This is NOT an algebra textbook and it was never meant to be one. It's meant to SUPPLEMENT a textbook. I have an extremely hard time understanding math books and math teachers. I've always been that way. I've repeated Pre-Algebra and Algebra so many times it'd make your head spin. Well, this gives me a second explanation to turn to when I don't understand the one in my Algebra book.

I own or have owned a total of over twenty "...For Dummies" books and this is the best of them all. The explanations in this book are the clearest I have ever seen. The author is a master at making things easy for me to understand. She gives me confidence that I never had before.

It has made my algebra review easy. The author gave me clear instructions and plenty of examples. I know it better now than I learned it 40 years ago.

I was forced into taking Algebra as one of the requirements for my Associates. I had never taken Algebra before and was a little nervous about taking it. My professor suggested this book so I would have a reference that spoke in plain english. It was helpful in understanding some of the verbage of algebra. I got through with a "B" and consider myself extremely lucky. I recommend this book for beginners or just someone who needs to brush up on the basics of algebra.

I ordered this book on March 17th and I still have not received my order. It is now April 24th so it's a little disappointing.

This book was of little help. It did help some refreshing me with order of operation, but some of the problems they had in there my PhD friends had a hard time with and needed a whole whiteboard to show me when they figured it out. This book is only good if you already have some knowledge of algebra.

Ok, I see a LOT of people complaining that this was TOO advanced and that it assumed you knew a little bit of algebra....... NO KIDDING!!!! That's why there's a book called "Basic Math and PRE-Algebra for Dummies!" This book is by NO means meant for someone that has NO/LITTLE prior knowledge of algebra! If you need to start from the bottom and work up, you start with the PRE-ALGERBA book! (Apparently those people that are harping on this book really ARE dummies since they didn't know this!!!)

Anyways. I hated math in high school. I stopped taking it right around the time I was suppose to be in Algebra II, I have no idea how I ever passed in high school. I put it off once I got to college. My first year, I tested into BASIC algebra! (Which is Pre-Algebra level if you're in high school)..... I passed that with a C, thank goodness. But when I wanted to go to a major university I had to take a placement test to see what math I should be in. Well, I didn't want to have to take anymore PRE levels, I just wanted to get into college algebra and get it over with without having to take any other lower level classes.

I used this book to study up right before the placement test. I read the whole thing, did examples, and actually managed to UNDERSTAND everything...... (which in math is hard for me)..... I managed to pass the placement test so that I could take college algebra.....

So for those of you who can remember things from PRE-ALGEBRA, use this as a tool to freshen up your algebra skills..... if you have NO memory of algebra whatsoever, do NOT use this book first! Use the Pre-Algebra book first!

Brahmagupta was the first to solve equations using general methods. Greek Diophantus solved equations using special ad hoc methods. Hence Brahmagupta was the first real algebraist. Edward Sachau said "It was Brahmagupta who taught Arabs mathematics".

The author says that Brahmagupta had an interesting take on zero. What does that mean? Brahmagupta incorporated zero to the Hindu number system and started computing with it. Brahmagupta was the first to write down the modern multiplication based on Hindu Arabic numbers that permeates all human activities from algebra, rocket science, banking, commerce to illicit deals in street corners. Here it is...The book would have been more complete if the author had given that information.

"The multiplicand is repeated like a string for cattle, as often as there are integrant portions in the multiplier and is severelly multiplied by them and the products are added together. It is multiplication. Or the multiplicand is repeated as many times as there are component parts in the multiplier".
Brahmagupta
Translated to English by H.T Colebrook, 1,817 AD

Brahmagupta then gives an example.
235 x 288

2 3 5 2 4 7 0
2 3 5 8 1 8 8 0
2 3 5 8 1 8 8 0

6 7 6 8 0

Brahmagupta was the first to solve equations using general methods. Greek Diophantus solved equations using special ad hoc methods. Hence Brahmagupta was the first real algebraist. Edward Sachau said "It was Brahmagupta who taught Arabs mathematics".

The author says that Brahmagupta had an interesting take on zero. What does that mean? Brahmagupta incorporated zero to the Hindu number system and started computing with it. Brahmagupta was the first to write down the modern multiplication based on Hindu Arabic numbers that permeates all human activities from algebra, rocket science, banking, commerce to illicit deals in street corners. Here it is...The book would have been more complete if the author had given that information.

"The multiplicand is repeated like a string for cattle, as often as there are integrant portions in the multiplier and is severelly multiplied by them and the products are added together. It is multiplication. Or the multiplicand is repeated as many times as there are component parts in the multiplier".
Brahmagupta
Translated to English by H.T Colebrook, 1,817 AD

Brahmagupta then gives an example.
235 x 288

2 3 5 2 4 7 0
2 3 5 8 1 8 8 0
2 3 5 8 1 8 8 0

6 7 6 8 0

I actually passed Algebra, finally. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My teacher and my textbook were NO HELP---This was so understandable.

well, the book was pretty good actually. though you kinda have to be a smart dumby to understand the book completely. sometimes, the problems aren't that clear. but the book is pretty fun to read, since it has some fun facts, and it also teaches you some things that pop up everyday in algebra.

THE LAYOUT OF THIS BOOK WAS MORE COMPLICATED THAN ADVANCED ALGEBRA ITSELF.IT IS THE WORST PURCHASE I HAVE EVER MADE.IT EXPLAINS ALL DIFFERNT ASPECTS OF ALGEBRA YES BUT IT DOES NOT ACCTUALLY EXPLAIN HOW TO COMPLETE A SUM.METHODS ETC.
USELESS...

ALGEBRA FOR DUMMIES was purchased, along with ALGEBRA WORKBOOK FOR DUMMIES, for a close friend that has gone back to school at a "mature" age. Together they haven't exactly made her a raving algebraic enthusiast but they put forth the concepts in a manner that is logical and easier to understand. I don't think she'll score a 4 for this class but there's no doubt that she'll achieve a passing grade!

ordered this book for my son that has problems in algebra, and he stated he was very satisfied. very satisfied

I am currently studying to take the GMAT and I haven't done algebra for at least 15 years, so basically - I don't know algebra. In my opinion this book is poorly laid out, it uses examples that would require you to know equations that aren't even explained until later chapters. Additionally very large numbers are used in many of the examples and practice questions. Why on earth if you are teaching the basics would you use such large numbers? Using 345 instead of 2 is patronizing, I just want to know how to do the work; the numbers are completely irrelevant to me because I am learning!

This book sucks!!

I took algebra years ago, and wanted to brush up before taking a formal
class. This book is fine for my purposes. I like being able to look up concepts and definitions that I had trouble undersanding the first time around. The language is clear, and the explanations seem to give just enough detail without being long-winded. I wish this book had been around when I was in high school!

If you want a book with lots of problems and practice drills, this will NOT be a good choice. The purpose of the book is mainly to help you understand the problem-solving process. The emphasis is firmly on teaching the vocabulary and concepts used in algebra, so you will have them in your head when you start encountering actual problems and homework assignments. This knowledge can then be applied to whatever textbooks are used in your algebra class.

Great book for reviewing forgotten concepts, or as a reference when you encounter something in class that doesn't make sense as presented in your textbook or by your teacher. I would also recommend it as a pre-algebra book, if you want to get a head start on learning the basic ideas behind algebra. However, it isn't the only book you need, because learning algebra (or any form of math), requires plenty of practice using the kinds of exercises you find in conventional textbooks.

I got this about a week before my final exam for algebra 101 (college prep). It was a lot of help and I got an "A" on my final. It spells things out really well and gives lots of examples. PLus outlines all of the rules very easily. Easy reading too!

note: The "..." in the title are an algebra pun! ;O)

When I hear or read a book title that includes the phrase, "for Dummies", I easily pull together the concepts that this book is not likely a foundational text for building one's doctorate upon, and that there might very well be some non-standard methodology in its construct. How is it possible to mistake a book titled, "Algebra for Dummies" as something other than that?!?

In any event, had my high school algebra teacher(s) approached the subject in this vein, I would have never developed a fear of the subject, and by now, my adult income would [approximate] be about quadruple what it is/was/has been. It took more than twenty years and three math-gifted offspring to discover that I have an aptitude for algebra, but was too afraid to pursue it. I have successfully and convincingly discussed 4-plane time and space theory with literal rocket scientists - naturally figured how to solve for a proportional unknown, blah-blah-blah. In other words, I had the goods, but was delusional about being any good at it.

I say this to point out that most everyone that lives in fear of "higher mathematics" need not do so. That most all those folks could be and would be hysterically excited to discover that their understanding of math is there, just waiting to be coaxed along a bit.

The author's assertion that the knowledge of algebra is power is not far off the mark, if off at all. Even if you never use it (although you will, or will have the opportunity to do so), the provable fact that you are not a math retard after all is worth considerably more than this book costs. That you will be able to pursue algebraic exploits without fear is just gravy.

note: The "..." in the title are an algebra pun! ;O)

When I hear or read a book title that includes the phrase, "for Dummies", I easily pull together the concepts that this book is not likely a foundational text for building one's doctorate upon, and that there might very well be some non-standard methodology in its construct. How is it possible to mistake a book titled, "Algebra for Dummies" as something other than that?!?

In any event, had my high school algebra teacher(s) approached the subject in this vein, I would have never developed a fear of the subject, and by now, my adult income would [approximate] be about quadruple what it is/was/has been. It took more than twenty years and three math-gifted offspring to discover that I have an aptitude for algebra, but was too afraid to pursue it. I have successfully and convincingly discussed 4-plane time and space theory with literal rocket scientists - naturally figured how to solve for a proportional unknown, blah-blah-blah. In other words, I had the goods, but was delusional about being any good at it.

I say this to point out that most everyone that lives in fear of "higher mathematics" need not do so. That most all those folks could be and would be hysterically excited to discover that their understanding of math is there, just waiting to be coaxed along a bit.

The author's assertion that the knowledge of algebra is power is not far off the mark, if off at all. Even if you never use it (although you will, or will have the opportunity to do so), the provable fact that you are not a math retard after all is worth considerably more than this book costs. That you will be able to pursue algebraic exploits without fear is just gravy.

I am returning to college after a 12 year hiatus. I recently purchased this book to re-learn algebra for my placement test. PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS BOOK IS ONLY HELPFUL AS A REFRESHER IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY FINISHED AN ALGEBRA I COURSE. This book is full of information which is why I purchased it. But if you need to re-learn algebra it is just too much information to absorb, and is not presented in an easy to understand step by step process. I ended up returning the book for this reason.

I am returning to college after a 12 year hiatus. I recently purchased this book to re-learn algebra for my placement test. PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS BOOK IS ONLY HELPFUL AS A REFRESHER IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY FINISHED AN ALGEBRA I COURSE. This book is full of information which is why I purchased it. But if you need to re-learn algebra it is just too much information to absorb, and is not presented in an easy to understand step by step process. I ended up returning the book for this reason.

The book was all that it was supposed to be. My problem was that it didn't come when it was supposed to and then it had to be shipped to my second address.

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.

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.

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

Definitely not a book for someone going back to the beginning after a long lapse in math instruction. Book assumes prior knowledge/memory of various algebraic concepts and therefore does not provide information from a foundation upon which to build a full understanding of subject matter. An actual algebraic workbook is more informative.

This book is great to refresh some of your not so great or long since forgotten Basic Algerbra skills.It dosen,t cover everything,but does a great job on the Basics.

This is an ok text for college students trying to remember the major concepts of high school algebra, or even for the beginner who wants easy down to earth explanations of the major concepts, but if you are trying to LEARN algebra, this text is not for you. I bought it because after reading the first few pages I noticed that the writing was concise and informative. I also noticed that the book was large and so concluded (quite falsely) that the material was covered in depth. No. The author will explain the major concepts well, but won't get into the nitty gritty (like how fractional exponents work, or even how a cube or fourth root works). She will just shove some algebraic equivalences your way almost as if she is expecting her readers not to care about what is really going on behind the algebra. She gives helpful tips and shortcuts for doing operations, but no proof style analysis of concepts. And there are no excercises to speak of. If you want a soaring overview of the math you learned in high school, this is definitely the book for you. If you want to learn algebra, look elsewhere.