The best Algebra book in the world?
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009In my seven years as math tutor, I’ve probably worked with twenty algebra books. Hands down, no contest, this is the absolute best I have used: Algebra: Structure and Method, Book 1. (Brown, Richard G. et al. McDougal Littell, Evanston, Illinois: 2000.)
This book doesn’t have a ton of frills—there are barely any pictures or “extras.” But
what makes this book exceptional is its GREAT sequencing. It does an excellent job of breaking the math down without dumbing it down. The problems get harder very incrementally. There are so many practice problems to choose from that you can really practice until each procedure becomes second nature. And the book only introduces new concepts once you’ve already mastered the prerequisite skills.
For example, when this book introduces factoring trinomials, it introduces each pattern that you might encounter one at a time. You practice that pattern extensively before facing a new pattern. Once you’ve practiced all the different patterns separately, THEN it mixes all the different patterns together in one problem set. But by now you know how to recognize the different patterns and what to do differently for each pattern. So when faced with a page full of different types of factoring patterns, you can just think, “OH—difference of squares!” or “OH—perfect squares!” instead of having to do trial and error until you erase a hole in your paper!!
The students I’ve used this book with acquire very, very strong algebra skills without getting bored or frustrated. And I think it’s because the sequencing forces students to learn how to “chunk,” a concept I learned from Daniel T. Willingham’s book, Why Don’t Students Like School?
For example, take two algebra students. One is still a little shaky on the distributive property, the other knows it cold. When the first student is trying to solve a problem and sees a(b + c), he’s unsure whether that’s the same as ab + c, or b + ac, or ab + ac. So he stops working on the problem and substitutes small numbers into a(b + c) to be sure he’s got it right. The second student recognizes a(b + c) as a chunk and doesn’t need to stop and occupy working memory with this subcomponent of the problem. Clearly the second student is more likely to complete the problem successfully. (p 31)
Thank you, thank you to those who wrote this book so chunk-fully: Richard G. Brown, Mary P. Dolciani, Robert H. Sorgenfrey, and William L. Cole!
Hi Rebecca,
I saw your post on “The Best Algebra book in the World.” I am looking for a book that will simply explain each step in an algebra function. I am in an algebra class for the first time in 15 years and I am scared speechless. I hate this stuff. The instructor said as long as I know how to do what is on the reviews for the test than I should be okay. Learning what is on the reviews is where I have problems. Thanks!
Julie, thanks for stopping by! I am glad to help. I also highly, highly recommend Danica McKellar’s math books. You can get them on amazon or any library. A lot of adults find them really helpful, and she’s great at breaking things down and working things through step by step. Plus they are fun to read! Lots of people are scared speechless about math–you are not alone! I believe in you!!
I have heard this is a good book, but I doubt that it tops Paul Foerster’s Algebra 1 book. Are you familiar with it?
Edgar, it’s nice to see you here! I haven’t worked with that book yet. Thanks for the suggestion!
Mathematically Correct has ranked a series of Algebra 1 books, and Brown’s book scores very high. In fact, Brown’s book scores in 2nd place, with only one book topping it. Can you guess which book? Yes, you guessed it – Foerster’s! Haha, I hated math until I discovered Foerster! I like to say that I preach the good news of Paul Foerster.
I will have to check that out! I haven’t heard of Mathematically Correct. I’m really glad you found a book that you like so much!!
[...] Posts: The best algebra book in the world? I am SO EXCITED about Math U See! Q&A with Danica McKellar, author of Hot X: Algebra Exposed! [...]
[...] be able to check his answers without having to wait to see me. So, as a supplemental text, we added another algebra textbook that had better sequencing and more practice problems. In the end, we relied on it more than the [...]
Thank you for this review. I have used Foerster’s algebra, and he does skip a couple of steps. I do not know if it is corrected in later editions, but he does make an assumption that the student knows to divide the fraction in a chapter 2 problem.
I think an algebra text should be so thorough in the explanations that no answer key or solutions manual is necessary.
Hey Cricket, it’s great to meet you here! Thanks for your comment! I think every book has its strengths and weaknesses, but I have used this with many students. Some students need more preparation for it in terms of being really comfortable with the prerequisites like fractions and decimals. I’d love to hear more about resources you recommend!
I need help. My son is in 9th grde, is very intelligent, but struggles a lot with math. He is in Algebra and is frustrated and barely getting by. Is your book a good book to help him? He needs something that explains each step,& would be helpful if there are tests or actually problems to solve at the end of each part. He especially struggles with word problems. I have purchased Danica McKeller’s books as well as a “Dr Math” book. I dont know what to do to help him.
Ashlee, Thanks so much for your comment, it’s great to “meet” you here! Based on what you described, I would highly recommend Danica McKellar’s books for your situation. This particular textbook might not do the trick for what it sounds like your son is going through. Your question is actually making me think it’s time for an updated post about more algebra resources!
Also, while I haven’t used the Algebra book yet myself, some of my students really like Teaching Textbooks. Here’s the link to their algebra textbook: http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/v/vspfiles/tt/Algebra1.htm They are really excellent with the step-by-step teaching and having solutions to all the problems so you can check your work.
Math-U-See is another great resource that really makes sure students understand the concepts: http://store.mathusee.com/catalog/secondary-math/algebra-1/algebra-1.html . Both of those also include instructional DVDs.
If you’re feeling like your son really just needs personal attention and feedback and you’re interested in him being tutored, I would be happy to set up a time for us to talk and explore whether or not it would make sense for us to work together. All you would need to do is give me a call at 617-888-0160 or email me at rebeccazook@gmail.com and we would set up a time for us to have a complimentary conversation, just so I could learn more about your situation.
Rebecca,
I am hoping you can make some suggestions. I have a 7th grader who is in pre-algebra. In looking at some of your previous recommendations, it appears that his pre-algebra book actually combines some topics covered in pre-algebra with some that are in algebra 1. Specifically, the name of his book is Big Ideas Math (blue book) by Ron Larson. I find it very difficult to understand, and it is not easy to learn the concepts from the book alone. My son has always been a strong math student; however, he is having some difficulty this 2nd semester. For example, he is having trouble grasping some of the concepts surrounding linear and nonlinear functions and how to determine which type of function it is by an equation or table. Another example of a type of problem he is struggling with: Y+ 1/3x + 1 (With the instructions: a line with slope of 1/3 contains the point (6,1). What is the equation of the line?) What textbook, on-line videos, etc would you recommend for thoroughly EXPLAINING every concept in a simple, easy to understand manner (whereby a student could learn everything they need to be extremely successful without needing classroom instruction)? We’re not looking for a workbook of extra problems; we’re looking for a resource that would TEACH him in very basic (easy to understand), yet thorough method on how to understand the concepts and figure out the problems. So, something that goes into very clear detail on how to solve each of the problems a student would need to know in each section of content. Ideally, we would love to have a video series as well that would demonstrate the concepts and serve as a virtual classroom. Please respond at your very earliest convenience. We need some help right away; he has a test mid-week, next week.
Thanks so much.