For a large proportion of the pupils of the American public schools— even high schools so-called—such a knowledge of Algebra can be obtained from it as will be of more practical value than from the more extended and theoretical treatises. The definitions are concise and clear, and the explanations brief and simple, and yet the true essence of Algebra is presented and illustrated. The graded steps are clearly defined, and the pupils are made to understand the principles of the science. The miscellaneous examples are numerous and well chosen, and the review questions excellent.
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Author's Preface:
This book is designed for the use of those for whom the High School (Elementary) Algebra may be too difficult, and is adapted also to those who can take only a brief course. It has been carefully prepared with a view to render an acquaintance with the essentials of elementary algebra easy of acquisition by the young beginner. The explanations are brief and simple. The examples are not difficult.
Such definitions and rules as are common to arithmetic and algebra have been given without labored illustration, or have been assumed as already familiar to the pupil.
As a preparation for the solution of problems by means of equations, well graded steps are given in the section preceding these problems for practice in the translation of quantitative statements from ordinary language into algebraic expressions.
Only the leading and more easily understood principles of Radicals and Progressions have been introduced, and I trust that these more advanced topics are presented in a simple and attractive form.
The Miscellaneous Examples for independent exercise on the subjects of the different sections will give the pupil greater familiarity with the methods learned in the text; while the Review Questions will serve as a test of the accuracy of his knowledge of the principles underlying these methods and operations.
