Teach Yourself VISUALLY Algebra
Chapter One
The Basics
Algebra is a very logical way to solve
problems-both theoretically and practically.
You need to know a number of things. You already
know arithmetic of whole numbers. You will review
the various properties of numbers, as well as using
powers and exponents, fractions, decimals and
percents, and square and cube roots. I am a firm
believer in a picture being worth a thousand words,
so I illustrate anything it's possible to illustrate and
make extensive use of color. Each chapter concludes
with practice exercises to help you to reinforce your
skills. The solutions to these exercises can be found
at the end of the chapter, just before the Glossary.
The most practical chapter in this book is
undoubtedly the last one, because it brings together
all the skills covered in earlier chapters and helps
you put them to work solving practical word
problems. You may not believe me right now, but
algebra is all about solving word problems-some
of them very practical problems, such as, "How
much tax will I pay on a purchase? ... read full excerpt from Teach Yourself VISUALLYTM Algebra ebook
