PLEASE NOTE: this is your last chance to buy this book. We will NOT be buying it again. Also, this book is NOT RETURNABLE, and SOLD AS-IS. Used copies may have defects, such as highlighting, torn pages or loose cover.
A common problem for algebra students is their inability to understand the languageof algebra. It's easy to think of math strictly as numbers and symbols rather than the words and concepts they stand for. Painless Algebrabegins by explaining the basic language of algebra, then covers the functions that so often prove so difficult—equations, solving inequalities, graphing linear equations and inequalities, exponents, roots and radicals, etc.
Unlike too many textbooks, Painless Algebraactually walks students through each step of each problem, telling them whyit's solved that way and not simply that it issolved that way. Lynette Long writes conversationally, injecting humor in a study most people consider the antithesis of laughter. Black and white cartoony drawings illustrate concepts or just add a needed reprieve from endless numbers and symbols.
Brain Ticklers with complete answers offer kids a chance to hone the skills they've just learned. This is for middle school and high school students (though adults who need a brush-up would also benefit)—whether you're having them use this as a remedial or introductory text, you'll want to have them do more review and drill than is included here, but it's a good start.
Math books are often unsteady. They jump from topic to topic, or try to provide too much information all at once so students become confused, and because they're confused they become discouraged and decide they "hate math." Using a logical step-by-step instructional method, Painless Algebraavoids all that. Kids won't be able to stop here, but if they need any help at all get this book before they experience the pain of confusion algebra so often induces.
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