Customer Reviews

Prealgebra (3rd Edition)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Being that I am 28 years of age and a freshman in college, I was placed in the remedial math class for which this text was required. I was terrified due to the fact I failed math in high school and even the WORD Algebra scared me. This book has great examples and it really helped me understand the concepts of Algebra. I have a 97% average in my class and when I go onto Algebra I next term, I won't be so terrified! :)

Being a mathophobe, I was terrified when I registered for the class. But since I had to buy this book for my math class, then math all of a sudden was really easy! I actually understood the WORD problems with ease and what not!! The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5 star rating is that there are many typos in the book, especially in chapter 6.2: there are at least three typos in this specific area if and when you are assigned the odd problems; and what's more, if you want a good laugh, check out pages 455-456. You'll see what I mean!

I am a 34 year old student that has struggled with math my entire life. I have failed many math classes in college because I just did not clearly understand how to do the math problems. I enrolled at Harbor College in Willmington, CA this fall 2003 and purchased this required book. To my amazement, this book is written in a way that a dummie like me can easily learn all the lessons. I now have a class grade of 95 and FINALLY because of this book, I can do algebra word problems, and I understand how to check them. I am even tutoring some of my classmates, WOW! thats not too bad for a dummie! I thank the author for creating the best prealgebra book I have ever seen. It is written STEP-BY-STEP and in the most basic format that can be explained. Please only purchase this book. You will not be dissapointed and you will pass prealgebra. All thanks to K. Elayn Martin-Gay, what a job you did putting the book together!

This workbook is packed with a lot of examples and rich exercises; which are presented in incremental development fashion. My two children, 10 and 11 year old, have high math aptitude; two grades beyond their average level. I bought this workbook to help them in the transition to algebra and trigonometry. They are able to go thru most of these execises in one summer. I must admit the quality of the lessons and exercises have this quite enjoyable and intuitive for my children to absorb.

This textbook is good, however, some sections were confusing. I did not always understand the way a problem was worked out in the textbook. My math instructor did not always teach according to the book and for that I am grateful. The author's CD is good and her instructions were clear and concise, but she walks you through select problems only. Not all problems given in the exercises were included in the instructions, so make sure you ask your professor how he or she teaches that particular section.

You'd think with how important it is to understand each step in solving a math problem, that a math text wouldn't skip any.

Not so! This book routinely skips past steps. You'll find signs flipped, things factored, and numbers changed with no explanation.

You sometimes end up with an answer that is technically the same as what the book's example has, but signs will be flipped in the book. Sometimes the answer is completely off, and it's because you followed the book's incomplete instructions. It's like they never handed this book to someone who doesn't already know everything in it before putting it up for sale.

Skip this if your course gives the option.

edit:

This is based on the 4th edition, but given the nature of the textbook publishing industry, the 5th edition is probably the same book with a new cover.

The CD is awesome. If you dont know how to solve a problem it goes over every step.

I am an older student, had to re-do Math as a prerequisite,as my Math pre-req. had expired. It's been YEARS since I've done any math over fractions,simple division,etc. I was terrified of Algebra, so am taking a Pre-Algebra class [to get a solid foundation] and this was the book assigned for the course. This book has turned out to be a LIFESAVER!!...takes you step by step thru each process, gives you the answers and explains how the problems are done in the back of the book. Plus this comes with a very helpful CD.. which explains problems on a blackboard, and if you need to go over things...just a click away!!.. I'm actually finding the class fun now [can't believe I'm saying that!!],as it's a challenge to try to figure problems out with the help of this book. I am also ordering the Pre-Algebra 5th Edition Student Study Pack which has another CD, a Student Solution Manual and an access code for the 'math center' on the interNet...
Our college bookstore wanted $103.00 for a used copy...I bought my copy thru 'Abe's Books' for about $57.00 new -includes the CD... Get this Book, you won't be disappointed !! judy

I am working with one of my sons using this book and it is excellent. There is a video series that goes along with the book that is great too. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to learn algebra or work with their kids - using the videos, it can be a self paced course that was well thought out and very detailed.

As far as I can Tell the material is the same. Right down to the problems, just the page numbers are different. The sections are the same too. Save yourself 150 bucks and screw these scamming book companies!