Product Description
This latest edition in the highly respected Swokowski/Cole precalculus series retains the elements that have made it so popular with instructors and students alike: its exposition is clear, the time-tested exercise sets feature a variety of applications, its uncluttered layout is appealing, and the difficulty level of problems is appropriate and consistent. The goal of this text is to prepare students for further courses in mathematics. Mathematically sound, FUNDAMENTALS OF COLLEGE ALGEBRA effectively prepares students for further courses in mathematics through its excellent, time-tested problem sets. This edition has been improved in many respects including the addition of technology inserts with specific keystrokes for the TI-83 Plus and the TI-86, ideal for students who are working with a calculator for the first time. The design of the text makes the technology inserts easily identifiable, so if a professor prefers to skip these sections it is simple to do so. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Poor explanations, poor book
This book explains the absolute bare minimum on how to do the problems. Every problem in a set is a curve-ball type, and with only the odd answers, you never feel like you get enough practice, other than re-doing each problem.

(side note)
The solutions manual is absolute garbage, the explanations dwell on the most obvious points, then gloss over things that actually need explanations.Unless you really know this stuff, you will need outside help. It's one of "those" manuals where it tells you the answer and how to start problems, but every solution will have you scratching your head thinking "how did they get from here to there?"

Only the odd problems are solved, so you're better off with just the crappy book, and hope you have a really good instructor.

very helpful
using it for algebra class and its been helpful...i would recommend getting the solutions manual as well....

A good book, but you may need outside help or supplementaion
I've just completed this book as part of a correspondence course. I found most of the explanations clear and to the point, but there were places in which the author lost me completely. Much of the theory, which should haveclarified the topics under discussion, only gave me more reason to ask,"Why?" The solutions provided in the back of the book onlycovered the odd-numbered exercises, and there were absolutely noexplanations. Techniques of solving problems is the very foundation of thecourse. I'd like to see more of this included in future editions.

Is a great book if you want to learn the "fundamentals"
Yes, this book is great if you want to learn what's behind each equation.In fact the most important thing about this book is to remember these theories and reasons so that you can apply them to many problems.Nice forlearning the rules and good examples that illustrate the main ideas. ... Read more

Product Description

Master algebra from the comfort of home!

Want to “know it all” when it comes to algebra? Algebra Know-It-ALL gives you the expert, one-on-one instruction you need, whether you're new to algebra or you're looking to ramp up your skills. Providing easy-to-understand concepts and thoroughly explained exercises, math whiz Stan Gibilisco serves as your own private tutor-without the expense! His clear, friendly guidance helps you tackle the concepts and problems that confuse you the most and work through them at your own pace.

Train your brain with ease! Algebra Know-It-ALL features:

• Icons to help you identify your current skill level
• Chapter-end quizzes and word problem/solution pairs to reinforce learning
• Worked-out answers to all practice exercises
• Extensive multiple-choice questions to prepare you for standardized tests
• “Extra Credit” and “Challenge” problems to stretch your skills

Stan's expert guidance gives you the know-how to:

• Solve arithmetic problems without a calculator
• Convert fractions to decimal form and vice-versa
• Manipulate simple equations and inequalities
• Learn how coordinate systems work
• Make simple graphs
• Solve quadratic and cubic equations
• Understand complex-number solutions to equations
• Use logarithms and exponential functions
• Take college entrance examinations with confidenceli>And much more!

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Course or Reference Book!
I bought this book for my 13yr old son who is taking his first course in Algebra this 09-10 school yr. This book is excellent for shy students who do not want to call a lot of attention to themselves in class.No matter what the teacher is teaching about Algebra, there is usually a better explanation in Stan's book.

I have been buying Stan's books for over 15 years, on many different technical subjects.I have never been disappointed! His books are always a great buy for the present and future reference!

Good basic algebra review
I bought this book for a middle school child (8th grade) and decided to do some reviewing as well. I found Algebra Know-It-All to be straight forward and simple to understand. I liked the fact that concepts were introduced, built upon, and then added into the overall material. I was also glad to see that the text was conversational and began simply without giving the feeling that the student was being dropped into the deep end of the pool from the start. I especially like the author's encouraging words to the student throughout the book. Definitely worth the money.

Huge Foundation Miscue
I'm a high school math teacher of over 30 years who is always on the look out for a solid supplemental book for our library and math department resources. When I read the Amazon writeup, I felt it would be worth a look-see.

Interestingly when I received the book, it fell open to pages 72-73. I couldn't believe what I found in print regarding the order of operations under an "Are You Confused?" subheading. Yes, I became very confused (and distraught) by the instructions to "group..." and then "do all the multiplications from left to right" followed by "group..." and then "do all the divisions from left to right." And the example in Table 5-1 followed this sequence (resulting in a wrong answer of -8 - a basic scientific calculator check gives the correct answer of 71).

[FYI, The agreed on order of operations states that multiplication and division are performed together from left to right in the same step.]

This HUGE fundamental error is certain to trip up or confuse anyone who is using this book as a self-study or supplemental learning guide. (And it's restated again on page 154, so it's not just a misprint.) As a result, before the author gets into discussing Algebra with his readers, he's got them doing basic Pre-Algebra work incorrectly. A formula for disaster.

So there is no way that I can begin to recommend this book until the publisher (McGraw-Hill) pulls it back for a full edit to make sure that there are not other significant errors.

Until then, I wouldn't trust the suggestion on the back cover to learn more by going to the MATHPROFESSIONAL.COM website. Sorry.

... Read more

Product Description
Exceptionally clear and accessible, Pat McKeague's best-selling texts offer all the review, drill, and practice students need to develop solid mathematical proficiency and confidence. McKeague's attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts make teaching enjoyable and learning accessible.Building on his reputation for student-friendly content and supportive pedagogy, McKeague reaffirms his presence as a leader in developmental mathematics with the introduction of this new paperback title. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent CD and book
The CD is very good.The video tutorial section gave you a very good instruction.The exercise and tests can be modified, so you can skip the area that you are good at and practice the area that you are not good at.Most of all it grade your results instantly.The textbook has additional examples and problem applications for each chapter.I used this to teach my 9 years old son who is gifted in math.I wish I can find textbook/CD in other subjects as good as this one.I have bought many other textbooks with CD and this was the only one I found useful. ... Read more

Product Description
Following an innovative approach to learning, this text integrates paper and pencil skill building and the theoretical development of ideas with geometric exploration and conceptual understanding.

• Tutorials and traditional text. Visual Linear Algebra covers the topics in a standard one-semester introductory linear algebra course in forty-seven sections arranged in eight chapters. In each chapter, some sections are written in a traditional textbook style and some are tutorials designed to be worked through using either Maple or Mathematica.
• About the tutorials Each tutorial is a self-contained treatment of a core topic or application of linear algebra that a student can work through with minimal assistance from an instructor. The thirty tutorials are provided on the accompanying CD both as Maple worksheets and as Mathematica notebooks. They also appear in print as sections of the textbook.
• Geometry is used extensively to help students develop their intuition about the concepts of linear algebra.
• Applications. Students benefit greatly from working through an application, if the application captures their interest and the materials give them substantial activities that yield worthwhile results. Ten carefully selected applications have been developed and an entire tutorial is devoted to each of them.
• Active Learning. To encourage students to be active learners, the tutorials have been designed to engage and retain their interest. The exercises, demonstrations, explorations, visualizations, and animations are designed to stimulate students??? interest, encourage them to think clearly about the mathematics they are working through, and help them check their comprehension.

Customer Reviews (4)

The book I will use if I and when I teach linear algebra again
This is the book I will use as a text if and when I teach linear algebra again. While it is a bit weak in the area of formal proofs, that deficiency is more than made up for by the strengths in demonstrating how to do linear algebra using Maple and Mathematica. Two types of problems are given, those designed to be solved using Maple/Mathematica and those that are to be done using traditional pencil and paper, which includes the proofs. If this book is used, either the students will have to know something about how to use Maple/Mathematica or the instructor will have to provide some supplements. Not a great deal, so that background can easily be inserted into a semester-long course.
The topics covered are what are considered standard in a college course in linear algebra, what gives this book a significant edge is the inclusion of the ability to process so much more. I am tutoring a student and the topic is now solving linear systems. As he recently struggled through making mistake after mistake, I told him that solving linear systems by hand probably tops the charts as an easy problem but very difficult to do right because of the high probability of making an error. With this book and a symbolic math package in your mathematical tool belt, it is possible to do a great deal more computation, which is where many people find their mathematical fun.

The best book on linear algebra that is there
I've waded through several Linear Algebra books including popular undergrad texts and nothing comes close to this book. Please note that my goal is to understand concepts, not solve exercise problems (these two things are very different). I wanted to understand what exactly are eigenvectors and why are they so important. I wanted to know what linear span really means. This book opens up all these concepts like Alibaba's gene and for the first time I can actually tell and visualize these concepts. One reason advanced Linear Algebra is hard and boring is because of textbooks which completely ignores motivating student's curiosity and focuses on how to solve exercise problems.

Previous reviews on this book are misguided. I don't know a thing about using Maple or Mathematica and I'm very comfortable about reading this book (right now at page 439). This book may not get you through tests involving mechanically doing exercise problems but there is nothing else I've found which actually helps you understand this subject so deeply.

I Don't Get This Title...
First of all, this is NOT a standalone text book.In order to fully understand it, you MUST have Mathematica or Maple.The "tutorials" which explain the homework assignments for the section are really confusing and poorly explained.Many times the author will say things like "Type this command into the computer to get the following output: [some random matrix]" without saying what the command is.And what's the point of even printing a textbook, since you need to use a computer to fully understand what the author is trying to explain?

Also, many of the ways to solve "Pencil and Paper" problems are not explained at all in the book.There are many questions where it's difficult to connect the problem at hand to the tutorial for that section.The solution manual sucks too, as there's no way to see how any of these problems are worked out.It only gives either the shortest possible explanation or, more often than not, just lists the answer.

Finally, the title makes no sense.It's as if the author felt if he put some crazy blue balls on the cover and slapped the word "Visual" before the subject matter, it would be perceived as an easy to use manual.

The only reason I trudged through this whole thing was because it was required for one of my classes.If you share the same fate as me, petition the teacher or something, because this book is a painful waste of time that, if you really try to follow it, will lead to you breaking stuff.It's that bad.

Terrible Solutions Manual
I bought this book thinking it would help me solve the problems that I didn't know how to do, but it didn't.The solutions manual is nothing more than a copy of the answers that are already in the back of the textbook.The book doesn't even go into more detail about how they got the answer.Don't waste your money on this solutions manual! ... Read more

Product Description
This text, written by best-selling developmental mathematics author Pat McKeague, features a more streamlined review of elementary algebra, allowing for earlier coverage of intermediate topics. An early introduction to graphing presents the foundation for a wide variety of graphing problems throughout the text. Early coverage of functions helps students feel comfortable with the many examples and graphs of functions that occur in later chapters. Optional technology sections are integrated throughout the text, as a way for students to better understand the material being discussed. INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA: CONCEPTS AND GRAPHS, 4/e is ideal for professors who want a condensed review of elementary algebra, and more time to spend on new topics.The new DIGITAL VIDEO COMPANION student CD-ROM, packaged with the text, offers an excellent tutorial featuring the author. ... Read more

Product Description
Clearly written and comprehensive, the eighth edition of Gustafson's popular book provides in-depth and precise coverage, incorporated into a framework of tested teaching strategy. David Gustafson combines carefully selected pedagogical features and patient explanation to give students a book that preserves the integrity of mathematics, yet does not discourage them with material that is confusing or too rigorous. Long respected for its ability to help students quickly master difficult problems, this book also helps them develop the skills they'll need in future courses and in everyday life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Math
As math books go, this was not too bad. It was pretty comprehensive and had good explanations. ... Read more

Product Description
Exceptionally clear and accessible, Pat McKeague's best-selling texts offer all the review, drill, and practice students need to develop solid mathematical proficiency and confidence. McKeague's attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts make teaching enjoyable and learning accessible.The sixth edition of this popular paperback series gives the book a greater emphasis on the connections between equations, tables, and graphs and by incorporating pedagogy that addresses collaborative learning and terminology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Beg Algebra Textbook
I got my book when I needed it and it was just how they'd described it. I've used the CD ROM and it was brand new. I couldn't be happier and would buy form the same seller again.

un happy
I waited for a month, the book never showed up.It put me in a pinch for the class.I emailed the seller multiple times, but the seller never responded.I have asked Amazon to get my money back.I bought a from another seller, its great.

Just fine
I had to purchase this book for a college developmental algebra class.Though we've only been in class a few weeks, so far, the book is helpful in its explanations of how to work out problems presented.

I could write a better algebra book!
I bought this because I've never been great at math, and wanted to refresh myself before I go back to school.It's the WORST book I've ever bought! The answers in the back don't match the questions you're supposed to be answering!What's up with that!?How are you supposed to know if you are doing this right if they give you wrong answers??

Finally,I Understand Algebra!
Algebra has never come easy.I do not think it is meant to be so.After using the above textbook in at a community college Elementary Algebra class I now have a clearer understanding of algebraic functions.The textbook at first appears to have excessive practice problems, but these worked out for my benefit as I worked every single one of them.Remember, "practice makes perfect" and the more you practice at this level the better it will be for you in future algebra courses.

My compliments to the author for this exceptional textbook.It is clearly written for the non-algebra mind to understand.

I would highly recommend this textbook to anyone, especially to those of us who are algebraically challenged. ... Read more

Product Description
MuPAD is a parallel-processing general purpose computer algebra system, designed to tackle complex mathematical problems in mathematics, science and engineering. This tutorial provides an introduction to MuPAD and is addressed to beginners in computer algebra as well as advanced users. It encourages users to get to know MuPAD through "learning-by-doing". Experience with other computer algebra packages is useful but not necessary to understand most of the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Exceptionally clear and accessible, Pat McKeague's best-selling texts offer all the review, drill, and practice students need to develop solid mathematical proficiency and confidence. McKeague's attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts make teaching enjoyable and learning accessible.The sixth edition of this popular paperback series gives the book a greater emphasis on the connections between equations, tables, and graphs and by incorporating pedagogy that addresses collaborative learning and terminology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very disapointed with the seller. Nothing but trouble.
First off, the book is in good condition. The problem I had was with the seller. FIRST OFF he sent the book to the wrong person and sent their book to me. It was no problem at first, and we made a plan to fix it. I did not receive the book for over a month after ordering it. The seller was hard to get ahold of, and did not follow up daily like he said he would do. After 2 weeks of not receiving the book, he should have done something (sent another book)and requested that this book be returned to him. I did get 50% off, but I am still very disapointed. SECONDLY: It is not the book that is posted for sale on Amazon. I received the instructors manual, and not the student copy. Attention to detail is my only bit of advise. This order has been nothing but trouble.

Great for a review!
I just wanted to freshen up on my Algebra.It has been years since I was in school and haven't really used it in some time.I figured with my daughter getting older this would be a a great way for me to freshen and be able to help along as needed!The book is easy to follow an very explanatory .

A review from an instructor's perspective
This semester (Spring 2009) for the first time I used McKeague's Intermediate Algebra to teach the subject at a California community college campus. Making the transition from Bittinger/Ellenbogen, and having been used to their online management system (MathXL) I was at first a bit uncomfortable with the new textbook, but after a few weeks things started rolling as usual. In fact Cengage (which recently purchased the Thomson Learning) also offers iLrn, an online course management system for many of their books and I was able to get the students signed on there for submitting homework, exams, viewing videos, accessing tutorials and other math resource pages. Overall the text is very user-friendly and meanwhile it is designed for those students who do not intend to continue their studies into the so-called hard sciences (which typically require a more intense 5-unit course in college algebra delving deeper in some areas such as solving 3x3 systems of equations with matrix methods, sequences and series, conic sections, and a heavier emphasis on technology usage.) However every section of McKeague contains applied/word problems which are highly appreciated by the students in the humanities and social sciences, who are often not too concerned with the technical details of a math topic as much as with its real life usages. We are in fact en route to covering the entire 10 chapters of the text this semester and also assigned a 10% optional extra credit project from the many suggested group/research topics, that the students can choose to submit by the last week of the instruction. In brief, having used McKeague was a welcome change and I am glad it was suggested to me by the college department managers this semester. The only issue is the high price tag, a problem for many students. In any event I look forward to working with the newest 8th edition in a future academic year.

An easy to follow guide for mastering Algebra.
This text book starts at the beginning, with each lesson progressing a step further. The language and examples are clear. Particularly noteworthy are the study guides. Follow them faithfully, keep plugging away, and youWILL master Algebra! ... Read more

Product Description
Exceptionally clear and accessible, Pat McKeague's best-selling texts offer all the review, drill, and practice students need to develop solid mathematical proficiency and confidence. McKeague's attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts make teaching enjoyable and learning accessible. The seventh edition of this popular series gives the book a greater emphasis on the connections between equations, tables, and graphs and by incorporating pedagogy that addresses collaborative learning and terminology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Elementary Algebra, Media Edition (with CengageNow Printed Access Card.
The book was in good condition as promise, and I was satisfied with the delivery time. ... Read more

Product Description
This CD allows students the opportunity to practice exercises that correlate to the exercises at the end of the sections in the textbook.They are algorithmically generated so students can retry an exercise as many times as they would like with new values each time.Every exercise is accompanied by an example and an interactive guided solution that gives students helpful feedback if they enter an incorrect answer.Selected exercises also include a video clip so students can have help visualizing concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Math Book
I was really please with this book. It was in great shape, had a great price, and I received it in a great time frame.

N/A
Well, if you MAT-098-099, then you will need this one way or another. It serves it purpose well.

used textbooks for school
My only gripe is that it took nearly two weeks to arrive and I thought it would be earlier.the book is in good condition considering it is second hand and if I had to buy another item from the seller I would.

Excellent book for beginning algebra
The community college at which I tutor uses this textbook for its beginning and intermediate algebra courses, therefore, I am very familiar with this book's content.I feel it's an excellent book because it's very well laid out and gives sufficient step-by-step examples of individual concepts.There are also some good examples of the dreaded word problems, nicely explained so they (hopefully) become less feared.There is no 'heavy duty' math content -- everything is written clearly for the lay person.

The book starts with a review of the most basic math rules (that everyone ought to already know) and gets progressively more in-depth.First, it walks you through linear equations, followed by quadratics, then exponential and log functions and finally circles and ellipses.There are appendices at the end of this massive book that re-capitulates the most important concepts of algebra.If you want to learn algebra on your own and start off from the beginning of this book and work your way methodically through the chapters, you should have no problem understanding basic algebra by the time you are two-thirds the way into the book.Highly recommended!

Great Algebra Book
This is a great Algebra book to use from begining to advanced users. The Videos on the CD in the back of the book are a great way of refreshing what the instructor taught. ... Read more

Product Description
Tussy and Gustafson's fundamental goal is to have students read, write, and talk about mathematics through building a conceptual foundation in the language of mathematics. Their text blends instructional approaches that include vocabulary, practice, and well-defined pedagogy, along with an emphasis on reasoning, modeling, and communication skills. With an emphasis on the "language of algebra," they foster students' ability to translate English into mathematical expressions and equations. Tussy and Gustafson make learning easy for students with their five-step problem-solving approach: analyze the problem, form an equation, solve the equation, state the result, and check the solution. In addition, the text's widely acclaimed study sets at the end of every section are tailored to improve students' ability to read, write, and communicate mathematical ideas. The Third Edition of ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA also features a robust suite of online course management, testing, and tutorial resources for instructors and students. This includes BCA/iLrn Testing and Tutorial, vMentor live online tutoring, the Interactive Video Skillbuilder CD-ROM with MathCue, a Book Companion Web Site featuring online graphing calculator resources, and The Learning Equation (TLE), powered by BCA/iLrn. TLE provides a complete courseware package, featuring a diagnostic tool that gives instructors the capability to create individualized study plans. With TLE, a cohesive, focused study plan can be put together to help each student succeed in math. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Algebra Textbook
Very good condition and very prompt delivery.Book was sent as specified and it was described thouroughly.

Buyer Beware!Instructor's Book - NOT student's book
Be very careful when purchasing math books because I have had several issues.Many sellers will list the book under the Student ISBN, but they are really selling the Instructor's Annotated book.This is a crime and is stated on the book in several places.Also, many colleges do NOT allow students to use an Instructor's book.The seller will not notify you the book they are selling is not the student book you are trying to purchase.Instead, the seller will ship you the instructor's book; sometimes with a note stating they did not want you to be without a book for your class.The rest of the time you must notify the seller and when they reply they will offer you half of your money back.My college forbids the use of instructor's books by students.

This book helped me be a better math student.
This is one book a math student should buy ... Read more

Product Description
Elementary Algebra is a book for the student. The authors' goal is to help build students' confidence, their understanding and appreciation of math, and their basic skills by presenting an extremely user-friendly text that models a framework in which students can succeed. Unfortunately, students who place into developmental math courses often struggle with math anxiety due to bad experiences in past math courses. Developmental students often have never developed nor applied a study system in mathematics. To address these needs, the authors have framed three goals for Elementary Algebra: 1) reduce math anxiety, 2) teach for understanding, and 3) foster critical thinking and enthusiasm.The authors' writing style is extremely student-friendly. They talk to students in their own language and walk them through the concepts, explaining not only how to do the math, but also why it works and where it comes from, rather than using the "monkey-see, monkey-do" approach that some books take. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Introductory and Intermediate Algebra Text Book
I teach Introductory and Intermediate Algebra using this book at my college.What I like about this book are the procedures and sample problems in each chapter.Homework sections begin with basic exercises that grow increasingly more complex.This organization is useful for students and teachers.

Chapter reviews and chapter tests are organized by section.Students find this layout to be very helpful when studying for tests.

BOOK NOT AS DESCRIBED
BOOK WAS DESCRIBED AS "LIKE NEW".THE BOOK I RECEIVED WAS NOT AS DESCRIBED.BACK COVER IS CREASED AND DOG EARED.SEVERAL OF THE PAGES ARE DOG EARED, CREASED AND DIRTY. ... Read more

Product Description
Tussy and Gustafson's fundamental goal is to build students' conceptual foundation in the "language of algebra" through reading, writing, and talking about mathematics. Their text blends instructional approaches that include vocabulary, varied practice problem sets, and well-defined pedagogy, along with an emphasis on reasoning, modeling, communication, and technology skills. Tussy and Gustafson make learning easy for students with their five-step problem-solving approach: analyze the problem, form an equation, solve the equation, state the result, and check the solution. In addition, the text's widely acclaimed study sets at the end of every section are tailored to improve students' ability to read, write, and communicate mathematical ideas. The THIRD EDITION of ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA also features a robust suite of online course management, testing, and tutorial resources for instructors and students. This includes iLrn Testing and Tutorial, vMentor live online tutoring, the Interactive Video Skillbuilder CD-ROM with MathCue, a Book Companion Web Site featuring online graphing calculator resources, and The Learning Equation (TLE), powered by iLrn. TLE provides a complete courseware package, featuring a diagnostic tool that gives instructors the capability to create individualized study plans. With TLE, a cohesive, focused study plan can be put together to help each student succeed in math. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Very pleased
When I ordered product I received a detailed email with tracking information from the sender which was very helpful.The book came a lot faster then I thought it would and package very nice.Nothing bad to say about the shipper.

not edition i need but still works
this isn't the edition i need but it has most of the same information as the newer edition

Intermediate Algebra
Overall the book is in good condition. The only main thing wrong with it is the binding is coming loose.

my pretty awesome book
the books been very helpful since i'm not too big into mathematics, i can always go back and reference back to what the teacher explained in class, and do more equations to my satisfaction.

Awsome
This books was in great condition almost brand new. It was shipped to me withing 3 days. Would definately order from them again. ... Read more

Product Description
Tussy and Gustafson's fully integrated learning process is designed to expand students' reasoning abilities and teach them how to read, write, and think mathematically.In this 2nd edition, the concept of function is introduced in Chapter 2 and is stressed throughout the text.Students learn to use function notation, graph functions, and write functions that mathematically model many interesting real-life situations.The authors build the strong mathematical foundation necessary to give students confidence to apply their newly acquired skills in further mathematics courses, at home or on the job. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Worst textbook ever
This has to be one of the worst textbooks ever, as I found out when I took Intermediate Algebra at a Community College the summer after my freshman year.

Its format is to state a theorem, NOT prove or explain it, and then show several examples of numbers being plugged into it. Then there are a whole bunch of problems that are exactly the same; plug a number in and solve. They require absolutely no thinking or synthesis of skills. The whole thing is completely based on rote memory, and it's utterly boring and takes all the fun out of math. Even when it tries to explain stuff in layman's terms (which every math textbook should do as much as possible), it never helps you understand anything better; it just says "remember to apply theorem _."

Theoretically there's a whole bunch of supplemental material online or on the CD-ROM, but let's be honest, nobody's ever going to use that. A good textbook should have everything right there on paper. I don't think I even could get onto the website when I tried, since it was all restricted by passwords that I didn't know.

There are much, much better textbooks out there. Sure, the colors and illustrations are cool, but the book itself is crud.

Math Rocks!!
This book made math fun and easy.Math Rocks!!! As we used to say back in the day, "Full Tilt, Rock and Roll." ... Read more