Maran Illustrated Effortless Algebra (Paperback)

by maranGraphics Development Group (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Produced by the award-winning maranGraphics Group, "Maran Illustrated Effortless Algebra" is a valuable resource to a wide range of readers—from people first being introduced to algebra to those studying for their SATs or GEDs. "Maran Illustrated Effortless Algebra" shows the reader the best way to perform each task, while the full-color examples and clear, step-by-step instructions walk the reader through each task from beginning to end. Thorough topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and exercises to help enhance the readers’ algebra experience. Maran Illustrated Effortless Algebra is packed with essential information for those who are learning algebra for the first time, and will provide more experienced readers with a refresher course on the basics and the opportunity to gain more advanced skills. Maran Illustrated Effortless Algebra will cost less than the price of one private tutoring session, and will provide years of valuable reference.

From the Publisher
Features a unique, two-page spread, hundreds of examples and illustrations, and color coding that appeal to and engage visual learners and simplify the learning process.

Provides extensive coverage of topics ranging from basic algebra concepts, such as fractions and exponents, to working with positive and negative numbers and variables, to solving algebraic equations. Also includes sections on graphing points and lines, performing matrix operations, and solving radical equations.

Using simple, easy-to-understand, and concise text the book covers a wide range of topics making it a great reference for all skill levels.

Written using "Visual Grammar™," a proven method that combines instructions with full-color screen shots to provide the best synergistic learning experience available.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (July 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592009425
• ISBN-13: 978-1592009428
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #211,126 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent primer if you feel you're a bit lacking in your algebra skills., September 7, 2006

By	Steven (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

You are probably checking out these reviews because either you want to refine your algebra skills, or perhaps you never had strong algebra skills to begin with. Personally my algebra skills were never up to par so I picked this book up. It's a bit embarrassing because I'm a software developer and most people when they think of developers they think of computer geeks with good math skills. Unfortunately I've never had good math skills. Well I'm sick of being mathematically illiterate so I picked this book up.

This book is great. I have always been intimidated by algebra but this book really helped me get over that. This book starts very simple and works it's way up to more difficult concepts. You first learn about adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing possitive and negative numbers. Then you begin to slowly move towards working with variables, fractions and equations. Then you really start to move into the meat of algebra by learning about graphing linear equations, linear inequalities, polynomials and you work up from there. Don't worry if some of these terms are unfamiliar, the book presents them in a way that sticks. I am actually enjoying working through this book.

The layout of this book is spectacular. it's nice and colorful. The author describes the topic on the top of the page, gives a few examples and then provides tips on the bottom of the page. It's a layout that really worked well for me. The colors help keep this book from being boring to look at. The author also makes a few jokes throughout his writing which helps the reading from becoming boring. It's really an awesome layout.

This is definitely a book for those who possess very little algebra skills. Although you dive through most of the algebra basics, the problems never seem too daunting which is excellent if that's what you're looking for. I am actually enjoying math now, which may sound geeky but it's true. I look forward to moving on to more complex algebra books and then moving on to more complex math, such as calculus. This book was a great first step, and I highly recommend it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Effortless Algebra" is right !, March 31, 2006

By	Overly Mature Student (Canada) - See all my reviews

This book will walk you through the basics of algebra in no time at all. the graphics are excellent , subjects are presented well ,and the pages well laid out and comortable to read.

The Algebra in here is not very advanced but it helps you learn the fundamentals and makes it stick with you. This would make an excellent high school algebra text. The ease in the way you will advance through this book will amaze you.

There are problems in every chapter and solutions given at the end of the book.

Wish I would have had this book in high school and I hope that they come out with a Calculus and Trig book soon, I'll buy them right away !

Enjoy the book

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginners Level Beautiful Book, September 14, 2005

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The folk at Maran do beautiful books. This one is no exception. It is intended for the beginner to get started quickly.

What makes the Maran books so good is the quality of the graphics they incorporate as part of their philosophy. The pages in their books look good, they are easy to follow, the text that goes with the graphics is excellent and ties in exactly with the illustration. I imagine they were designed together.

For this particular book, the Maran's have teamed up with Alistair Savage as a technical consultant to be sure that everything they say is correct. Dr. Savage is a professor in the Department of Mathematics adt the University of Toronto. The information from Dr. Savage is then merged with the graphical format for which Maran is famous.

Conclusion, Beginners level, but probably the best Beginners level book available. Why couldn't my old high school books have been written this well?