Product Description

Practical Algebra If you studied algebra years ago and now need a refresher course in order to use algebraic principles on the job, or if you're a student who needs an introduction to the subject, here's the perfect book for you. Practical Algebra is an easy and fun-to-use workout program that quickly puts you in command of all the basic concepts and tools of algebra. With the aid of practical, real-life examples and applications, you'll learn:

• The basic approach and application of algebra to problem solving
• The number system (in a much broader way than you have known it from arithmetic)
• Monomials and polynomials; factoring algebraic expressions; how to handle algebraic fractions; exponents, roots, and radicals; linear and fractional equations
• Functions and graphs; quadratic equations; inequalities; ratio, proportion, and variation; how to solve word problems, and more

Authors Peter Selby and Steve Slavin emphasize practical algebra throughout by providing you with techniques for solving problems in a wide range of disciplines—from engineering, biology, chemistry, and the physical sciences, to psychology and even sociology and business administration. Step by step, Practical Algebra shows you how to solve algebraic problems in each of these areas, then allows you to tackle similar problems on your own, at your own pace. Self-tests are provided at the end of each chapter so you can measure your mastery.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4342 in Books
• Published on: 1991-02-14
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

The publisher, John Wiley & Sons
With a ``learn-by-doing'' approach, it reviews and teaches elementary and some intermediate algebra. While rigorous enough to be used as a college or high school text, the format is reader friendly, particularly in this Second Edition, and clear enough to be used for self-study in a non-classroom environment. ``Pre-test'' material enables readers to target problem areas quickly and skip areas that are already well understood. Some new material has been added to the Second Edition and redundant or confusing material omitted. The first chapter has undergone major revision. Chapters feature ``post-tests'' for self-evaluation. Thousands of practice problems, questions and answers make this algebra review a unique and practical text.

About the Author
PETER SELBY (deceased) was Director of Educational Technology at Man Factors Associates, a human factors engineering consulting firm. He is the author of two other self-teaching guides: Quick Algebra Review: A Self-Teaching Guide and Geometry and Trigonometry for Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide, both published by Wiley.

STEVE SLAVIN, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Economics at Union County College, Cranford, New Jersey. He has written over 300 newspaper and magazine articles, and is the author of four other books, including All the Math Youll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide and Economics: A Self-Teaching Guide, both published by Wiley.

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Customer Reviews

Passed My Placement Exam Because Of It!
This book is amazing. It teaches you everything you need to know about algebra. Seriously. I had to take a Math Placement Exam at my University to enter into College Algebra, and i was worried i wouldn't pass. So i went down to Barnes and Noble and picked this beauty up. Now, i'm not a math person; in fact, i hate math because it's always been my downfall in public education. It's never been easy for me and this book wasn't an exception. It wasn't fun for me working through this book, but i did it. For 3 weeks i slaved over this book and the results payed off tremendously. I passed the test and saved about $1,000 that i would have had to spend on a remedial class without any college credit. Thank you practical algebra! You saved me time, money, and humiliation.

Still Looks Good 29 years later...
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.

Excellent 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.