Real World Algebra [Paperback]

Edward Zaccaro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2001

Algebra is often taught abstractly with little or no emphasis on what algebra is or how it can be used to solve real problems. Just as English can be translated into other languages, word problems can be "translated" into the math language of algebra and easily solved. Real World Algebra explains this process in an easy to understand format using cartoons and drawings. This makes self-learning easy for both the student and any teacher who never did quite understand algebra. Includes chapters on algebra and money, algebra and geometry, algebra and physics, algebra and levers and many more. Designed for children in grades 4-9 with higher math ability and interest but could be used by older students and adults as well. Contains 22 chapters with instruction and problems at three levels of difficulty.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you've been asked by students the inevitable question, 'When will we use this?' this book is for you." -- Arlie Willems, Associate Professor of Education, Mount Mercy College

"Students realize that mathematics is more than basic facts and memorized procedures. This book uses the world as its stage." -- Cheryl Werner, Teacher of talented and gifted

About the Author

Edward Zaccaro is a teacher of mathematically gifted children and the author of Challenge Math and Real World Algebra. He has presented at state and national conferences on gifted education.

Product Details

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: Hickory Grove Press; 2001 edition (November 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967991528
• ISBN-13: 978-0967991528
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward Zaccaro is a teacher of mathematically gifted children and the author of Challenge Math and Real World Algebra. He has presented at state and national conferences on gifted education.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Algebra tutorial, November 25, 2004

By 

B. Brogdon (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Real World Algebra (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to anyone having difficulty with algebra. My son had always done well in math, but had trouble understanding his Algebra I class and was failing the tests. I heard Mr. Zaccaro speak at a conference and bought this book. I used the book to tutor my son and his test grades went from 60s to 90s. He finished the year with a solid B average and is now one of the top students in Algebra II and easily maintains an A average. He is even able to help other students, because Mr. Zaccaro's book gave him such a good foundation in the subject. As a teacher, I think this book succeeds because it is not only informative, but it presents the lessons in an interesting, kid-friendly way. I think it's an excellent tool for remediation; however, I also think it would be great for any child interested in learning algebra just for fun, before it is taught in school.

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book saved me!!!!, May 6, 2005

By 

Gifted teacher but not a math whiz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real World Algebra (Paperback)

I am a gifted facilitator but that doesn't mean I am an expert in every subject area! This book helped me understand the logic of Algebra for the first time in my life! It helped me understand Algebra in a way that I could explain to my students and that made sense! My students enjoyed the little stories that helped them remember the rules of Algebra! This book saved me! It was a breakthrough for me and I give it the highest rating. Anyone who is over their head in trying to teach Algebra will find it a lifesaver.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book - No Question., June 30, 2006

By 

J. T. Johnson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Real World Algebra (Paperback)

Let's just say that I've been out of school for a while now and Algebra has never been my strong suit. However, I use math all the time in my job so I thought I'd try to learn easier ways of doing things.

I have 4 different Algebra books and none comes close to teaching the rules of Algebra better. I normally just get confused but after I got over the cartoonish layout of the book, I realized how much I was actually retaining. .

I normally throw books out the window once I get to negatives and fractions but this book really does make real world comparisons and common sense to make complicated facts easy to understand.