Customer Reviews

Intermediate Algebra

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is currently being used by the community college where I tutor as a book for the internet version of Intermediate Algebra, a course that most of our two-year degree programmes require as part of the mathematics requirement, and one of the most 'popular' courses at the tutor centre. Because this book is used by the internet course, it has to be well crafted to enable students to learn from on their own, and indeed, it seems to pass muster on that account.

The organisation of the book is fairly standard for algebra texts of this level: basic number theory is introduced (which should be a refresher or review from previous basic mathematics or algebra courses), the linear equations and inequalities are introduced, with equations of one variable, some elementary set operations, and the concept of inequalities. The third chapter introduces graphs, with the x-y coordinate axis, two-variable equations introduced. The fourth chapter looks at systems of equations, both in two and three variables, and introduces matrix methodology.

The fifth chapter develops the ideas of exponents, introducing scientific notation and polynomial multiplication and division. This is a prelude to factoring, the subject of chapter six. Trinomial factors, special cases and general approaches are discussed, including the grouping method and trial-and-error.

Chapter seven looks at rational expressions, complex fractions, and applications that build upon the factoring. Chapter eight introduces roots and radicals as a prelude to the quadratic equation in chapter nine. Graphing of functions such as parabolas is developed here.

Chapter ten looks at logarithmic, inverse and exponential functions, leading to analytic geometry topics such as conic sections, nonlinear functions and nonlinear systems in chapter eleven. This include hyperbolas, circles, and ellipses. The final chapter addresses the ideas of series (arithmetic sequences, geometric sequences) and introduces the binomial theorem.

The chapters have group activities at the end of each section that set the mathematics learned in proper 'real world' context. For example, the group activity for chapter eleven on analytic geometry topics deals with finding the paths of natural satellites; other activities include figuring out investments, the progress of disease spreading, the paths of comets, and comparing long-distance charges.

Each chapter comes with a convenient summary, a set of review exercises, and a chapter text. The summaries address key concepts, terms, new symbols introduced, and basic patterns of problems. There are also cumulative review sets after each chapter that address all the previous chapters. The first appendix is an introduction to calculators (there are many types of calculators, so this section is somewhat general, addressing those calculators which use basic algebraic logic in order of operations and other important areas.

The other appendices go into more detail about matrices and determinants (Cramer's Rule) and synthetic division for polynomials, for the ambitious students who wish to understand further.

The text is generally readable and accessible, with colourful pages, well-illustrated graphs and charts as required, and pictures thrown in for good measure and visual interest. The authors employ a six-step method for problem solving (read, assign variables, write equations, solve, state answers, check) at each step in the text. There is a student's solution manual, with detailed solutions to odd-numbered problems (plus others), available; this is where they 'show the work'; the simple answers are found in the back of the book.

This is a good book for classroom and self-study purposes.

Lial's book is fabulous for it's logical organization. My students can independently maneuver through this book and locate poignant examples when needed. The questions become appropriately more difficult in small steps to allow students to uncover new concepts gradually and allow them to review problem areas. The answers at the back of the book are practical and helpful and provide confidence to students. Throughout the book are numerous review tests which allow students to review several chapters at once. My students used Beginning Algebra by Lial before using this book. Both of her books are excellent and provide clearly explained concepts and examples.

This is an excellent book to prepare you for college algebra. Everything in it is a must have before you move on and it is taught in an expert style in this book. Going through many books through college, I found this to be one of my favorites as far as being able to understand what it's teaching. Buying the SSM with it is a must if your not great at math.

Buying old textbooks online is rather dangerous. Half the time the descriptions are for the edition you want, but the fine print tells you it's something else. The other half of the time the book turns out to be the accompanying test booklet, answer booklet, or something else other than the book itself. This was the actual textbook, in great condition, and a great price. Just what I needed to brush up before I jump back into college math. :) Thank you.

This is an excellent intermediate algebra book. It was brand new with no marks or wear. It took about 2 weeks to be delivered. It's full of examples and explains even advanced math clearly and simply. The book was $7.30 with shipping. I got such a great deal.

I was only using this text book to refresh my memmory on algebra. I liked this book. I'm sure there's a better algebra book out there... but this one does the job well. It's easy to understand and and offers all answers to the exercise problems, not just the odd number problems.

Seller shipped very promptly and I had the book in just a couple of days. Books was just as advertised, in great condition. Overall, this was a great transaction and I would not hesitate to buy from this seller again. A++

The textbook that I ordered was delivered to me within the week, and was in better condition than I was led to believe in the first place. I am very happy with this purchase and would definitely use the seller again.

I never actually received the book so I cannot rate the book. However, I can rate the seller. Sandra's Gift Store was very responsive to my concerns when I had not received the book after 3 weeks and provided a prompt refund. I still have not received the book.

the product is as described i payed extra for expedite shipping, and i received it a week after i placed my order, not happy.