How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra, (Proven Techniques from an Expert) (Paperback)

by Mildred Johnson (Author), Tim Johnson (Author), Linus Johnson (Author), Dean McRaine (Author), Sheralyn Johnson (Author) "Number problems are problems about the relationships among numbers..." (more)
Key Phrases: pure disinfectant, clear parentheses, lever problems, Solution Let, Time Rate Distance, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Solving word problems has never been easier than with Schaum's How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra!

This popular study guide shows students easy ways to solve what they struggle with most in algebra: word problems. How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra, Second Edition, is ideal for anyone who wants to master these skills. Completely updated, with contemporary language and examples, features solution methods that are easy to learn and remember, plus a self-test.

From the Back Cover
Word problems?? No problem!! Be prepared when you get to the word-problem section of your test with Schaum's How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra!

With this easy-to-use pocket guide, solving word problems in algebra become almost fun. This anxiety-quelling guide helps you get ready for those daunting word problems, one step at a time. With fully explained examples, it shows you how easy it can be to translate word problems into solvable algebraic formulas­­and get the answers right!

You get complete directions for solving problems that involve time, money distance, work, and more. There's no algebra word problem too tough for How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2nd edition (August 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071343075
• ISBN-13: 978-0071343077
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,606 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #9 in	Books > Science > Mathematics > Reference
  #31 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Mathematics > Pure Mathematics > Algebra
  #37 in	Books > Science > Mathematics > Pure Mathematics > Algebra

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has been needed for YEARS!, January 28, 2004

By	C. J. Elder (Santa Maria, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

You can be good at algebra and still fail at all the word problems that are set up to test your algebra skills. Word problems require their own study and practice separate from the usual daily algebra lesson. Usually, students are accustomed to learning one algebra concept in a day's lesson and then they go on to drilling through algebra equations that are already set up for them. The lesson and drill focuses on the algebraic operations, so that's all the students are learning. Word problems require the student to perform logical reasoning in setting up the equations before they can apply their algebra skills, and therein lies the problem. Most students spend all their time developing algebra skills solving equations and no time developing the logical reasoning skills that are needed to formulate an equation in the first place. Once the algebra lesson is over and they drill through several exercises, a few word problems are thrown at them at the end and they're told "you should be able to do this." WRONG!

In my opinion, the best way to develop the skills necessary for solving word problems is to treat it as a separate lesson and drill. This book does exactly that and does it better than any book I've seen in my life! For the first time in my life I actually enjoyed doing word problems. This book makes solving algebra word problems as fun and addicting as solving a jigsaw puzzle, and you develop great reasoning skills along the way without even realizing it.

This is a great book and I hope the authors continue to expand on it adding more problems, colors, diagrams, detailed explanations, etc.

I recommend this book HIGHLY to anyone who has to deal with solving algebra word problems.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book with structure and sense, September 6, 2002

By	C. Langton "clwrites" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book (and about ten others) this summer to help my children improve their algebra word problem skills. The book does a great job of providing a structure by offering mini-algorithms for solving common algebra problems such as mixtures, time and distance, coin mixes. Each problem is superbly explained with a system that child can at first use to solve the problem even though he/she is not actually "getting" it. However, they do get it soon enough. I did each chapter with my children and then had them do the test problems. The exercise problems are a bit tough and could have been simpler. In fact I ended up making supplementry problems to help them ease into the concepts. But no matter, I still consider this book heads above others. This book is a must even if your child is doing well in math.

Charan Langton, Author of The Reading Lesson - Teach your child to read in 20 Easy Lessons.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference book, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra: A Solved Problems Approach (Paperback)

Mildred Johnson does something many, if not most, algebra books fail to do. Give the students not just an explanation of how to solve word problems but she gives the students enough problems of the same kind to practice so they can get the pattern engrained in their mind. I have used her book as a reference for my algebra classes for years and highly recommend it.