Algebra, often the first course in Algebra many of our students have ever taken. It is very much a beginning course, as the course itself carries no official 'credit' (it is a zero-level course, as a prerequisite to other science and mathematics courses, that many students place out of on the basis of assessment scores).

The first chapter is actually a Chapter Zero, covering review topics in the event students have not had mathematics for a while. These include topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, estimation, and basic arithmetical functions. The chapter is a bit disorganised (however, every class seems to have a different intuitive feel for mathematics, so I have not discovered that one system of rearrangement that works for all classes).

The following chapters cover the major topics of Algebra systematically: Real Numbers and Variables; Equations and Inequalities; Applied Problems (this is the dreaded `story problem' chapter, where most students who seek tutoring first seek it out); Exponents and Polynomial expressions; Factoring (another major area of problem for students); Rational Expressions/Equations; Graphing and Functions (the third primary area of problem for students); Solving Systems of Equations; Radicals and Roots (including some basic geometry via the Pythagorean theorem); and finally Quadratic Equations.

Each of the sections includes pretests, post-tests and reviews, and plenty of problems to be solved to reinforce the mathematical principles being presented. There are a few issues with the organisation that we address in the course (sometimes the introduction of square roots and radicals needs to be advanced to assist in the discussion of factoring, for example), but these are fairly minor and can be adjusted as the instructor and/or course planner desires.

Each of the chapters deals with things in a mathematical as well as an 'English' way - explaining in words the concepts and operations being carried out in the numbers. Each section of each chapter covers only a few key concepts, with enough problems for solving that reinforce the principles thoroughly. Each section also as word problems (story problems) to test the real-world applicability of the numerical/mathematical concepts being presented, so when students ask (as they always do and shall), 'When am I ever going to use this?' there are examples drawn from typical situations.

Tobey and Slater have also worked to make various connections with geometry, graphs and charts, tables, as well as internet resources to provide the most up-to-date and useful text. There are specific problems along the way that assume the use of calculators (as most of real-life mathematics now involves calculators).

The book's design is interesting from a graphic-design standpoint, but from the standpoint of clarity to the students, the pages are a bit `busy'. While I appreciate the need to reduce the number of pages in an effort to keep the costs down (text-book prices are typically higher than popular-book prices, and this text is no exception), more white space on the pages would probably help the accessibility and make it a little less intimidating.

Most students who take the Beginning Algebra class using this text who then move on to the Intermediate Algebra class (which is the course level of mathematics required of most every degree programme at our college) find that, in many respects, they have already mastered the key concepts of Algebra, and find Intermediate to be new applications and more complex problems of similar principles they have already learned. In that respect, this text is a good one, and serves the students well.

This text, combined with quality instruction helped me earn an "A" in my first class in 13 years! Not only that, but it's the first "A" I've ever received in a math class! Hands down, my best exposure to math ever!

It was exactly what I needed for math 0990 at Utah valley university. It also got here right in time!

Great book! This book will take you all the way from the very beginning concepts of math to more complicated ones. It has [3d] images, and it's also full/loaded with practical problems. Good edition.

This book is exactly what i needed for class, it was like new and did not take very long to ship!

This book is VERY useful, I had to take an Algebra course where of course my teacher was horrible and I basically had to teach myself. This book has it all, Explanations on problems, example problems, Practice Problems (answers in the back), exercises (answers for ODD problems in the back), chapter tests and cummulative tests (answers on the back). As well as a CD-ROM to help with showing how to solve problems for each Chapter Test. Whether your taking a class or just want to get a head start for Algebra, this is a GREAT book adn you will not be disappointed. You will definately learn a lot!

I am highly pleased with my purchase. The item is in wonderful condition and the delivery was FaSt! Wow. Great Experience!

This book is one of the most informative I have ever read. Prior to using this book I had failed Algerbra six times. However, using this book and having an exceptional teacher I received not only a passing grade but an A in the couse.

This book was $120 at my college and so I got online and bought for my friend who needed it for $20.

i read this book and it is the best. it improves your grades