Mathematics Made Simple: Sixth Edition [Paperback]

Thomas Cusick (Author)

Book Description

Series: Made Simple | Publication Date: August 19, 2003

Brushing up on math has never been easier!

Just about everyone can use some extra help improving or remembering basic math skills. Finally, all the information you need to master the basics, once and for all, is at your fingertips. Featuring several overviews of a multitude of mathematical concepts, as well as detailed learning plans, Mathematics Made Simple presents the information you need in clear, concise lessons that make math fun to study. Easy-to-use features include:

* complete coverage of fractions, decimals, percents, algebra, linear equations, graphs, probability, geometry, and trigonometry
* step-by-step solutions to every problem
*multiple choice tests to help you monitor your progress
* a final, comprehensive test that makes it easy to pinpoint your strengths and target areas that need work
* glossaries of relevant mathematical terms
* sidebars that introduce real-life applications of mathematical principles

Void of lengthy explanations and difficult computations, Mathematics Made Simple will banish your math anxiety forever.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Brushing up on math has never been easier!

Just about everyone can use some extra help improving or remembering basic math skills. Finally, all the information you need to master the basics, once and for all, is at your fingertips. Featuring several overviews of a multitude of mathematical concepts, as well as detailed learning plans, Mathematics Made Simple presents the information you need in clear, concise lessons that make math fun to study. Easy-to-use features include:

* complete coverage of fractions, decimals, percents, algebra, linear equations, graphs, probability, geometry, and trigonometry
* step-by-step solutions to every problem
*multiple choice tests to help you monitor your progress
* a final, comprehensive test that makes it easy to pinpoint your strengths and target areas that need work
* glossaries of relevant mathematical terms
* sidebars that introduce real-life applications of mathematical principles

Void of lengthy explanations and difficult computations, Mathematics Made Simple will banish your math anxiety forever.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 6 edition (August 19, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767915380
• ISBN-13: 978-0767915380
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 0.7 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite basic math study guide, November 24, 2009

By 

kdea473 - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mathematics Made Simple: Sixth Edition (Paperback)

I have tutored a great number of students in math. Most of these students (even ones who have progressed to Pre-Calculus and beyond) are lacking an understanding of basic mathematics (or have long since forgotten). For adult students who have been out of math class for 20 years or more, especially if they consider themselves to be poor math students, I prefer to start at "the beginning".

That's where this book comes in. It covers whole numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), fractions (prime numbers, factoring, operations), decimals (converting to/from fractions, operations), percents (converting to/from decimals or fractions, word problems, ratios and proportions), negative numbers, algebraic expressions (translating from words into symbols, exponents, solving), polynomials (factoring binomials, quadratics, and trinomials), linear equations (ordered pairs, graphing, slope, solving systems of equations by elimination or substitution, quadratic equations (standard form, roots and factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square), sequences and series (arithmetic, geometric), geometry (lines and angles, constructions, relationships, parallels and transversals, congruence theorems, circles, polygons, similar figures), measurement of geometric figures (areas of quadrilaterals/triangles/circles, Pythagorean theorem, volume and surface area of solids, metric system), graphs, probability (permutations, combinations), and trigonometry.

I particularly like the discussion of "completing the square" as this topic is usually not well discussed in modern math textbooks (leaving students thoroughly confused about a fairly simple technique). There is also a nice discussion of geometric constructions, which I remember vividly from ninth grade geometry, but have yet to meet a student in the past ten years who has even heard of this (although I had a great, tough teacher).

I am currently using this book to prepare an adult student for the Accuplacer exam (math placement exam in college), but have a reference copy for myself as well. I believe it would be useful for homeschool families, adults taking a math class, and anyone who wants a good reference of the most relevant math topics.

If there is a better, all-around beginning math book, I haven't found it. Highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Made Simple" series ALWAYS a Good Choice!, July 21, 2006

By 

Madam Librarian (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematics Made Simple: Sixth Edition (Paperback)

I worked in a bookstore back in the late 70's. I sold many a copy of "Made Simple" books. I have always found them to be excellent and a very good choice.They give test questions and answers--after reading the text. I am thankful, since we are Amazon customers, that Amazon continues to carry this line.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars decent supplement - not an introduction, January 1, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematics Made Simple: Sixth Edition (Paperback)

This book calls itself a "complete introduction to algebra, geometry and trigonometry", I disagree. This book is not a good starting point for those wanting to learn these branches of mathematics for the first time. If you haven't studied algebra, geometry and trigonometry don't try to learn them from this book. The descriptions are not adequate for someone with no experience in these fields of math.

However, if you want a pretty decent review of math that will get you ready to take, or re-take calculus, this book works. I would expect a little more clarity in the descriptions from a 6th edition.