* Explains how to understand algebra without having a mathematical background
* Uses practical examples and real data
* Includes an entire section devoted to word problems and fractions

5 Responses to “Algebra Demystified : A Self Teaching Guide (Demystified)”

1. Micky Fig says:

   July 23, 2009 at 12:00 am

   I didn’t find the explanations very helpful, thorough or easy to understand. It seems that it would be appropriate for someone with fairly good math skills, but not for someone that is having problems grasping algebra or struggling with it. I am very disappointed with it as I didn’t find it as what it is promoted to be.
2. Joseph Starkey says:

   March 1, 2009 at 12:00 am

   I contacted the seller twice about this order, but never received a reply. I also never received the order. I will never do business with this seller again.
3. Neri says:

   January 10, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Algebra Demystified was laid out systematically and covered material in a step-by-step process that assisted me in learning most all of the equations presented and some of the applications. It didn’t teach a topic in a void, where something was taught and then just disappears leaving one asking, why did I learn that thing from ten pages ago? It builds upon itself and the steps it covers carry over to the next type of problem coherently and relevantly. Also, one of the biggest problems with a text is trying to figure out if one’s step to a problem (+,-,x,/) was in error or whether one’s understanding of the process as a whole was misunderstood; Ms. Huettenmueller’s book was very detailed I never had this question for very long because all the steps to solving a problem were so well laid out and clear.

   Sometimes I would create an equation to solve an application problem and it would give me the right answer but it wasn’t the same equation as that given in the book, more often my equations were entirely out of the ball park. this may be the area lacking in the book. I don’t know. Tips on writing equations off word problems may be the only area that I didn’t feel complete.

   I hope this was a worthy first step to tackling Calculus.
4. StriderSF says:

   October 12, 2008 at 12:00 am

   If you’re preparing for a standardized test (SAT, GMAT, etc.) and need a refresher course on algebra, then this book is PERFECT.

   If you’re clueless about algebra, however, and are looking to learn from scratch, this is NOT the book for you. “Algebra I for Dummies” is probably your better choice in that case.

   Pros:

   - The topics covered are precisely those which are most tested on exams, so you’re not wasting your time.

   - Great organization of material, too: the book is broken down into chapters which start from the basics and build upward toward applications (i.e. word problems), and each chapter has a straightforward format of (a) brief explanation, (b) examples, (c) practice questions, (d) solutions.

   - Review exams at the end of each chapter, and a final review of the whole book at the end–both of which are very helpful for making sure you retained the material.

   - The practice questions are well designed, often cleverly weaving in concepts from previous chapters to make sure you remember them.

   Cons:

   - There is very little verbal explanation of their solutions. They do show you step-by-step what they did to get their answer*, but in MATH–not words. This might be the main reason why those unfamiliar with algebra will feel lost. If you’re a person who can’t “see” what’s going on mathematically in an algebraic expression, even when they show you the changes step-by-step, then start somewhere elsewhere for now…but do come back to this book when you’re ready.

   - A bit misleading in advertising itself as a “self-teaching guide” in which “nothing [is] left for YOU to ‘figure out’”. It would more accurately be described as a “self-guided review” that gives “simple & straightforward examples & solutions”. I understand that the publishers probably have enough of a challenge selling math books as it is, but I do feel that the mathematically inexperienced might be misled by the marketing. This just isn’t a book for true beginners.

   - Some very minor typographical errors, but nothing significant.

   *Except for the Chapter Review questions, which at first I found surprising…but then realized that there is plenty of material to go back to for understanding where you went wrong.
5. JusMy2Cents says:

   September 3, 2008 at 12:00 am

   This was just what I needed to score high on my college math placement test! I haven’t taken math in 20 yrs!! My last memory of math is me crying and my teacher yelling “Do you want to graduate?!?!” I’m so glad I don’t have to take any developmental classes.

   The book provided lots of practice problems. It also provided clear easy examples of how to solve the problems. They really broke it down so I understood each step to solving each problem. Each new skill taught utilized the skills learned in the previous lesson.

   Great Book!! I actually found myself enjoying working through the problems. Go figure. Now I’m back to buy the College Algebra version to help me get through my class.

   Tips: Start from the beginning and work your way through the book in order. Don’t go to the next section until you are comfortable with the previous section.