Algebra 1 for Dummies

Ok, I see a LOT of people complaining that this was TOO advanced and that it assumed you knew a little bit of algebra....... NO KIDDING!!!! That's why there's a book called "Basic Math and PRE-Algebra for Dummies!" This book is by NO means meant for someone that has NO/LITTLE prior knowledge of algebra! If you need to start from the bottom and work up, you start with the PRE-ALGERBA book! (Apparently those people that are harping on this book really ARE dummies since they didn't know this!!!) Anyways. I hated math in high school. I stopped taking it right around the time I was suppose to be in Algebra II, I have no idea how I ever passed in high school. I put it off once I got to college. My first year, I tested into BASIC algebra! (Which is Pre-Algebra level if you're in high school)..... I passed that with a C, thank goodness. But when I wanted to go to a major university I had to take a placement test to see what math I should be in. Well, I didn't want to have to take anymore PRE levels, I just wanted to get into college algebra and get it over with without having to take any other lower level classes. I used this book to study up right before the placement test. I read the whole thing, did examples, and actually managed to UNDERSTAND everything...... (which in math is hard for me)..... I managed to pass the placement test so that I could take college algebra..... So for those of you who can remember things from PRE-ALGEBRA, use this as a tool to freshen up your algebra skills..... if you have NO memory of algebra whatsoever, do NOT use this book first! Use the Pre-Algebra book first!

I took algebra years ago, and wanted to brush up before taking a formal class. This book is fine for my purposes. I like being able to look up concepts and definitions that I had trouble undersanding the first time around. The language is clear, and the explanations seem to give just enough detail without being long-winded. I wish this book had been around when I was in high school! If you want a book with lots of problems and practice drills, this will NOT be a good choice. The purpose of the book is mainly to help you understand the problem-solving process. The emphasis is firmly on teaching the vocabulary and concepts used in algebra, so you will have them in your head when you start encountering actual problems and homework assignments. This knowledge can then be applied to whatever textbooks are used in your algebra class. Great book for reviewing forgotten concepts, or as a reference when you encounter something in class that doesn't make sense as presented in your textbook or by your teacher. I would also recommend it as a pre-algebra book, if you want to get a head start on learning the basic ideas behind algebra. However, it isn't the only book you need, because learning algebra (or any form of math), requires plenty of practice using the kinds of exercises you find in conventional textbooks.

note: The "..." in the title are an algebra pun! ;O) When I hear or read a book title that includes the phrase, "for Dummies", I easily pull together the concepts that this book is not likely a foundational text for building one's doctorate upon, and that there might very well be some non-standard methodology in its construct. How is it possible to mistake a book titled, "Algebra for Dummies" as something other than that?!? In any event, had my high school algebra teacher(s) approached the subject in this vein, I would have never developed a fear of the subject, and by now, my adult income would [approximate] be about quadruple what it is/was/has been. It took more than twenty years and three math-gifted offspring to discover that I have an aptitude for algebra, but was too afraid to pursue it. I have successfully and convincingly discussed 4-plane time and space theory with literal rocket scientists - naturally figured how to solve for a proportional unknown, blah-blah-blah. In other words, I had the goods, but was delusional about being any good at it. I say this to point out that most everyone that lives in fear of "higher mathematics" need not do so. That most all those folks could be and would be hysterically excited to discover that their understanding of math is there, just waiting to be coaxed along a bit. The author's assertion that the knowledge of algebra is power is not far off the mark, if off at all. Even if you never use it (although you will, or will have the opportunity to do so), the provable fact that you are not a math retard after all is worth considerably more than this book costs. That you will be able to pursue algebraic exploits without fear is just gravy.

I had gone back to college and had not been in an algebra class in about 16 years...this book helped me tremendously! The book is very easy to follow and I found it short and to the point.

This book does not present numerous problems for one to work through. BUT it does explain all the essential concepts of algebra so that a person will not only understand the steps taken in working out a problem, but will have a firm grasp in understanding most everything related to the entire subject. This is a great supplement to those who are learning algebra for the first time, or those who have largely forgotten it.