Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide » (REV)

PETER SELBY (deceased) was Director of Educational Technology at Man Factors Associates, a human factors engineering consulting firm. He is the author of two other self-teaching guides: Quick Algebra Review: A Self-Teaching Guide and Geometry and Trigonometry for Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide, both published by Wiley.

STEVE SLAVIN, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Economics at Union County College, Cranford, New Jersey. He has written over 300 newspaper and magazine articles, and is the author of four other books, including All the Math You ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide and Economics: A Self-Teaching Guide, both published by Wiley.

Practical Algebra If you studied algebra years ago and now need a refresher course in order to use algebraic principles on the job, or if you're a student who needs an introduction to the subject, here's the perfect book for you. Practical Algebra is an easy and fun-to-use workout program that quickly puts you in command of all the basic concepts and tools of algebra. With the aid of practical, real-life examples and applications, you'll learn:
* The basic approach and application of algebra to problem solving
* The number system (in a much broader way than you have known it from arithmetic)
* Monomials and polynomials; factoring algebraic expressions; how to handle algebraic fractions; exponents, roots, and radicals; linear and fractional equations
* Functions and graphs; quadratic equations; inequalities; ratio, proportion, and variation; how to solve word problems, and more
Authors Peter Selby and Steve Slavin emphasize practical algebra throughout by providing you with techniques for solving problems in a wide range of disciplines—from engineering, biology, chemistry, and the physical sciences, to psychology and even sociology and business administration. Step by step, Practical Algebra shows you how to solve algebraic problems in each of these areas, then allows you to tackle similar problems on your own, at your own pace. Self-tests are provided at the end of each chapter so you can measure your mastery.

Some Basic Concepts.
The Number System.
Monomials and Polynomials.
Special Products and Factoring.
Fractions.
Exponents, Roots, and Radicals.
Linear and Fractional Equations and Formulas.
Functions and Graphs.
Quadratic Equations.
Inequalities.
Ratio, Proportion, and Variation.
Solving Everyday Problems.
A Parting Word.
Appendix.
Index.