Hot X: Algebra Exposed [Hardcover]

Danica McKellar (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 3, 2010 | ISBN-10: 1594630704 | ISBN-13: 978-1594630705 | Edition: First Edition | Age Range: 11 and up

In her two bestselling books, Math Doesn't Suck and Kiss My Math, actress and math genius Danica McKellar shattered the "math nerd" stereotype by showing girls how to ace middle school math-and actually feel cool while doing it!

Sizzling with Danica's trademark sass and style, Hot X: Algebra Exposed tackles algebra: the most feared of all math classes and the most common roadblock to high school graduation. McKellar instantly puts her readers at ease, showing teenage girls-and anyone taking algebra-how to feel confident, get in the driver's seat, and master topics like square roots, polynomials, quadratic equations, word problems and more . . . without breaking a sweat (or a nail).

Danica provides illuminating, step-by-step math lessons combined with reader favorites like personality quizzes, popular doodles, real-life testimonials, and stories from her own life, so girls feel like she's sitting right next to them. As hundreds of thousands of girls already know, Danica's irreverent, light-hearted approach opens the door to higher grades and higher test scores. Now, with Hot X: Algebra Exposed, the scary veil of algebra is finally lifted, making it understandable, relevant and maybe even a little (gasp!) fun for girls.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

As far as math goes, McKellar knows her stuff. With two girlcentric, best-selling titles under her belt (Math Doesn’t Suck, 2008, and Kiss My Math, 2009) and a degree in mathematics from UCLA, it is almost easy to forget that she was Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. Facing down a 432-page book devoted to algebra could give even math whizzes pause, but McKellar makes it work, taking the textbook-meets-Seventeen approach by mixing the explanations and equations with boy talk, quizzes, and testimonials from successful women. While a tutor might use this title as a teaching aid, teen girls will want to explore it on their own. Navigation is easy; students are encouraged to hop from chapter to chapter as their homework demands. The breakdown of equations is effective and certainly unconventional—explaining functions in terms of sausage factories, for example, or exponents in terms of whip-bearing female executives (makes sense in the book, promise)—and while McKellar keeps her focus on how to solve math problems, her approach is both readable and even entertaining. --Courtney Jones

About the Author

Best known for her roles on The Wonder Years and The West Wing, Danica McKellar is also an internationally recognized mathematician and advocate for math education. A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA with a degree in Mathematics, Danica has been honored in Britain’s esteemed Journal of Physics and The New York Times for her work in mathematics, most notably for her role as co-author of a groundbreaking mathematical physics theorem, which bears her name (The Chayes-McKellar-Winn Theorem.) Her passion for promoting girls’ math education began in 2000, when she was invited to speak before Congress on the importance of women in math and science. Since then, Danica has made it a priority to find time in her busy acting schedule to promote math education, often appearing around the country as a speaker at national mathematics conferences.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 417 pages
• Publisher: Hudson Street Press; First Edition edition (August 3, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594630704
• ISBN-13: 978-1594630705
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.4 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Best known for her roles on The Wonder Years and The West Wing, Danica McKellar graduated summa cum laude in mathematics from UCLA, went on to co-write a published math theorem, and continues to be an outspoken role model for young women to excel in math.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Math isn't just fun, it's cool. August 13, 2010

By John Zxerce

Format:Hardcover

McKellar's 3rd and latest math book encourages teenage girls to outclass the boys in algebra. This can be an especially tough subject and she tackles it in a way that invites the outlandish idea of actually enjoying math.

She rejects the notion that excelling in algebra is all about natural gift. Rather, it's about determination and making an effort.

While the sex-appeal of the book might be in question, ultimately this is a book broken down into straightforward language, easy charts and memorable reminders of the process of algebra.

Additionally, you'll find motivating stories from youthful female adults who've struggled with math, but learned to conquer their struggles.
Danica proclaims. "I'm here to tell you that giving up on ourselves because of our own stereotypes and limited imaginations is a far more destructive force than any challenge or obstacle 'out there,'"

One bonus in the book is the inclusion of good tables and charts. These can be worth the price of the book alone. These succinctly explain the meaning of math terms such as fractions, coefficients and variables.

A surprising aspect of the book is the authors inclusion of advice on how to choose the right guys to date. While she doesn't provide a mathematic formula for this it does seem she dispenses some basic common sense.

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource August 6, 2010

By Patti Chadwick VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

What a great book to help tutor teen girls in math! It is organized well, so it is easy to navigate and you don't have to read it straight through. You can pick your topic and go back and forth with ease. The author is obviously a great teacher and knows her stuff. She combines that with her ability to reach out and grab the attention of teen girls and make math fun. A must have to share with the girls in your life!

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hot X: Algebra Exposed August 29, 2010

By SchoolVolunteer

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Another gem from Danica. Like her first two books (Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail and Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss), Hot X: Algebra Exposed is more than a math book. It contains additional information which enlightens, provides direction, and builds self-esteem in girls and young ladies. Boys should also use it -- just skip the chick stuff and go for the math.

At last, a book that teaches middle-school students and their parents in simple terms how to solve quadratic equations by completing the square and to solve the quadratic equation in standard form in X (ax^2 + bx + c = 0) to come up with the quadratic forumla. Most colleges and high schools do not teach this -- they just expect the student to know it.

The charter school I support plans to use Hot X: Algebra Exposed in concert with the first two books to ensure most or all Grade 8 students attain an A (93 or higher) in Algebra I.

Danica McKellar needs to continue writing math books. Since these are such outstanding books, few state departments of education will adopt them for use, which means parents, other major care givers, and supportive businesses will have to come up with the funds to help schools with the purchase of these books. Not only should the schools have these books for use as textbooks, but individual students should have their own copy to help learn the material initially and to refresh key points as they complete Algebra II and beyond.

Danica also has web sites that provide additional information for each book. Check out [...]. If you wish to provide input to Danica, you may send it to her at: [e-mail].