Reviews (6)

Very Satisfied
I am highly pleased with my purchase. The item is in wonderful condition and the delivery was FaSt! Wow. Great Experience!

You have to start somewhere...
Tobey and Slater's 'Beginning Algebra' text is used by my college where I tutor mathematics in the first course in Algebra, often the first course in Algebra many of our students have ever taken.It is very much a beginning course, as the course itself carries no official 'credit' (it is a zero-level course, as a prerequisite to other science and mathematics courses, that many students place out of on the basis of assessment scores). You can do better than this!
This widely-acclaimed textbook by Tobey & Slater is a valiant attempt to make elementary algebra both interesting and anxiety-free. I have been using this textbook [both 4th and now 5th editions] to teach in over 30 classes so far at aRead more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Subjects:  1. Science/Mathematics    2. Algebra   

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - Intermediate    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (13)

A chaotic way to (not) learn math
Algebra 1/2 is deeply flawed in its approach to learning. I don't recommend it for anyone. While it claims to take an "incremental" approach, it doesn't introduce and build on new concepts in an orderly fashion, as you might expect, given the title. Instead, it takes a "shotgun" approach, with the student getting hit with new BB-sized factoids almost at random.
And you thought you hated math before...

Simply The Best Math Book Ever Written
As my 11 year old son begins his second semester of Calculus at our local college, he tends to take exception with parents that look down on the Saxon series of math books, with them often calling the books "boring" or "repetitive", as if math is intended to be loaded with excitement from day 1.Getting good at something, whether it's cutting lawns or learning pre-algebra, take practice.I just feel so bad for the kids with these parents, as the kids will never amount to anything, given that environment.Simply put, the Saxon series of books, if completed per their instructions (i.e., doing every problem), assures that your kid will NEVER have trouble in math.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction   

Reviews (9)

Not Very Helpful
If you are looking for an encyclopedia of all things pre-calculus, then this is your book. Just don't expect it to teach you much if you don't already know the material. There are plenty of practice problems, but the actual "teaching" sections don't really help the average student like me. Some of this is offset by the DVD's included in the course pack, but not enough so to justify the $200.00 the book and course pack cost at the university bookstore. You would probably best be served by using a different book like Precalculus for Dummies or the Complete Idiots Guide to Precalculus.

Never read it, but...
I'll admit, I have never looked at this book, but Michael Sullivan's other Trigonometry book is very bad. No specific exampels, vauge explanations. If this book is anything like his old one, dont get it!!!

Buyer Beware
The information listed in the "Product Details" section for this book is very misleading.As noted in the other comments, this book is the paperback Student Solutions Manual.It is NOT a hardcover book and the ISBN number is not ISBN: 0130914657 (as listed in the product detail section).This book may prove to be helpful but it was not the book I thought I ordered. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Trigonometry    6. Elementary geometry & trigonometry    7. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (1)

prolific problem sets
In his latest update of this text, Sullivan takes the reader through a high school or undergraduate level course in algebra. Though the title says "College", all of this material is also eminently do-able at the high school level, for advanced students, aspiring to major in maths or science. While at the university level, it appears to be targeting those students not majoring in maths, physical science or engineering.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (3)

outstanding
I used Giancoli as my primary text in high school, and found it to be a superb text. I think those complaining of a lack of worked problems are missing the entire point of this text and the essence of studying physics. This book is about understanding physics principles and the equations you use to solve physics problems. You will find that with this understanding (certainly provided by this excellent text), the need for mindless ploughing through physics problems is lost. You will be able to solve physics problems on the basis of your conceptual understanding of the problems. So many students rely on rote learning and repetition by doing hundreds of questions. Sure, you might be able to attack similar problems for the next week or so, but as soon as you stop practicing, the skill is lost. True mastery of physics comes from appreciation of principles, not mere recognition of patterns in problems...this text will help you achieve such an appreciation.
A pretty good intro book for calculus based physics
I once taught a calculus based physics coursed using this text.I found as good as the other standard texts: Both the book by Serway and the book by Halliday and Resnick.The ideas are presented clearly, without too many words, and the examples are well picked. I suspect, as happened to me, that you will appreciate the calculus better after getting past a calculus based physics course. Despite containing a few errors, a good return on your investment relative to the cost of this text, is the supplementary Schaum's outline: Physics for Engineers and Science. Each chapter of this Schaum's reviews things concisely, and is filled with tons of worked out sample problems. Try hard to work out these problem sets first, before looking at the solutions. Your grades will reflect YOUR efforts.
Clear and nice physics book for intro students
I know physics is hard for all of us, but this book is very clear in explaining physics.It does not involve in calculus, so usually it is better for most students who never took physics.So if you did not take physics class before, I highly recommend this book because it does not use pompous or intricate words that most science textbook writers do.Not only is it an easy reading, but also it has awesome questions and problems that make you think and that check whether you know really physics.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Sciences    2. Physics    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Algebra    6. Science / Physics   

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Textbooks    7. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (1)

Further adventures with algebra...
This book is currently being used by the community college where I tutor as a book for the internet version of Intermediate Algebra, a course that most of our two-year degree programmes require as part of the mathematics requirement, and one of the most 'popular' courses at the tutor centre.Because this book is used by the internet course, it has to be well crafted to enable students to learn from on their own, and indeed, it seems to pass muster on that account.Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Textbooks    7. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (10)

Clear and understandable.
At the beginning I was a bit worried about the way the book explains the material.It seemed too simple for a book dealing with more complex subjects in math such as functions, trigonometry and analytic geometry.Then again it could be said that this quality is the one that makes the book such a joy to read.
reviews for the 7th edition?
why are the reviews for the 6th and 7th edition of this book the same?is there no difference between editions, such that reviews for the 6th should be kept for the 6th.the 7th edition might have changes that could cause some to review/change a viewpoint about its content.maybe at the core they are the same book/method, but it is overall a different book and the reviews should be kept edition specific.
well designed for self study
I taught 2 sections of precalculus with this book last spring. This book is well designed for self study. Examples are keyed to specific exercises so the student is directed to use a concept immediately after seeing it employed in a suitable exercise.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Mathematics    4. Pre-Calculus    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Trigonometry    7. Mathematics / Calculus   

Subjects:  1. Arithmetic    2. General    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Algebra    6. Mathematics / General   

Reviews (16)

Notfor Dummies
Now if I were a dummy, and in many ways I am, I would be furious with this book.It doesn't mention until page 4 that the author assumes you've already had a year of algebra.What if I hadn't?What if I was picking up this book because I wanted to learn algebra from scratch?Most anyone would naturally assume that's what this book is for.But right away you'd be lost.Even the "fun facts" would make me heave this thing out the window.Info about "three-term quadratic equations" is a fun fact?Not if you're a compleat dummy and you haven't the foggiest what this woman is talking about.The 2 stars are generous.It's not too bad for an overview of something you already know and merely want to to remember.Thank my stars I do know algebra, but damn...dummies beware.

What????
This book is not for beginners. It assumes you've had at least a year of algebra education.

Good for me
This book was good for me in my Masters program. Now if I can only get my son to use it to pass high school ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Subjects:  1. Algebra - Elementary    2. Education    3. Mathematics    4. Teaching Methods & Materials - Mathematics    5. Mathematics / General   

Reviews (27)

Comprehensive book for General Topology
This is the text that my first graduate level topology class is using.Over all I find it very well written.The author uses good examples for motivation and explaination of the topics he covers.The exercises are also well thought out and instructive.They're challenging enough to make you really learn the material, but not so hard as to sway the only average mathematician from the subject.I highly recommend this book, even if it's not for your class.It'll be a welcome reference book to add to your math text collection!

Good standard introduction to topology, useful book for textbook, self-study, or reference
This book is pretty much a standard.It has a number of strong points.It is self-contained relative to students even at a fairly elementary level.There are a lot of exercises, and they are appropriate.And, the book is very comprehensive and thorough, covering a lot of material and covering it in good depth.Most of the material is exceptionally easy to read.
very clear introduction
This book is well organised, and the proofs are easy to follow.If you are looking for a solid introduction to topology, then this is the place to start! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Topology    5. Topology - General    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (4)

Examples and problems constructed by inexperienced students
I have a master's degree in Electrical Engineering.I tutor students who are using this book in a community college course.In layout and in format, the book is very good.The concepts are presented in logical order, and the principles are usually explained well.
Precalculus Only
You are looking for a college algebra book for self-study, review or as a supplement to an assigned book, I presume, and not to buy 50 for a college classroom.
Great, but Packaging needs improvement!
I am very pleased with the process.The book that I ordered was correct and sent promptly.The only problem I had was with the packaging.It came wrapped in plastic ONLY!That caused the book to get damaged corners and dents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (13)

This book is the pits
I am by no means a math wizard.I am, however, able to learn things on my own fairly well.This book makes that nearly impossible though.This book gives very few examples, and the few that they do give rarely give any clues to what needs to be done to solve the equations.It also fails to really teach anything.It's by no means for a student that is going to be going through an online course where they won't be interfacing with an instructor.I would not have enrolled into the course for online schooling if I had know this books was going to be this terrible.I strongly don't recommend this book!!!

Sadly disappointed
This text is a pathetic excuse for educational material.It gives meager examples and many are not even applicable to the chapter exercises.By far this is the poorest written text I have encountered in three years of college.

Now I'm scared!
I'm getting ready to take Intermediate Algebra using a text by this author.I will be required to take College Algebra next term and am hoping, after reading your reviews, that this is NOT the book that will be required for the class.Did anyone get value from "math help" websites? Thanks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Mathematics    4. Pre-Calculus    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Pre-Calculus   

Reviews (9)

Art of math?
If you read the other reviews of this book, you might end up thinking, "Are they talking about a math book, or a piece of art?"It might well be both.This book ended up in my hands as the result of a book drive at the office where I work (staff donate books, I sell them, proceeds go to a charitable fund).I ended up buying it.I'm 45, and I'm a psychologist; algebra is not something I use on a regular basis.This book is just so well-made (illustrated, organized, well-explained, comprehensive, rational, realistic), that I could not just let it go by.It made me want to take a math class.

The very best.
This book is perfect. It explains every problem, and unlike most Algebra courese, it prepares you for whats coming. Books like the MaGraw Hill Algebra books just give you a problem and expect you to know how to solve it. Margret L Lial works you up to it, so when you get to the big equations you will actually know how to do them.
Beginning Algebra, Ninth Edition by Margaret L. Lial
This Beginning Algebra book by Lial is, without a doubt, the best elementary Algebra book I have had the pleasure to use.As a tutor of middle school through college level, I have used several Algebra texts from the bigger textbook companies to several homeschool favorites.This text builds logically and has clear and accurate explanations.Concepts that should be learned by heart and rote are highlighted.There is also a plethora of practical application problems which, afterall, is what math is all about - one needs to be able to apply and use the concepts in everyday and career situations. In short, it is easily understood by the self-taught, as well as a delight to use in a teaching situation.There is ample drill and practice to solidify concepts and routines.I'm sticking with this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (18)

Was very useful for algebra review
I needed to brush up on my algebra after some years away doing other things, and had three evenings for that. I found this text very helpful (but I had to spend five evenings in the end). First, it emphasizes the operator view of linear algebra, as opposed to the matrix view; second, the solved problems start with several concrete numeric examples and then move on to proving theorems, so you get practice in both; and third, it is reasonably abstract and succint which saves time if you know the subject but need a quick review.
Better than my texbooks
I have learned more about Linear Algebra from this single book than all my other assorted (and fairly expensive!) texbooks combined; and, for that matter, more than my college class on the subject too. I'm now studying Differential Geometry and I always have this book nearby (in addition to two other Shaum's Outlines: that of Vector Analysis and Differential Geometry). Every textbook has something to offer - at least I usually give them the benefit of the doubt ;-). But for gaining a "working knowledge" of abstract mathematical concepts, there's nothing so enlightening than studying the details of problem solving performed with delightful clarity by an expert in the field. In this book you can become the apprentice to Seymour Lipschutz as he reveals the mysteries that often form clouds in the minds of students of Linear Algebra.Frequently, when working in this text, I would suddenly understand something that seemed so complex or obscure in my other LA texts. Actually, I could then see what those other texts were attempting to convey but because of their particular styles, they were just a bit "pedagogically challenged" :-)
Decided not to use it because of too many typos
Regrettably I can only give a partial review of this book.From some of the other reviews, it looks like this may in fact be a decent text, but the number of errors I encountered in the answers to the first set of problems was so annoying that I decided not to continue using this book.By the third addition I would expect most errors to have been corrected, but that is not the case here. The errors I ran across appear to be mostly typos, and I can understand a book having some typos, but to have so many in the first set of problems was enough to make me look for another text.Another reviewer mentioned that the errors were obvious.True, they were, but it was still annoying and a waste of time to have to deal with.Also, the errors were obvious in the first chapter because it was all review material, but what about later chapters when the material would not be a review?It just wasn't something I was willing to risk.I've given the book a neutral three star rating since I can't thoroughly review it, but I'll let you decide if it's worth it to give the book a chance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. Algebra - Linear    3. Algebras, Linear    4. Linear Algebra    5. Mathematics    6. Outlines, syllabi, etc    7. Study Guides    8. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (4)

Perfect book to reintroduce algebra
I used this book in my first back-to-college algebra class, and it is a great book. Easy to understand explanations and step-by-step instructions made algebra way easier than I remembered! Please note: the companion solutions manual has many wrong answers. The book itself, however, is great. If your class is using this book, you will do well.

best math text I have ever used
I wish he had written all of my text books.Everything is clearly laid out with examples that are broken down into small steps to make understanding even clearer.

Not afraid of Algebra now !
I would really like to thank Mr. Angel for putting together a great book. I have to admit that I was afraid of Algebra until I started studying from this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General