I am extremely disappointed in this book based on what I expected from the title. There's nothing practical about it at all. At least the author and I have a very different definition of the word "practical." For instance, in one place the author says "in a practical sense, then, the distributive law tells us that if we wish to multiply the sum of two numbers...we multiply each number..."It simply explains in words how to do the distributive property. I expected practical, as in designed for actual use or for useful activities or how to use in actual practice. This is just another algebra book with lots of big words (that I have no problem with, but my students do) inserted into an informal writing style. In the introduction the author defines "practical" as an emphasis on techniques and problem solving, and by this the author means algebraic problems with no relationship to word problems, which, again, would be real life. The author states the hope that the reader will find the applications in his chosen field. I would title the book something other than "practical" to mean these things.

So, what is good about it? The informal writing style is friendly and there are quite a few examples worked out step by step. There are also problems to practice with. If you want a cheap textbook or something to work with alongside your class textbook to explain the same stuff another way, this may be your book.

It may be a "self-teaching guide," but it is really just another textbook in paperback and cheaper.

For a book to be a good self teaching device it needs to:

1.) Be clearly written
2.) Provide copious and abundant examples/questions
3.) Leave nothing to assumption

This book is clearly written. Provides a minimal amount of examples and questions. And leaves much to be assumed.

Having read the book I can easily see why it is well rated as the format and style is quite approachable. To an extent this is a problem when combined with the shallowness of the examples and test questions in the book.

For example there is very little in the way of converse examples. Flipping through the book I see many examples of negative number exponents in parentheses (-n)^5 however I cannot find a single instance of -n^5. Now it can be inferred from (-n)^5 that -n^5 = -(n^5), but this is never shown nor is it an example or test questions. So as your reading this book your constantly making assumptions and if your assumptions are wrong there are not enough examples to know any better.

I constantly found myself going online looking for converse examples and tutorials covering missing material; and eventually after finishing the book I found my self wanting another book to just confirm what I learned. If your looking for a good book on algebra pick up a Elementary Algebra with Applications by Wesner and Nustad; it covers the same range of material as this book, yet fills in all the holes).

I'm 24 years old, and just started my college career. Since my ACT/SAT scores were too old, I was required to take assessment tests before I could be accepted back into school. In fear of not passing the math portion the first time, I bought this book. After a few weeks of studying, I took the test, and scored 119/120. I would highly recommend this book. It does a VERY good job of explaining things and breaking them down for the reader. It also allows you to learn at your own pace, and gives you a thorough understanding of things before moving on to the next lessons. HIGHLY recommend.

It's not my intent to diminish the value of this book; however, in my experience using it, I am reminded that there still exists a huge void in Math and/or Algebra books that is yet to be filled. My conjecture is that "numbers people" (math professors, or those who just love math) are not in their element when they try to use language to explain how to solve math problems/ procedures. I think the authors of this book and authors of other Math books would serve the interests of their readers better if they operated from a "less is more" strategy. Namely: Present a subject; show a problem; solve the problem- and be DONE with it! A new student is burdened enough without verbose explanations.

Another improvement would be large font for number problems. It's a matter of balance: Less unnecessary words leaves room for larger font for the numbers.

It's also my observation that the value of a gifted professor teaching in person, will never be surpassed by authors attempting to use text to do the same thing. At least not in the subjects of Math and Algebra.

Right now I'm a mature student preparing for college and was in need of a major brush up on my algebra knowledge. I researched and researched throughout the libraries and couldn't find the right book to teach myself what I needed to know, thats until I went on amazon and found this book. I gotta tell ya this is by far the best book for anyone brushing up on there algebra like me or anyone who's new to it. This book explains everything you need to know in easy and understandable detail. I'm a slow learner when it comes to math but with this book I rarely had to go back and reread what I just read. Everything came to me so quick and I promise it will for you as well. Like it says in the name its practical and would be money well spent. Enjoy!

This book is amazing. It teaches you everything you need to know about algebra. Seriously. I had to take a Math Placement Exam at my University to enter into College Algebra, and i was worried i wouldn't pass. So i went down to Barnes and Noble and picked this beauty up. Now, i'm not a math person; in fact, i hate math because it's always been my downfall in public education. It's never been easy for me and this book wasn't an exception. It wasn't fun for me working through this book, but i did it. For 3 weeks i slaved over this book and the results payed off tremendously. I passed the test and saved about $1,000 that i would have had to spend on a remedial class without any college credit. Thank you practical algebra! You saved me time, money, and humiliation.

I used the first edition of this text 29 years ago, as a 13 year old 8th grader teaching myself Algebra. This text allowed me to learn thoroughly and well, such that I was able to complete courses through Calculus while still in High School, and go on to be an engineer. My 13 year old daughter had trouble learning from her school's textbook, so I am breaking open this book again. It's step by step strategy of mastery is key to the overall success. Nothing forces you to move on until you can get all of the correct answers. I am so glad that it is still in print so that my daughter may have her own (not falling apart) copy of this excellent text.

This is a great book that can be used as a refresher for those needing to do algebra again. It is also good as a resource for someone taking the course and needing reference material. The examples are well done and there are plenty of test questions as you work through each topic.

I decided I needed a serious review of algebra as I will soon be taking a physics class, not having had a math or any science class in over 20 years, and my level of math skills had deteriorated to the basics needed to balance a checkbook and nothing more. I have almost finished with this terrific book, and now I not only feel comfortable with algebra again, but I feel I truly understand the subject. The authors' excellent instruction and numerous practice problems really help to create a sense of comfort with the subject, something I thought impossible not that long ago. In fact, looking at samples in other books I purchased (but which were relegated to my bookshelves), I actually find myself thinking there are easier ways to reach the answer, or manipulating the equation beyond what the author intended, because of an understanding of the subject I have acquired through self-study...something I still find amazing. This book takes things step-by-step, building gradually on past lessons so readers are seldom (if ever) left scratching their heads in confusion, and the authors are both clear and thorough in their explanations (although it could benefit from acknowledging some of the standard pnemonics one often sees in math, such as PEDMAS or FOIL). I wish the follow-up book for trig/calculus was still readily available! Overall, this is a highly recommended book.

My son is now starting algebra and unfortunately, it's been some 25 years since I've had any exposure to it. This book is a nice way to review and polish up so that even if I can't make him an expert, I don't look so foolish.

This book is a very good book to learn algebra, if you just started. I personally believe that I have learned much from this book. Plus, there are good problems that help reinforce the knowledge learned. This book explains many concepts and is very easy to understand. This is also good review too if you forget some concepts in algebra.

This is the absolute best book I've ever read on Algebra. My teachers made the subject so confusing in High School, but two months with this book and I became an Algebra whiz!

If you need to learn Algebra, BUY THIS BOOK.

This is the absolute best book I've ever read on Algebra. My teachers made the subject so confusing in High School, but two months with this book and I became an Algebra whiz!

If you need to learn Algebra, BUY THIS BOOK.

I recently returned to school intending to major in Forensic Science. I graduated from high school in 1992 and only had pre-algebra. When I took the placement exam it put me in Algebra I. I suppose that is pretty good since it meant that I hadn't forgotten the stuff I learned in high school, but it meant I would have to spend at least an extra year just getting caught up on math before I could even get into the science classes I needed for my desired major. I purchased several algebra books that weren't helping at all, then I found this one. I love this book. I spent 5 days working through the book from cover to cover. I also used a software program called "College Algebra Solved!" for the areas where I needed a little more help (like simplifying radicals). After spending those five days with the book and software I retook the placement exam and placed into precalulus (my placement score went from 34 to 85. That's a 51 point increase!). So, yes, you can teach yourself algebra with this book. Everything is explained well and there are lots of practice problems and self-tests.

If you are looking to refresh or even teach yourself from scratch, this is the book.

Great introductory book for people who want to learn the basics of algebra, by themselves.

If Math gives you pleasure, you'll love this book. Over the years I've either forgotten some of the basics of algebra, or can't recall how they're derived. Since algebra is the foundation of so much in the great field of mathematics, this book is invaluable. The authors not only know their subject perfectly, they also know how to teach it through the written word. The text is not long-winded, and examples are given in the form of frequent small challenges to the reader to work problems for her or himself. The problems selected have a way of bringing enlightenment. For example, if you arrive at a solution other than the one given later in the text, your mistake will probably reveal to you the logic you should have used. These problems, then are a continuing form of instruction.
This is no novel, or light reading. It's absolutely wonderful. I can't recommend it highly enough. And what a bargain!

I bought this for my son who needed extensive review before retaking his college math placement test. He tried using his old textbook but it wasn't helping. I read all the great reviews for this so I thought it was worth a try. My son told me this book really helped because not only did it show the steps to solve various problems but it also told him what NOT to do. These were the common mistakes he was making. He reviewed using this and did the practice problems for approximately 3 weeks and was able to increase his previous test score by 26 points, more than enough to pass. What a relief (for both of us). We both would highly recommend this book.

If you're like me and haven't done any Algebra since leaving highschool (for me that was 15 years ago) this book is a excellent refresher course. The authors have use a conversational style in presenting the concepts of Algebra. Reinstalling your basic knowledge of math before you became tied to a calculator and guiding you through Algebraic methods and then backing those up with lots of examples and problems which really helps illustrate each concept. There is also a self-test at the end of every chapter.

I'd forgotten most if not all the Algebra I was taught at school but this book has re-awaking the geek in me and made Algebra (dare I say it) enjoyable and not a not a teeth renching experince I'd invisioned.

It has been many many years since I took Algebra but I have always enjoyed math. I looked into taking a class but that can be very expensive and you have to meet the deadlines of the class. I sit down and work on this when I have a few minutes and I have really enjoyed it. For me it is a great review but I think it could be hard depending on your background and how much you enjoy math. If is like doing puzzles or playing computer games for me. Very good book and I feel like the sequence and explanations are very good.

This is a great deal for the price on Amazon. I give my daughter goals each week and she meets them. She's almost done, and ready for the geometry book I also bought her. In a year she'll complete Calculus and begin differential equations. So much for school! This is the way to teach your kids!

I love this book. the logical progression of each section and multiple practice problems makes this book very useful.

I would give this book 10 stars, were that possible!

I began a pre-calculus course and was utterly lost the first week. I had last completed a math course nearly 20 years ago and my algebra skills were dismally rusty, to say the least. I utterly failed (0/10) the first quiz, but I had neither time nor desire to go back a level. So I bought this book and furiously worked through the first 9 chapters, which took me about a week. Now, my algebra skills are up to speed and I am excelling in the class. I have aced every single quiz subsequent to that failed first one and I even achieved a 92% on the first comprehensive exam.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book. The crucial thing is to start from the very beginning and to resist the impulse to use a calculator, especially for the pre-test and the subsequent self-tests and review tests.

This is exactly the type of book we wanted for our 15 y/o homeschooler. It's well written and easy to understand. The answers are on the same page as the exercises so she can check her answers without wasting time flipping to the back of the book and searching for the answers. A simple card covers the answers while she works. She really likes this book as do we. It's perfect for independent study. It's really only for those that are self-motivated and understand pre-algebra.

The content is good and easy to pickup. I only wish they didn't have the answers to the problems printed right below the problems in the chapter.

I used this to re-learn algebra for my college entrance exams. My last algebra class was in high school 21 years ago! I was short on time, and only made it half way through the book, and did very well on my exam. I found the material was easy to understand, and very organized. I am in the process of finishing the book so I will better understand what is being taught in class when I start school.

The book was shipped on time and and exactly what was advertised. I would buy again.

After being away from math for decades, I suddenly needed to take a college-level algebra class. As a lifelong math-o-phobe, I was terrified, but after working through the exercises in this book, I not only aced the placement exam and avoided a semester of high school level refresher algebra, I aced the class with a very high A. I credit my grade in that class in part to the rock-solid foundation taught by this book, and I recommend it enthusiastically to anyone who is struggling with algebra.

I am not a math person, but this book helped me prepare for a college math placement test. It gave me just the review I needed. It did a better job of explaining many concepts in Algebra that I just never understood in school. I haven't taken a math class in over 14 years, but after reading this book I was able to enroll in a college Algebra class! For a math book, it's terrific. I highly recommend this book. It's all you will need to get you up to speed in Algebra.

I am 46 years old and have not cracked open an Algebra textbook in close to thirty years. The reviews I read about this book helped me to decide to purchase it, since an upcoming Intermediate Algebra course is looming on the horizon.
I have only gone through the first three chapters but I am very pleased with what I have learned so far. The lessons are very methodical which makes retaining the information possible. I do wish there were more practice problems but overall this is one of the best Amazon purchases I've made to date (and I've purchased plenty).

I'm not a retard. The book doesn't attempt to explain things, but it does fool around with a very degrading style of writing.

This book assumes no knowledge of Algeba. I used it about 15 years ago to brush up on my Algebra -- by that time I had forgotten everything. ( I was a dunce in highschool -- learned Algebra and Calculus in University when I was older -- so I retained less than if I had learned it earlier). This book help to bring it all back.

I cannot say how much I loved this book! It is actually fun, challenging in a few places....

There is even a section on how to factor square roots out of numbers by long division. It is a abstruse skill that no one learns anymore... but guranteed even to impress you Advanced 4th year Math nerds who have not been exposed to it!

A nice start. Leaves you with about an upper level grade 11 (Canadian) knowledge of Algebra (US Grade 12).

It has been many years since I took Algebra in school and for a college level math course I needed to brush up those skills. This book, although I am not all the way through it, is excellent. It starts out slow and uses examples along with complete explanations of the problems.

Math was not my best subject and when it came to working out problems I would have a mental block. This book broke through that. It was easy to understand and math started to make sense! I also like the author because he has a sense of humor, making it enjoyable to read as well as doing the practice problems.

In high school, I thoroughly despised algebra.

As a result, I got nowhere in high school math.

Ten years (almost to the day) after my high school graduation, I was severely injured at work.

I had a choice of sitting home watching television all day or studying to get ready to attend a university. I chose the latter.

After trying to learn from high school and college textbooks, I was ready to "throw in the towel." Then a friend recommended "Practical Algebra."

Practical Algebra is easy to follow, and has excellent flow from one subject to the next.

After "Practical Algebra," I moved on to Selby's "Geometry & Trigonometry for Calculus." This book is just as brilliant as "Practical Algebra," and I enjoyed solving the problems.

The reason for my high praise for this book is that when I attended the university's Math Placement Test, I tested at Calculus I level. I believe this shows just how effective these Self-Teaching Guides can be if one truly puts his/her mind into absorbing them.

The vast majority of people consider the concept of teaching themselves algebra to be on a par with a root canal done by their own hands. Theoretically possible, but only the dedicated masochist would make the attempt. This is less than the joke that it may appear to be at first, for many is the time that this reviewer was told that learning algebra was worse than pulling teeth. With this weak and insecure foundation to build upon, any publication that claims to be a self-teaching guide has got to be very good to make the claim a realistic one. The assigned grade here is adequate, but not exceptional.
The material is put forward in a programmed format, with each new topic presented in a "frame", followed by problems and solutions that illustrate the topic. This provides the immediate reinforcement so necessary to the fragile mathematical ego. Summary tests occur at the end of each chapter with each problem having a number referring to the frame of introduction. Solutions to these problems appear in the back of the book. Few assumptions are made regarding prior knowledge.
The weak part is in the small amount of explanatory text in general and an occasional lack of worked examples. It is virtually impossible for a book with this intended audience to be verbose. Those who do not need it will skip the verbiage, but the rest need an example for nearly every possible case. There are two items where it is difficult to decide if they are superfluous or absurd. On pages 140 and 141, you will find a manual algorithm for extracting square roots. Whether this will impart any additional insights to the reader is a question that will be left to the readers of this review. What is inarguable is that it will never be used again outside of the book. On page 3 there is the following unusual statement. "Even we're not perfect. But we're close - so close that we've authorized our publisher to pay $10,000 to any reader who can find even one mistake in this book. Unfortunately, our publisher has declined to accept this authorization." It is too bad the publisher lost the argument, there would have been big money to be made here!
In conclusion, despite the occasional descent into cutesy dialogue and a lack of sufficient explanation, the book is still worth looking at before deciding on the text for your beginning algebra course

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

The book was well written, easy to understand and totally worth the money I paid for it. I used it to help refresh my Alegbra skills in order to tutor my niece in the subject. It helped me to go over the basics, teach her fundamentals and helped her go from an "F" to a "B" by semester's end. Wonderful!

Practical Algebra offers a easy-to-take approach to exploring algebra. It actually makes learning fun! The authors take the subject seriously not not themselves. I would recomment this book to anyone wanting to improve their skills in algebra.

Excellent, clear and comprehensive, and while focused exclusively on the math theory (as opposed to many texts which show how math is applied in everyday life) Practical Algebra is never dry, thanks to the engaging manner in which the narrator navigates the reader through the processes.

I decided sometime ago that I need to get back into deep calculus to take my career to the next level. Since I haven't done any really deep math since college (about 13 years ago) I decided to refresh my memory before I jump into calculus. This book is great. I haven't read it all yet but I believe I should be done in 3 to 4 days.

I'm not so sure that it will be that useful to someone who really didn't care for math in their school days. Such readers will need more time to digest the material. The tests in each chapter lets the reader know if she should move on or review the last section. Definitely a must have self study guide.

Aside from the joking "mistake" on page 3, this book is a fantastic and well-written, concise, thorough explanation of Algebra, in Terms that do not fry your logic circuits.
I am not entirely sure if someone could Teach Themselves Algebra, completely, with this book, but it is a Wonderful Refresher Course. Personally, I had to set College aside for a few years, due to working all the time. When my schedule finally became stable and reasonable, I realized two years had disappeared. So, I used this Study Guide to get myself back up to speed. Sure, I had all of my old notes, tests, quizzes and whatnot, but this book relieved the stress of matching-up chapters to notes and deciphering scribbled notes taken at light-speed. I simply sat-down with this practical study guide for several evenings and weekends, before diving back into college courses.
This book helped jog my memory and get me back on track, quickly. It seems the Perfect choice for refreshing the Memory Chips, between High School and College--esp., for those who haven't had an Algebra course for several years.
My synopsis of this great study guide is:
This is a quick, Painless, way to Learn Algebra and Refresh your memory for college courses, or to use as a helpful study guide along with the College Texts and notes from class.
This book is especially good for people who spend most of their time working, or studying for on-the-job certifications, as well as college courses. I assume it would be great for High School Students, as well.

I absolutely love this book! You get hooked.
20 minutes every night and you won't be able to stop!
The author writes in friendly language, you do problems
many times until you get it right, and if you don't, he
tells you exactly which paragraph to reread. Highly recommended!

I bought this book to prepare for taking a college placement test. I had not done algebra in several years and was returning to college. This book helped me get to a college level algebra course instead of having to take a lower level course. It's easy to understand, has practice problems, and is worth every penny. I really recommend it if you are looking for a review or as a second textbook for students struggling with algebra.

The book begins with some self-assessment tests to determine whether one is prepared for algebra or should do further preparation in math. The authors suggest another book for those not yet ready for algebra. I like the self-assessments because they will either bolster confidence or prevent wasting time on algebra when math has not been mastered. I would suggest this book for a student who is considering taking algebra and has the discipline to spend part of her summer with this book.

If you have been away from Algebra for a while or even if you have just started learning Algebra this book is for you. The authors have done a truly masterful job of explaining the basic concepts of Algebra. But more than that, the book has frequent tests and exercises which will help you to see if you are truly learning the stuff. Another great feature is that things are presented in a succinct and cogent manner. There is no patronizing prose or cute stories to bore you.

One thing I recommend strongly. Get well versed with chapters 2 through 4. These are the "nail and hammer" chapters in the book. Techniques like factoring, exponent manipulations, and simplification are explained. If you do not get these techniques nailed down you will be hounded with difficulties in later chapters. I re-read the chapters 3 times as well as worked the problems. I also recommend that as you go along begin solving pertinent problems from "REA'S Algebra & Trigonometry Problem Solver". This may take some time but your efforts will be well rewarded.

I highly recommend this text for anyone learning Algebra. But specially if you are like myself, just "doing" Algebra after a long hiatus, grab this book. A must have !

This book is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I am getting ready to start college, and I wanted to major in theoretical physics but all I had ever taken was basic math through school. This book helped me learn more in one week than a high school teacher could in a month. If you want to learn algebra, and are good in arithmitic buy this book and see for yourself.