Algebra I For Dummies

Factor fearlessly, conquer the quadratic formula, and solve linear equations. There's no doubt that algebra can be easy to some while extremely challenging to others. If you're vexed by variables, Algebra I For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides the plain-English, easy-to-follow guidance you need to get the right solution every time!. Now with 25% new and revised content, this easy-to-understand reference not only explains algebra in terms you can understand, but it also gives you the necessary tools to solve complex problems with confidence. You'll understand how to factor fearlessly, conquer the quadratic formula, and solve linear equations. =: Includes revised and updated examples and practice problems; Provides explanations and practical examples that mirror today's teaching methods; Other titles by Sterling: Algebra II For Dummies and Algebra Workbook For Dummies. Whether you're currently enrolled in a high school or college algebra course or are just looking to brush-up your skills, Algebra I For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you friendly and comprehensible guidance on this often difficult-to-grasp subject.

Customer Reviews:

NOT for beginners.

By J. Meriwether - January 12, 2011

I picked this up at my local bookstore so that I could re-learn the Algebra I'd forgotten from high school. At three chapters in, I am already frustrated with the writing style of the book and the lack of proper editing. (I have the newest edition as of 2011, released for the spring semester.)

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First off, the first chapter of the workbook does not coincide with the first chapter of the textbook. It appears the rest of the chapters might match up.

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Secondly, the math is not taught in the order it needs to be for you to work the equations. (Ex: The ability to multiply fractions is needed to solve many of the problems in WB chapter 2, but multiplying fractions is not introduced until Chapter 3 of the textbook and workbook.)

THE AUTHOR ACTUALLY STATES IN THE BOOK THAT YOU CAN GO THROUGH THE CHAPTERS IN ANY ORDER. ANYONE WHO'S TAKEN ANY MATH AT ALL KNOWS THERE IS AN ORDER YOU MUST LEARN IT IN. (This is why there is Algebra 1 THEN... read more

Editor -- proofread with someone who knows math, first.

By Neilton - October 24, 2010

I'm shocked. I've been impressed with the series but not this time.

I have three children, all in Algebra and all needing help. I went shopping for a supplemental text. I took a look at "Algebra I for Dummies" as a possible choice. I have other "for Dummies" books and like that this one comes with workbook.

I opened up the book to a random page and started reading. The page was on the greatest integer function. Their description was correct (greatest integer less than or equal to the value); however, the figures show the wrong result for a positive value ([3.8] = 4 if I remember correctly). I thought this was a simple typo until I noticed that the text attempts to justify it (BTW [3.8] = 3, not 4).

It would have been nice for the editor to send the book to someone who knows basic math. I tolerate typographic errors but not conceptual errors. I can't trust a tutorial that gets concepts wrong, even just one. I assume where one, many.

Good for my purposes

By Richard Stone - July 19, 2010

I needed a quick refresher because I am job hunting and this sometimes comes up on interviews due to my occupation. I havent had to use this type of math for quite a while though. I dont disagree however with some reviewers who have complained that the material is not really written for beginners. I had to struggle with much of the book and had to go over certain chapters more than once. Also, there isn't nearly enough explanation of certain key concepts. You are expected, for example, to accept that a complicated equation is an equation with a power no greater than 2 in which the equation is set to equal zero. However the accompanying workbook was a great help; in fact, there is just enough explanation of each concept in each chapter of the workbook that I could almost recommend buying the workbook as well as the main textbook. In the end, though it was a struggle at times, I was able to teach myself algebra from this book, and was able to take my placement exam with a passing... read more