Painless Algebra

A common problem for algebra students is their inability to understand the language of algebra. It's easy to think of math strictly as numbers and symbols rather than the words and concepts they stand for. Painless Algebra begins 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 Algebra actually walks students through each step of each problem, telling them why it'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 Algebra avoids 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.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.