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Forgotten Algebra
This updated book is a self-teaching brush-up course for students who need more math background before taking calculus, or who are preparing for a standardized exam such as the GRE or GMAT. Set up as a workbook, Forgotten Algebra is divided into 31 units, starting with signed numbers, symbols, and first-degree equations, and progressing to include logarithms and right triangles. Each unit provides explanations and includes numerous examples, problems, and exercises with detailed solutions to facilitate self-study. Optional sections introduce the use of graphing calculators. Units conclude with exercises, their answers given at the back of the book. Systematic presentation of subject matter is easy to follow, but contains all the algebraic information learners need for mastery of this subject.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 2, 2018
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE SECOND EDITION, PUBLISHED IN 1994.
I don't hate math. I would say I am at least alright at it. Nothing stellar; but not utterly horrible.
It pains me to give this book two stars. The overall concept of the book is great, and it might have actually worked if they would have better proofed their solutions and work. Generally, people good at this type of math don't need this type of text.
The definitions, descriptions, and overall methods flow nicely. However, a good few handfuls of solutions and examples are incorrectly worked. For instance, in a word problem of Unit 7, they have an example word problem & solution:
"Three times a number minus 2."
and reveal the solution incorrectly as "3x + 2."
Additionally, the text occasionally disagrees with solutions shown in the back of the book which differ from the initial question (such as an added or missing exponent), missing practice problems with answers to the missing problem in the solution (Unit #14 is missing practice problem 6 entirely), or incorrectly deduced answers. For example, on Exercise 19 of Unit 19:
Factoring Problem 21. 2xy^2 - 54xy + 100 [Reviewer's Note: Goodreads' format does not appear to support superscripts.]
Incorrect solution to problem 21. 2x(y^2 - 27y +50)
Where is the additional x factored from out of 100??? At best, only a 2 may be factored out from the 100, or the solution will look something like:
2[x(y^2 - 27y) + 50]
For the person trying to brush up on their skill with little confidence, this book would only bring further confusion if they became hung up on these problems. Someone with good confidence and experience in algebra should be able to recognize the shortcomings of these mistakes and could learn from it efficiently as broken down as the examples and solutions are. A better 95% is well-written with correct answers and good definitions. For people trying to (re)learn and brush-up on their skills with less practice or confidence is part of my reasoning for rating the text only 2 instead of 3 stars. The other is rushed publishing with poor proofreading.
I don't hate math. I would say I am at least alright at it. Nothing stellar; but not utterly horrible.
It pains me to give this book two stars. The overall concept of the book is great, and it might have actually worked if they would have better proofed their solutions and work. Generally, people good at this type of math don't need this type of text.
The definitions, descriptions, and overall methods flow nicely. However, a good few handfuls of solutions and examples are incorrectly worked. For instance, in a word problem of Unit 7, they have an example word problem & solution:
"Three times a number minus 2."
and reveal the solution incorrectly as "3x + 2."
Additionally, the text occasionally disagrees with solutions shown in the back of the book which differ from the initial question (such as an added or missing exponent), missing practice problems with answers to the missing problem in the solution (Unit #14 is missing practice problem 6 entirely), or incorrectly deduced answers. For example, on Exercise 19 of Unit 19:
Factoring Problem 21. 2xy^2 - 54xy + 100 [Reviewer's Note: Goodreads' format does not appear to support superscripts.]
Incorrect solution to problem 21. 2x(y^2 - 27y +50)
Where is the additional x factored from out of 100??? At best, only a 2 may be factored out from the 100, or the solution will look something like:
2[x(y^2 - 27y) + 50]
For the person trying to brush up on their skill with little confidence, this book would only bring further confusion if they became hung up on these problems. Someone with good confidence and experience in algebra should be able to recognize the shortcomings of these mistakes and could learn from it efficiently as broken down as the examples and solutions are. A better 95% is well-written with correct answers and good definitions. For people trying to (re)learn and brush-up on their skills with less practice or confidence is part of my reasoning for rating the text only 2 instead of 3 stars. The other is rushed publishing with poor proofreading.
September 25, 2012
There are several problems with this book. As several others have stated, the book treats most topics just a shade too lightly. If you were originally good at math or have taken it somewhat recently it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but as a self-teaching course it's missing a little in the explanation department. This is mostly a problem, however due to the numerous errors in the book. You see, the practice problems are not worked out in the back of the book. The "example" problems are worked out in the chapter as you go along, and the "real" problems are worked out in the answer section at the back of the book. However, the "practice" problems contain the answers right next to the questions, but no step-by-step walk through to help you figure out where your mistake is in case you get the practice problem wrong. While that might be merely frustrating under normal circumstances, when you compare this to the fact that the book is still full of errors, it can be come infuriating. I kept getting answers "wrong" and it wasn't until I went to a friend of mine with my notebook and tears of anger in my eyes that I was finally told *I* was right--the book was wrong.
An easy solution to this is to include a corrections section on the publishers website. Based on the authors' semi-aggressive comments posted in the amazon.com review section of this book, one can imagine there might be some resistance to admitting to errors in the book.
Until Barron's or the author admits their mistakes and have a corrections section on their website, I say avoid the headache and get a different book.
An easy solution to this is to include a corrections section on the publishers website. Based on the authors' semi-aggressive comments posted in the amazon.com review section of this book, one can imagine there might be some resistance to admitting to errors in the book.
Until Barron's or the author admits their mistakes and have a corrections section on their website, I say avoid the headache and get a different book.
September 14, 2016
My review pertains to the fourth edition, copyright 2013. Most sections contain instructions on how to use a graphing calculator. I didn't read those parts and offer no opinion as to their usefulness.
My son is taking algebra II and my daughter is taking algebra so I wanted to have a resource to help me brush up on this long forgotten subject on the chance they might need a little help here or there. Plus I'm just trying to stall that moment when they both realize that there's a lot less to me than it appears. (When my son took geometry last year I did tell him not to waste his time asking me for any help.)
The book satisfied my needs very well. It starts with the basics and builds slowly. The examples are clear and there are plenty to reinforce the lessons. I particularly liked that they tossed in problems that look deceptively easy and contain classic pitfalls. In a strange way it was actually kind of fun relearning the material and working through the problems.
As much as I like this book I don't think it would be a very effective way to learn the subject matter but as a refresher it's very good. I will keep it handy for reference. I hope my children don't need my help but I'm glad to know I'll actually be able to assist if they do.
My son is taking algebra II and my daughter is taking algebra so I wanted to have a resource to help me brush up on this long forgotten subject on the chance they might need a little help here or there. Plus I'm just trying to stall that moment when they both realize that there's a lot less to me than it appears. (When my son took geometry last year I did tell him not to waste his time asking me for any help.)
The book satisfied my needs very well. It starts with the basics and builds slowly. The examples are clear and there are plenty to reinforce the lessons. I particularly liked that they tossed in problems that look deceptively easy and contain classic pitfalls. In a strange way it was actually kind of fun relearning the material and working through the problems.
As much as I like this book I don't think it would be a very effective way to learn the subject matter but as a refresher it's very good. I will keep it handy for reference. I hope my children don't need my help but I'm glad to know I'll actually be able to assist if they do.
January 5, 2021
Very in depth
February 2, 2014
A great text for reviewing material you already learned once. Each unit is clearly explained just enough to refresh the rules, and exercises are provided with the answers in the back to test your knowledge.
I was good at Algebra in high school, and I wanted a refresher. This was perfect for that. I flew through most of the chapters.
The only drawback to this book is that there are quite a few typos. In answers and even in some of the explanations. A number that was previously an 8 will suddenly become a 5 for no reason, or two numbers will be added instead of subtracted like they should be. It wasn't very thoroughly edited. As a result, if you are uncertain of your ability to do math, this book might confuse you at times and make matters worse. But if you are confident in your ability and want a quick and easy refresher before moving on to more complicated mathematics, then I definitely would recommend this book.
I was good at Algebra in high school, and I wanted a refresher. This was perfect for that. I flew through most of the chapters.
The only drawback to this book is that there are quite a few typos. In answers and even in some of the explanations. A number that was previously an 8 will suddenly become a 5 for no reason, or two numbers will be added instead of subtracted like they should be. It wasn't very thoroughly edited. As a result, if you are uncertain of your ability to do math, this book might confuse you at times and make matters worse. But if you are confident in your ability and want a quick and easy refresher before moving on to more complicated mathematics, then I definitely would recommend this book.
October 24, 2007
I started a Pre-calc class this semester and after the first day I realized that 9 years between math classes can be something of a challenge. Enter this book. I thought having to brush up on algebra while learning pre-calc would kill me but the easy style of the author made rediscovering all that I'd forgotten a breeze. This book was a real life saver.
January 18, 2011
Rivoting. Absolutely rivoting. It's amazing how much I have forgotten. Algebra was one of my favorite subjects in high school...but alas, that was 28 years ago when I last studied the subject.
This book was suggested to me by the head of the math department and he was right. It's coming back to me slowly but surely. Very easy to understand.
This book was suggested to me by the head of the math department and he was right. It's coming back to me slowly but surely. Very easy to understand.
August 16, 2013
This book got the job done, and saved me a lot of time and money. I used to be decent at math, but that was more than 20 years ago, and I haven't done anything but simple arithmetic since then. I bombed the Accuplacer test for elementary algebra, spent three rather intense days with this book, and went back to take the test. The second test score was 64% higher, more than enough to test out. Yay.
June 29, 2016
Borrowed from Dayton Library. Good for practice of Algebra and has explanations and answers to be able to check work. It is recommended for students before going to college who may need the extra practice.
August 31, 2007
This book is AWESOME for review! I couldn't have survived my GRE math section without it.
January 27, 2008
I think that an active mind keeps one from drifting into early senility and..uhh....eeer...what was I saying?
Read
January 11, 2013Yet another great book for highschool math and science from Barron's press. This book is especially useful for grades 9 and 10 mathematics.
January 31, 2013
Yes, I'm doing a review of a math book. Yes, I have no life. Yes, I enjoyed solving problems in this book.
June 28, 2013
First text
April 28, 2017
Good refresher on algebra concepts; as an adult who returned to college after MANY years, it was very helpful. Logically presented.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews