bookfanaticGD
Posted October 4, 2009
I bought this book for my homeschooled 8th grader. We used Saxon Math so far, but she was always complaining how boring Math was. She still is not a Math enthusiast, but the "moaning and groaning" has diminished significantly - and she admitts that this book is "kind of" interesting. I think that is probably the best rating you can expect from a teenager! The accompanying teacher handbook is sufficient and helpful whenever we encounter a question. So far we have not had to call in the paternal back-up professor!
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Posted March 21, 2005
Harold R. Jacobs' clearly written text Elementary Algebra is an engaging introduction to the subject. Jacobs uses humor and references to real persons and events as he explains the concepts that underlie the algorithms he presents in the text. He introduces new topics incrementally. He first covers an idea in one context, then continually revisits it after the student has learned additional material. This reinforces the concept and contributes to the depth of the student's understanding, as do his well-chosen problem sets. His problems are not just drill. Different facets of each topic are explored in the problem sets, which helps the student gain a fuller understanding of the material. Jacobs begins by reviewing arithmetic, while incrementally adding algebraic concepts. He then introduces the reader to linear equations, systems of linear equations, and exponents before pausing for a midterm review. After the midterm review, Jacobs covers polynomial and rational expressions and equations, radicals, properties of the real numbers, and number sequences. The book concludes with a final review. Since each section contains a problem set for which the answers are provided in the back of the text, it is possible to use the book for self-study.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 5, 2001
Because of its readability, I use this text with homeschooled kids who have to be on their own much of the week. Each lesson is accompanied by three or four sets of exercises. The first set is a couple of review problems. The second set has all the answers in the back of the book. The third set is like the second set, but with no answers in the book. The fourth set, if there is one, is a logic puzzle or brain teaser. The teacher guide for this book, with all the answers, is also available, but I don't see it at B&N. The book takes a different path through algebra than most, putting linear equations and simultaneous equations in front of work with polynomials of higher degree. For kids who cognitively might not be quite ready to handle the language of algebra, this gives them a bit gentler approach. For any student, having a guide who speaks the language is helpful. Many homeschooled kids drop out in math when they get to algebra for lack of a good guide. If you're the parent and can't be that person, hire a good tutor! The book does not include complex numbers.
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More About This Textbook
Overview
Suitable for either classroom use or self-paced study, Jacobs's popular text combines real-life examples, carefully structured exercises, and humor to help students learn and remember.
Product Details
Related Subjects
Table of Contents
1. Fundamental Operations
2. Functions and Graphs
3. The Integers
4. The Rational Numbers
5. Equations in One Variable
6. Equations in Two Variables
7. Simultaneous Equations
8. Exponents
MIDTERM REVIEW
9. Polynomials
10. Factoring
11. Fractions
12. Square Roots
13. Quadratic Equations
14. The Real Numbers
15. Fractional Equations
16. Inequalities
17. Number Sequences
FINAL REVIEW
Answers to the Set II Exercises Index