Algebra

by Sid Thatte

Overview

What makes learning algebra from an instructor better than studying it from a book? The short answer is: narration. If you attend a class or watch a video on any problem being solved in algebra, you will gain a lot, but will only see the steps of the solution being written out. What you won't see in writing is the verbal explanation of each step by the instructor. The inclusion of that narration is what makes this book a powerful learning tool for those who don't speak algebra.

This book can be thought of as a first course in algebra, walking you through the basics into the intermediate level. This book does not cover advanced algebra. It is a quick, practical guide that focuses more on problem solving than theory. Chapters are broken into small, manageable sections. There are exercises at the end of every section and every chapter. The book contains over 280 guided examples, and over 400 practice questions with full solutions.

Please read the table of contents to see if this book covers the topics you are looking to study. A short version of the contents is outlined below:
CHAPTER 1: Arithmetic (Pre-Algebra)
CHAPTER 2: Polynomials and Expressions
CHAPTER 3: Equations
CHAPTER 4: Functions and Graphs
CHAPTER 5: Inequalities
CHAPTER 6: Sequences and Series
CHAPTER 7: Complex Numbers

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781539969464
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	11/10/2016
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Sid Thatte has an M.B.A. in general management from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He also has a B.E. in mechanical engineering from the University of Pune, India, and once designed nuclear power plants. He lives in Seattle and teaches academic math as well as math for various entrance exams. He regularly contributes his time and effort to local charities focused on addressing hunger and homelessness. He serves as the treasurer on the board of directors of North Helpline, a philanthropic institution based out of Seattle. He seasonally hikes the picturesque mountains of Washington. He has an unfair bias favoring all foods containing chocolate.

Editorial Reviews

2017-03-10
An introductory algebra textbook also serves as a refresher for those who last studied the subject many years ago. In this math book, Thatte (SAT/PSAT Math: A Systematic Approach, 2011, etc.) addresses the fundamentals of algebra, from solving for x to working with complex numbers. The volume opens with a review of the arithmetic basics that underpin all algebraic equations, then proceeds through the standard elements of algebra, with step-by-step equations demonstrating the principles involved in each process. Although the individual chapters can be studied in any order, within them Thatte presents concepts in sequence, moving from simple applications to more complex ones over the course of each section, and an author's note encourages readers to follow the progression of the text. Topics addressed include polynomial equations, graphing, inequalities, and sequences. Each subsection includes several sample problems and solutions, with each step of the process illustrated and explained. In addition to the examples solved in detail for demonstration purposes, each chapter also features dozens of practice problems, with complete solutions provided at the end of the book. The work's subject matter is necessarily dry, but Thatte demonstrates a genuine interest in teaching math to nonspecialists and brings an animated voice to the narrative portions: "Notice that the x2 term has no other term to pair up with. It stands alone. There's no need to get emotional about it. Trust me, x2 will be just fine!" While the book is clearly not intended for recreational reading, it does effectively communicate with its target audience. The work provides an accurate and straightforward approach to fundamental elements of math, with clear explanations, examples that provide sufficient practice without becoming repetitive, and the scaffolding necessary to allow the reader to supplement classwork or engage in self-directed learning. The content is comprehensive, including all the elements generally taught in an introductory algebra class, and sufficient to help readers understand the aspects of higher math they are most likely to encounter. A thorough and easy-to-follow textbook suitable for both beginning algebra students and those looking to recall old lessons.

Kirkus Reviews