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The math dude's quick and dirty guide to algebra / Jason Marshall.

by Marshall, Jason.

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St. Martin's Griffin, 2011.

Algebra -- Instruction and study.

Algebra -- Problems, exercises, etc.

Quick and dirty tips.

9780312569563 (pbk.)

0312569564 (pbk.)

Alternate title:

Quick and dirty guide to algebra

Guide to algebra

484 p. : ill. ; 21 cm.

Includes index.

Prologue: Why math isn't an awful nerd -- Basic number properties -- Basic arithmetic -- Let the game begin! -- Looking for patterns in numbers -- Exponents and perfect squares -- A surprising sequence of numbers --

pt. I: What is algebra, really? -- ch. 1. Taking algebra to the streets -- The secret algebra you've already been doing -- Using variables -- Writing equations -- What's the point of algebra? -- Square roots -- The Pythagorean Theorem -- Why algebra matters in the real world -- Algebra in your backyard -- How to make a graph -- Challenge problems -- ch. 2. Algebra basics -- What are variables? -- How do variables work? -- What are algebraic expressions? -- The order of operations -- Practice problem -- Intro to equations -- Halftime recap -- How you should think about equations -- How to solve an equation -- How to solve an algebra problem --

pt. II: Understanding algebra better -- ch. 3. Walk the number line -- A brief history of numbers -- Algebra and decimal numbers -- Algebra and the number line -- Absolute values -- Number boot camp -- Linear equations -- How to solve single variable linear equations -- Linear equations with absolute values -- How to solve absolute value equations -- Linear inequalities -- How to solve linear inequalities -- ch .4. Arithmetic 2.0 : math with variables, exponents, and roots -- Arithmetic 1.0 : preparing for algebra -- Doing arithmetic with "real" numbers -- Arithmetic 2.0 (here comes the algebra) -- How to simplify expressions -- Math properties -- How to combine like terms -- Exponentiation -- Roots -- Exponentiation and roots combined -- Irrational exponents -- Can you remind me of the point of algebra? -- Final exam --

pt. III: Solving algebra problems -- ch. 5. Polynomials, functions, and beyond -- What are polynomials? -- Evaluating polynomials -- Functions -- Visualizing polynomial functions -- How to solve problems with polynomials -- How to find and write the equations of lines -- Equations of horizontal and vertical lines -- Systems of equations -- How to solve a system of equations -- Systems of inequalities -- How to solve a system of inequalities -- Challenge problem #1 -- Final exam -- ch. 6. The root of the problem -- Challenge problem #2 -- Roots of polynomials -- Factoring polynomials -- How to factor polynomials -- Solving quadratic equations -- Challenge problem #3 -- Game over? -- Final exam.

"A plane leaves New York going 400 m.p.h. Another plane leaves Los Angeles going 350 m.p.h...Yikes! Those dreaded word problems have instilled math phobia in generations of students. Now, The Math Dude is here to take the agony out of algebra. In The Math Dude's Quick and Dirty Guide to Algebra, Jason Marshall, host of the top ranked Math Dude podcast, kicks things off with a short, basic-training course to review simple math principles you'll need to get started. Once you've mastered the key concepts, you'll be ready to move on to the main event: understanding algebra. Whether discussing polynomials or giving step-by-step instruction on how to use order of operations to solve equations, Jason's clear, easy to- follow explanations and relevant, real-world examples will have even the most math-averse student basking in an a-ha moment. The book is also loaded with test-taking tips, quick and dirty math memory tricks, and advice for avoiding common mistakes that will help the lessons stick for years (and tests) to come. The bottom line is this: Algebra is the basic math that underlies most of everyday life. The Math Dude connects the dots and shows you that you already know a lot more than you think"-- Provided by publisher.

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