Elementary Algebra

by Harold R. Jacobs

Suitable for either classroom use or self-paced study, Jacobs's popular text combines real-life examples, carefully structured exercises, and humor to help students learn and remember.

Genres: Mathematics, Textbooks, Nonfiction

876 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 1979

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am attempting to homeschool my daughter in math with this book. I bought it because I really liked Harold Jacobs' Geometry book when I used it in the 1980s. I bought both and she is starting with Algebra.

She told me she really likes the book (as do I). The humor and cartoons engage learners. The explanations and sequence of didactic problems at the end of each chapter are excellent.

She also complimented the teacher. She asked me why I didn't become a teacher. I explained why link: here.

YMMV. I was a math major in college before obtaining a PhD in physics. This book is exceptionally clear, engaging and challenging. The set IV problems extend the learning to some advanced topics, including number theory. I am very impressed with the book and my daughter thinks it is fun.

[Eric Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book for high school algebra and it was/is great ! I initially used a Saxon math book but it didn't work out that well, since the Saxon book used a scattershot(scatterbrain?) approach to the subject, jumping around from one topic to another. Harold Jacobs took his time to explain algebra clearly, showing how one idea lead to the next. Although not noted in the text, apparently this book can be used for both the Algebra I and II courses (this was I used it), with the midterm exam being used as the final exam of the first year.

[Rajbir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent book for self study. Jacobs presents the material clearly and logically and makes the learning intuitive. Although intended for high school students, the language and style is well suited for adults. It may sound like a cliche but learning algebra from this book was fun. If you're like me and never learned algebra during school but want to learn as an adult then consider this book. It's not the crap text book you had in school. It's actually well written! And Jacobs is the teacher you wish you had but never did.

[Jaydalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Algebra I text with clear and contextual explanations. My child is very math-minded so was able to work largely independently with occasional review. Definitely intended for an advanced 8th grader or regular 9th grader, but if the student does not have a very strong mathematical grade school foundation this is not for them. The illustrations and sometimes cheeky and thought-provoking comics that begin each chapter provided not just great comic-relief for the student but injected a real-world context for the algebra topic of that chapter.

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been too many years to give an adequate review, but I am a big fan of Mr. Jacobs and his math books!

[Ana Tanner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was really useless because it didn't review anything from prior chapters so by the time you got to the end you've forgotten everything in the beginning. Also the diagrams were pretty bad.

[Marcus Reeves · Rating 1 out of 5]

OK. I am on chapter five, and I can't believe I am able to review a math book I am working in. As I like math, well, I like it.