Dr. Math Explains Algebra: Learning Algebra Is Easy! Just Ask Dr. Math! [Paperback]

The Math Forum Drexel University (Author), Jessica Wolk-Stanley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2003

Finally, a Clear Introduction to Algebra -- Courtesy of Dr. Math ? !

You've made it through pre-algebra, but now things are getting harder in algebra class. Never fear! Dr. Math?-the popular online math resource-is here to help you figure out even the trickiest of your algebra problems.

Students just like you have been turning to Dr. Math for years asking questions about math problems, and the math doctors at the Math Forum have helped them find the answers with lots of clear explanations and helpful hints. Now, with Dr. Math? Explains Algebra, you'll learn just what it takes to succeed in this subject. You'll find the answers to dozens of real questions from students who needed help understanding the basic math concepts in a typical algebra class. You'll find plenty of hints and shortcuts for working with unknown quantities. Pretty soon, everything from linear equations to polynomials to factoring will make sense. Plus, you'll get plenty of tips for working with all kinds of real-life problems.

You won't find a better explanation of the world and language of algebra anywhere!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Finally, a Clear Introduction to Algebra –– Courtesy of Dr. Math ® !

You’ve made it through pre-algebra, but now things are getting harder in algebra class. Never fear! Dr. Math®–the popular online math resource–is here to help you figure out even the trickiest of your algebra problems.

Students just like you have been turning to Dr. Math for years asking questions about math problems, and the math doctors at the Math Forum have helped them find the answers with lots of clear explanations and helpful hints. Now, with Dr. Math® Explains Algebra, you’ll learn just what it takes to succeed in this subject. You’ll find the answers to dozens of real questions from students who needed help understanding the basic math concepts in a typical algebra class. You’ll find plenty of hints and shortcuts for working with unknown quantities. Pretty soon, everything from linear equations to polynomials to factoring will make sense. Plus, you’ll get plenty of tips for working with all kinds of real-life problems.

You won’t find a better explanation of the world and language of algebra anywhere!

About the Author

THE MATH FORUM @ Drexel (mathforum.org) is an award-winning Web site and one of the most popular online math resources for students and teachers. The Math Forum offers answers to all kinds of math questions, prepared by a team of math experts. It also keeps archives of previous questions and answers, hosts online communities, and posts several "problems of the week."

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (November 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047122555X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471225553
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for adult self-study, March 17, 2006

By 

Barry B. Schweig - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dr. Math Explains Algebra: Learning Algebra Is Easy! Just Ask Dr. Math! (Paperback)

My goal is to master the algebra that I found so troublesome as a junior high student. As an adult self-learner, I recommend this book highly. Although the illustrations and writing style are pitched at a 12 to 17 year old, I found the information presented clearly and in an easy-to-understand format. For example, the importance of the Pythagorean Theorem is emphasized and then beautifully reinforced with numerous sample problems, worked-out in great detail. Also, the treatment of "completing the square" is the best I have yet encountered. Finally, the author's philosophy of education coincides with my own, namely: difficult material can and should be presented simply as opposed to the all too frequent, presenting simple concepts in an absurdly convoluted and impossible to comprehend manner.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a Thorough Text, but Great Explanations, November 12, 2007

By 

Robert Potter (Lansing, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dr. Math Explains Algebra: Learning Algebra Is Easy! Just Ask Dr. Math! (Paperback)

This book has very clear and concise explanations that give readers a real understanding of what's going as opposed to just teaching the steps of algebra. The material is very digestible, too. It's written in a pleasant, informal style with brief introductions to topics followed by question and answer format explanations.

My only caveat is that it's not, nor does it claim to be, a thorough guide to Algebra. It's more of a helpful supplement or a great springboard for a class or a more thorough book. This might deter some people who only only want to buy one book for self-study, but many of the explanations of basic concepts in this book are the clearest I've read.

As another reviewer said, this book is aimed at young teens, but it's great for anyone. It's not dumbed down or embarrassing for an adult to read. I'm a returning adult student studying to be a math teacher, and this book has helped me clarify a lot of my own ideas about how to teach this stuff.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Learning Algebra "using this book" is Hard!, November 3, 2006

By 

I. B. Fly - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dr. Math Explains Algebra: Learning Algebra Is Easy! Just Ask Dr. Math! (Paperback)

If you are learning algebra for the very first time, this is not the book to use. There are not enough examples in the book to help you really understand the concept at hand. It is very confusing at times. The authors try to add a little humor in the book which is very annoying. Overall it is not a bad book if you have a strong background in math and want to brush up on your skills.