Arithmetic and Algebra Again

by Jean Burr-Smith and Brita Immergut

Book Overview

The bestselling guide updated and expanded for today's mathphobes

Written by two pioneers of the concept of math anxiety and how to overcome it, Arithmetic and Algebra Again has helped tens of thousands of people conquer their irrational fear of math.

This revised and expanded second edition of the perennial bestseller:

Features the latest techniques for breaking through common anxieties about numbers Takes a real-world...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071435336
• ISBN13: 9780071435338
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.6" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

exactly what I needed

I received the book in a timely fashion as well as in great condition. Thanks for being reliable!

What I've been looking for....

This is a very well-thought-out book. I've looked at many many math books, looking for one with good, clear explanations. This one is deceptive - at first glance it looks just like any other math book, but this is what I was looking for. For example, the explanation of why we invert and multiply when we divide fractions is clear and understandable - few other math books even bother to try to explain why or how this works, but this book does and does it well. Another wonderful thing about this book is that the authors are aware that words used in math can be confusing - they take the time to explain, for example, why we often use the word "of" when multiplying fractions (1/6 of 3/4) instead of saying "times" (1/6 times 3/4). The explanations in this book are excellent (and that is what I was looking for) and they always show every step of a solution, so it is easy to follow along. They also use visual explanations, again making sure to show every step. The focus in this book is on relating the math to practical life - this also really aids understanding. There are lots of exercises to practice with - and answers are provided for all of them. The best thing about this book is the "tone" of the authors. They write in an easy-to-understand, clear way. The book doesn't seem to have been written in "mathese" another language, but in normal English for normal people. It gives the feeling of being written by people who are caring and helpful and want the reader to understand - as opposed to most math textbooks that seem to be written more to impress other math educators than for real people who aren't used to math-style writing. The book covers all the usual topics of arithmetic and goes up through elementary algebra. Even though the intended market for this book is adults or college students who have already been through years of math, much of which they've forgotten, I recommend it also for homeschoolers. This inexpensive book can take the place of purchasing curriculum for years. It also can be used as a reference for finding good explanations and examples of specific topics - it has an excellent table of contents and index.

Very good book

It's a very good book that is easy to understand.

This book is like having a personal tutor..that you like

To say this book helped me is an understatement. It not only helps me in my college studies, but in every day situations. I am purchasing another copy today for my niece, who is experiencing some difficulty in comprehending math. Of course she is labeled with a "Learning Disability". Well after my husband & I helped her with her homework, we realized "she doesn't have a disability"....it is the way the school "explains" math concepts that is making math a mystery to her. When I spoke to her and brought math "down to earth" as this book does....she is catching on quick. I am sending this book to her today, for I know it will help her through-out her life. To the authors I want say....Thank you for making math understandable.

A WONDERFUL tool for students of ALL AGES!

I am a mom who graduated many years ago, who is having to freshen up on my math and algebra skills so I can help my teenage children understand their work in school. This book makes learning algebra for my 16 year old son, who suffers from a Learning Disability, easy to comprehend, while refreshing what I learned many years ago. It takes you through practically every step imaginable to understand the rules, terms and equations of algebra. I never thought learning algebra could be so easy! My son, who has ALWAYS struggled with math, now actually says that algebra is FUN! Just keeping him interested in a subject is challenging enough, but with this book, he actually looks forward to the challenge!Thanks for making this book available!