Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition (book)

This book is a very good book to learn algebra, if you just started. I personally believe that I have learned much from this book. Plus, there are good problems that help reinforce the knowledge learned. This book explains many concepts and is very easy to understand. This is also good review too if you forget some concepts in algebra.

My son is now starting algebra and unfortunately, it's been some 25 years since I've had any exposure to it. This book is a nice way to review and polish up so that even if I can't make him an expert, I don't look so foolish.

I decided I needed a serious review of algebra as I will soon be taking a physics class, not having had a math or any science class in over 20 years, and my level of math skills had deteriorated to the basics needed to balance a checkbook and nothing more. I have almost finished with this terrific book, and now I not only feel comfortable with algebra again, but I feel I truly understand the subject. The authors' excellent instruction and numerous practice problems really help to create a sense of comfort with the subject, something I thought impossible not that long ago. In fact, looking at samples in other books I purchased (but which were relegated to my bookshelves), I actually find myself thinking there are easier ways to reach the answer, or manipulating the equation beyond what the author intended, because of an understanding of the subject I have acquired through self-study...something I still find amazing. This book takes things step-by-step, building gradually on past lessons so readers are seldom (if ever) left scratching their heads in confusion, and the authors are both clear and thorough in their explanations (although it could benefit from acknowledging some of the standard pnemonics one often sees in math, such as PEDMAS or FOIL). I wish the follow-up book for trig/calculus was still readily available! Overall, this is a highly recommended book.

This is a great book that can be used as a refresher for those needing to do algebra again. It is also good as a resource for someone taking the course and needing reference material. The examples are well done and there are plenty of test questions as you work through each topic.

I used the first edition of this text 29 years ago, as a 13 year old 8th grader teaching myself Algebra. This text allowed me to learn thoroughly and well, such that I was able to complete courses through Calculus while still in High School, and go on to be an engineer. My 13 year old daughter had trouble learning from her school's textbook, so I am breaking open this book again. It's step by step strategy of mastery is key to the overall success. Nothing forces you to move on until you can get all of the correct answers. I am so glad that it is still in print so that my daughter may have her own (not falling apart) copy of this excellent text.