Customer Reviews

Introductory Algebra (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

When a consumer purchases a product, they expect to get what they paid for. This belief is only strengthened when one purchases a product designed for self-improvement, especially if the product is one targeted at educators and students. Prentice Hall's Interactive Math: Beginning Algebra is a severe letdown... this software/textbook bundle is intended for students who are a)in college and b)trying to understand the basics of algebra so that they can continue on with their education and move to the next level. The product fails in two categories; the program itself, the 'installation' guide, and Prentice Hall's servers. To begin with, the installation setup is a joke. Unlike most programs that begin installation the moment the cd has loaded in the drive, users have to locate the add/delete program function in their directory, then click to start and follow the directions. As a long-time computer user, this is not a problem I had, however for the majority of people who have a hard time using computers (and they were the majority in the class I enrolled in which used this program)-this is a daunting task. This fact is compounded by the two installation manuals found in the box (both different). The second issue with program itself is that it is bug-ridden. More often than not, when a correct answer is entered, it is marked as 'incorrect'. The program is set up so that if the test portion of each chapter is not completed to a passing percentage (in our case, the percentage was set at 80%, which would be one incorrect answer out of five)one cannot advance to the next section. Now imagine for a moment getting all five answers correct, being told -you- answered all five incorrectly (because it shows the 'correct' answer under the one you submitted)and having to wait until the teacher can clear the error and mark all your answers correct. Now imagine a whole class having that same problem. It only gets worse when you realize that the classwork is also done at home (the whole course is online and can partially be done at home). The teacher can only do so much, so in the end you can't blame him or her. The blame is on Prentice Hall, and the fact that they clearly did not test this product and clear up the bugs before it was released on the market. The third problem with the product- it's technical support and the servers used to transmit uploaded and downloaded information (since the program itself requires the user to be online to open the program)is by far the worst part. Not only did they shut down their servers (repeatedly) for 'maintenance' at peak times, but students recieved numerous error messages while the system was up and running. Between socket errors and javascript problems, it was next to impossible to upload, download, or startup the program. The tech support number given in the textbook/software bundle- a number which was supposed to be there for students to call 24hrs in regards to assistance was useless after 9pm -even though peak hours for the system ofter were at night, when most of the people taking this class (who chose it because it was 'distance learning' and flexible)were coming home from work and getting ready to work on their classwork online. The teacher for the class eventually gave his students the -actual- 24hr number midway through the term, however it was after many of us had gone through quite a bit of hassle. In honesty, the only valuable thing about this product, is the actual textbook that comes with it. The textbook mirrors the program, explanation for explanation- and provides problems for the student to work out on their own... I shelled out for the whole package. Expect to see Prentice Hall either discontinue this product, or pull it off the market only to reintroduce it later after they work out it's inherent problems. Until then, please, do not buy this product.

I am 43 years old and needed to take algebra to finish my AS degree. I have not taken an algebra class in 30 years. This book was the required textbook for my class.

I found this book very organized. In fact it was so organized I rarely needed to take notes on all the rules of algebra. This book helped me to review at the end of each section with the needed sample problems and reviews. It even had up-to-date pictures with algebraic problems that solved real life practical problems.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that needs to understand the basics of algebra.

The product was adequate for my classes. The only drawback when having a different college oriented same product was that cd's were not added to this particular book and I find them very helpful in my learing. Other than that the product was what I wanted. Thank you,.

This book is confusing and gives bad examples. It does not go over how to do each step well and is hard to understand.

The boo came when it said that it would and it basically looked brand new. I am very pleased with the service.

The book is in great condition... however I was unaware that it was the "Annotated Instructor's Edition". I did not enjoy opening the package to find this out. Letting people know exactly what they are buying would be a good thing.

Do not buy from this person. They will send whatever they want out. There is no quality control. This book smells like piss. I couldn't bring it too class. Don't waste or take a chance with this person.

When I purchased the book I thought it would be in better condition then it was. It was not in great condition at all. However, I will continue to order from amazon.

Was very pleased to receive my sons Algebra book in 2 days. As an added bonus I saved about 70 dollars as compared to the college bookstore price!

This book was in good condition even better than described, fast shipping and easy transaction. Thank you