Books: Algebra?

Rhino

I'm looking for a good Algebra that I can use in self study. Optimally it would start with 'pre-Algebra' and go all the way up to "mid-level" college courses. Suggestions?

I've bought 2 math books already, but were not too good. They where just big work books full or problems.

I'm looking for a book will explain the how and why of working out problems.

Fantasma

It is too bad that Algebra de Baldor has not been translated to English, this is a good book:

http://www.amazon.com/Algebra-Baldor/dp/9708170003

musanman

I teach high school algebra, we use Prentice Hall algebra books. You could probably go through it by yourself...they have several types of examples and it's broken down into pretty basic units with plenty of types of problems. You might even be able to call your highschool and get a book from the last revision and just see if they'll sell you one for pretty cheap.

dispatch.o

I don't really know if that would work out the way you think.

In High School I know that we went,

Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Calculus , (AP) Algebra 3, (AP) Trigonometry

Algebra -> Calculus were the normal progression, they offered pre-Algebra as well. The ones with (AP) next to them were college level courses, and in the case of Trig was actually taken a block away at the college.

Casually Hardcore

I have a hard time believing that they teach Calculus before they teach Trig.

Peas

http://www.intmath.com

Not a book but this is a very useful site for you to check out on.

dispatch.o

ethugs4life wrote: »

I have a hard time believing that they teach Calculus before they teach Trig.

You're probably right, either way I don't know that you could find the great book of all things algebra... though it would be awesome if that were actually the name of a book.

Rhino

Peas wrote: »

http://www.intmath.com

Not a book but this is a very useful site for you to check out on.

That would be awesome if they were to print it out and make a book from it!

Rhino

musanman wrote: »

I teach high school algebra, we use Prentice Hall algebra books. You could probably go through it by yourself...they have several types of examples and it's broken down into pretty basic units with plenty of types of problems. You might even be able to call your highschool and get a book from the last revision and just see if they'll sell you one for pretty cheap.

Start here: http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Algebra-Prentice-Mathematics-Randall-Charles/dp/0131339958/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227315419&sr=8-7

then move to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Hall-Mathematics-Algebra-1/dp/0131339966/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227315419&sr=8-15

then finally:
http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Hall-Mathematics-Algebra-2/dp/0131807358/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227315419&sr=8-13


That sound like a good plan?

musanman

I use the middle one, I doubt you need to study pre-algebra...that's super basic equation solving and like...the distributive property. Both of the things in the first book are going to be in the Algebra 1 book.

I think you should get a geometry book between Algebra 1 and 2, as that's how most high schools are set up. Also, geometry is sweet and you could pick out a lot of good stuff.

Rhino

musanman wrote: »

I use the middle one, I doubt you need to study pre-algebra...that's super basic equation solving and like...the distributive property. Both of the things in the first book are going to be in the Algebra 1 book.

I think you should get a geometry book between Algebra 1 and 2, as that's how most high schools are set up. Also, geometry is sweet and you could pick out a lot of good stuff.

Thanks guy! Going to get the second one and work though that. It'll probably take me awhile!