A New York Times–bestselling author looks at mathematics education in America—when it’s worthwhile, and when it’s not. Why do we inflict a full menu of mathematics—algebra, geometry, trigonometry, even calculus—on all young Americans, regardless of their interests or aptitudes? While Andrew Hacker has been a professor of mathematics himself, and extols the glories of the subject, he also questions some widely held assumptions in this thought-provoking and practical-minded book. Does advanced math really broaden our minds? Is mastery of azimuths and asymptotes needed for success in most jobs? Should the entire Common Core syllabus be required of every student? Hacker worries that our nation’s current frenzied emphasis on STEM is diverting attention from other pursuits and even subverting the spirit of the country. Here, he shows how mandating math for everyone prevents other talents from being developed and acts as an irrational barrier to graduation and careers. He proposes alternatives, including teaching facility with figures, quantitative reasoning, and understanding statistics. Expanding upon the author’s viral New York Times op-ed, The Math Myth is sure to spark a heated and needed national conversation—not just about mathematics but about the kind of people and society we want to be. “Hacker’s accessible arguments offer plenty to think about and should serve as a clarion call to students, parents, and educators who decry the one-size-fits-all approach to schooling.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

If you have bought any of my books on Simplified Algebra (Volume 1 to 4), then this book might not be for you because this book is an edited version with some corrections and inclusion of solutions to the exercises. However, if you have not bought any of my books on Simplified Algebra (Volume 1 to 4), then you will find this book very useful for learning the basics of Algebra. Simplified Basic Algebra: A Self-Teaching Book for High Schools and Colleges provides an easy way to gain a solid understanding of the basics of algebra in Mathematics. Assuming no background knowledge of the subject, this clear and self teaching guide explains solved problems in ways that are easy to understand. Exercises are given at the end of each chapter for students to use to asses their understanding of the topic. Solutions to the exercises are provided at the end of the book. This maths book is an ideal resource for high school students and college students taking algebra courses, for students taking higher level courses needing to refresh their knowledge, and for those preparing for admission and need to take entrance test or exam. Topics covered in this e-book include: Basic arithmetic operations Laws of indices Linear and quadratic equations Change of subject of formulae Simultaneous equations Word problems forming linear, simultaneous and quadratic equations Introductory logical reasoning Variation Linear and quadratic inequality Introductory vector algebra ...and more! A self-guided approach which enables you to move through the material at your own pace―gradually building upon your knowledge while you strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This powerful learning resource features: A step-by-step method proven to increase your understanding of the fundamental concepts in algebra Emphasis on important basics, with clear explanations to ensure that you comprehend the material quickly Many worked examples with concise, student-friendly approach to the worked examples Exercises at the end of each chapter. Solutions to the exercises are at the end of the book so that students can asses their understanding of each topic. Simplified Basic Algebra: A Self-Teaching Book for High Schools and Colleges breaks down difficult calculations into simpler steps. Whether you are studying Algebra in school and you are looking for a little help making sense of what is being taught in class, or you are just into learning new things, Simplified Basic Algebra gets you rolling with all the basics you need. This worked examples-packed math book puts you on the fast-track to mastering the basics of algebra.

College Algebra provides a comprehensive exploration of algebraic principles and meets scope and sequence requirements for a typical introductory algebra course. The modular approach and richness of content ensure that the book meets the needs of a variety of courses. College Algebra offers a wealth of examples with detailed, conceptual explanations, building a strong foundation in the material before asking students to apply what they've learned. Coverage and Scope In determining the concepts, skills, and topics to cover, we engaged dozens of highly experienced instructors with a range of student audiences. The resulting scope and sequence proceeds logically while allowing for a significant amount of flexibility in instruction. Chapters 1 and 2 provide both a review and foundation for study of Functions that begins in Chapter 3. The authors recognize that while some institutions may find this material a prerequisite, other institutions have told us that they have a cohort that need the prerequisite skills built into the course. Chapter 1: Prerequisites Chapter 2: Equations and Inequalities Chapters 3-6: The Algebraic Functions Chapter 3: Functions Chapter 4: Linear Functions Chapter 5: Polynomial and Rational Functions Chapter 6: Exponential and Logarithm Functions Chapters 7-9: Further Study in College Algebra Chapter 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 8: Analytic Geometry Chapter 9: Sequences, Probability and Counting Theory

This is a systematic exposition of a major part of the mathematics of grades 5 to 8 (excluding statistics), written specifically for Common Core era teachers. It differs from other books for teachers in that the mathematics is correct, in the sense that all the concepts are clearly and correctly defined, and a grade-appropriate explanation (that is, proof) is given for every assertion. For example, it gives a precise definition of percent and explains how to use the definition to do all the standard problems about percent in an entirely routine manner. It also gives a leisurely explanation for “negative times negative is positive”. Another key feature is an intuitive introduction to plane geometry via rotations, translations, reflections, and dilations that, instead of treating these transformations as merely fun activities, shows how they make sense of the usual geometric topics in middle school, including congruence, similarity, length, area, and volume. In short, the readers will find in this volume a clear explanation of whatever was once puzzling to them in the mathematics of grades 5 to 8.

This book takes a theoretical perspective on the study of school algebra, in which both semiotics and history occur. The Methodological design allows for the interpretation of specific phenomena and the inclusion of evidence not addressed in more general treatments. The book gives priority to "meaning in use" over "formal meaning". These approaches and others of similar nature lead to a focus on competence rather than a user’s activity with mathematical language.

This text has been written for elementary algebra courses. Careful attention to detail, strong exercise sets and pedagogical features help students to understand the concepts of elementary algebra.