Book Description

Scott Flansburg's heartfelt belief is that there are no "mathematical illiterates," just people who have not learned how to make math work for them. But millions of otherwise successful adults are afraid to balance their checkbooks and don't know how to figure interest on savings or credit. Millions of students dread their math classes and live in fear of the math section of the SAT. But, as Scott Flansburg demonstrates, anyone can put these phobias to rest and deal with essential everyday mathematical calculations with confidence. In Math Magic,Scott Flansburg shows the reader:

• How to master the basics;

• How addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division really work;

• How to simplify calculations through estimation;

• How to quick-check your answers;

• How measurements work and how to quickly convert metric measures to more familiar ones;

• How to figure tips and taxes and be sure you're getting the right change;

• How to figure percentages; and

• How to master algebra using the nine easy steps to algebra.

Math Magic is for all of us who need and want to improve our understanding of math. Flansburg makes math what you may never have imagined it to be: easy and fun. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Well written book
This book is well written and easy to read. It is a really great book and gives insights into various interesting methods to calculate rapidly. However, Mr.Flansburg and Ms. Hay seems to claim that these methods are either theirs, or Japanese. They fail to give proper reference. This preposterous misrepresentation is possibly due to their sheer ignorance or intentional need to hide the real source. In reality, these fast methods were invented during the Vedic Period in India around 400 B.C. One can refer to all these and more methods in "Vedic Mathematics or Sixteen Simple Mathematical Formulae from the Vedas", by Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthanji at Amazon.com. Nevertheless, the credit should be given to these authors for putting these concepts in a easy to understand format and encouraging kids to learn math....

Good book even though it comes up short in some areas...
I wanted to read this book ever since seeing the infomercial of Scott doing his thing on tv. I couldn't afford or justify the expense to buy the big commerical package so this book had to do. The methods are easy to follow and Mr. Flansburg does a good job expressing his mind set in how he mentally did the problems. The basic addition and multiplications methods are good but the examples were insufficient when dealing with mixed numbers of different lengths. There were also exceptions to many of the rules that weren't expressed. Finally, the last part of the book with special rules were so numerious it would take a year to effectively learn and apply them all from memory. This leads me to believe that Mr. Flansburg didn't tell everything he knows, like the quick way to determine change -- by changing say ten bucks to 9.99 and subtracting that from the amount owed; then add one cent to get the correct change. It's easier to subtract 9 since its the highest value you can have in each column. This was presented by him on a night time radio show he was a guest on. I do give him prasie for getting people young and old to stop depending on calculators and learn mental speed math.

Boost for Math Dummies
A reading of this book quickly reveals our public education system as stodgy and nonprogressive. If you or anyone you know is having problems with math of any kind, please spend a little money on this book before spending a ton of money on tutors and such! If I'd had this book, or been exposed to the information therein, when I was in k-12, my math scores would have been much higher!

Great to improve your math and impress your friends
I bought this for my kids to help them in school. They loved the tips and tricks and actually started really liking math. Can't beat that! I just bought another for my Dad since he loves brain teasers and math tricks. This is a great book for people of all ages and math skill levels. Something for everyone here.

Steer clear of this book
While I truly admire the intent behind this book -- to help people of all ages to be more comfortable with numbers and basic mathematics -- I would caution people from using Scott Flansburg's book. I have noticed several errors in this book. In my opinion -- especially since it is relatively low-level math and geared toward kids or people that might be skittish of math to begin with -- the kinds of mistakes and errors in this book are totally inexcusable. There are other books out there, and depending on your needs (motivating kids, motivating adults, just wanting to learn rapid arithmetic or other math 'tricks'), readers should buy books other books offered on Amazon. ... Read more

Book Description

Completing the time-proven Swokowski/Cole precalculus series, this book helps students learn, understand, and appreciate trigonometry without compromising mathematical integrity.The book takes a unit-circle first approach to trigonometry and incorporates the use of the graphing calculator.Numerous application problems help motivate students toward success in learning trigonometry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I've read better math books.........
I read this book in a college mathematics course called college trigonometry.In its explanations of some of the mathematical concepts, the book is way too specific in Chapter 1.The other chapters were way toovauge, and give very little real-world applications in the understanding ofthe mathematical concepts. This is just the way I saw it.The writeralso uses the letters "u" and "v" as variables.Thisis not good, because of the confusion of the letters "u" and"v" looking the same or very similar when the student writes themdown.Also greek letters used for angles, is more confusing thannecessary. The excersises at the end of the sections were ok, however,they were repetitive.By this I mean the writer has the same problems overand over again, but increasing slightly in difficulty.There needs to bemore real world applications in this book to explain mathematical ideas.Also there are only answers provided in the back of the book and in thestudent guide to the odd numbered problems.I think a student could domuch better in this course if the answers were provided to all thequestions, and they were more thouroughly explained in the solutionsmanual.It would be a good idea to revise this (The students SolutionsManual) The author solves the problems in a hurry, and does not take thetime to go through them step by step, which is very important in learningmathematics.Overall I thought the book was written using concepts thatwere really hard to understand the way they were explained.The only thingthat I found helpful about the book was the practice problems, and withsome of the issues that I mentioned about varibles, and angle variables,even the practice problems were difficult. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is a description of how young people, Don and some mathematicians, solved problems which involve infinite series, infinite sequences, functions, graphs, algebra, +, - important mathematical ideas. At the same time they do a lot of arithmetic, and use pineapples, the tower puzzle, with science to math activities, and the use of other hands-on materials. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Calculus isn't beyond the reach of the average kid!
This is an outstanding book because it takes the mumbo-jumbo out of traditionally taught calculus and makes the ideas accessible to ANYONE, not just to math whizzes. The technical vocabulary and symbolic notation can always be learned later. This book introduces the important ideas of calculus with simple, natural language and, most helpful of all, illuminating graphics, so the beauty (yes, beauty) and fun of calculus comes through. I would recommend this book to anyone who is teaching children, and also to math phobics. (I am the former, and was the latter for many years.) This book is FUN, and it makes calculus FUN!

This book is too small for the price
Before you buy this book be aware that it measures [approximately] less than 3x5". However, Donald Cohen has some great ideas. It is true that you can easily introduce younger students to the type of thinking that will be necessary in precalculus and up. I think it is worth it to get the workbook, which covers most of the material presented in this book. But don't buy both. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent distilled precalculus will help you succeed
This is one of my very favorite math books of all time. As a survivor of the deplorable California education system in the sixties and seventies, I had to teach myself math because most of my teachers didn't either didn't know how to teach basic math or else they didn't understand it themselves. I used this book! I have had my copy for around twenty years and it is all beaten up and filled with highlighting and notes. I have shown it to friends whenever they needed help and they have asked to buy my copy off me, but I refuse to sell it. I send them here instead.

Also, I recommended this book to a friend and walked her though the basics so that she regained her cofidence and knowledge enough to pass the GMAT within a couple of weeks!

In my opinion, this book gives it all to you -- the basics -- without getting "cutesy" or patronizing -- which is what many of the new "easy to understand" precalculus books unfortunately do. Nor does it leave out substance, which is what you need if you are trying to pass or master this subject. What more could you ask?

One thing to keep in mind, though, if you want to practice your math, use this book with an additional book of problems. There really isn't enough problems in the book for practice. But then, that was not the author's intention, anyway. You should know that when you buy it, though.

Excellent Book for those just learning and those who forgot!
This is one of the best concise texts on the subject of Precalculus Mathematics. It covers all one needs to know to make them comfortable in dealing with the deep dark world of higher mathematics. I found the book so outstanding that I use it as a precourse my Fundamentals of Engineering Review course where calculus and higher math must be totally understood to pass this tough State Board Exam. Excellent work!

Short and Sweet
The trig proofs take up 3 or 4 pages. Not bad! Schaum's Outline on Precalculus may come in handy, too.

A crash course to bring you up to speed..
This book is a great tool for those who have been away from algebra, geometry, and trig for a short while. The author treats one to a 'no nonsense' crash course in basic concepts. This being the case, the book is fast paced and very crisp. There is not much 'hand holding' here. Topics are explained quite well and to the point with a good number of exercises.

One caveat though. If you have been away from math for say 10 - 20 years you will often get lost wading through the material. The text does assume that one's thinking process is still attuned to basic skills such as the "two sign change" rule in a compound expression. Therefore if you find that you have forgotten the tricks involved in things like factoring you will be better served to first go with say "Practical Algebra: A self teaching Guide" and "Geometry and Trig for Calculus". Both by Selby et al.

However, if you've been away from math for only a short time (< 5 years), by all means get this book.

A fine little outline and review
Distilled to the essence for review. Brings you back to speed to prepare for calculus. This would make a fine review for any adult student returning to college level math. ... Read more

Book Description

These experienced authors have been praised for their in-depth explanations and their commitment to avoiding a cookbook approach. Their text addresses three critical issues in teaching precalculus: poor student preparation, the need for thoughtful integration of the graphing calculator, and poor student study skills. Their texts have a strong reputation built on mathematically sound presentation, excellent applications, and on challenging students to develop algebraic, graphical, and verbal mathematical skills. Goodman and Hirsch help students go beyond the mechanics of mathematics to developing a coherent strategy to solving problems. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This book Rules! Get it!
This book is a wonderful Math book, you will love Math after getting it. I highly Recommend buying this one.

Explained in simple terms...
I would recommend this book to children struggling with fractions, or even to adults who struggled with fractions when they were learning them as kids. The author makes it about as simple as it can be made. The only thing better would be to hire a private tutor. If you go through this book one step at a time, and practice at each level, you should learn a lot. I bought this book because I started a math club at my son's school. I plan to let the children borrow it as needed.

Magnifico!!
What an absolute charm! I used this book in my "at home studies" with my two pre-high school daughters. The book is so simply written and easily understandable. My daughters are grasping the concept of fractions as never before. This book is indispensable! BRAVO!

Best Math Book I ever read! and bought!
I am a College Gradaute, and I must say I never Learned Math as good as I should have back when I attended public school I always had inept teachers that did not know how to teach math,this has made my math skills weak. Recently I purchased Painless Fractions, by Alyece Cummings, Laurie Hamilton(Illustrator), I learned more from reading this book than I have from attending public school from grades 3-12. The author of this book talks in plain english about fractions and math, very easy for anyone to understand, also a very helpful study aid. I have used this book to study for exams for school and work and found it to be very helpful, In addition I must say that the Cartoons are very cute and are a great touch to the book. I feel that this is a Math book for anyone that wants to learn Math or needs some extra help with Math. I think it is fantastic. Very Well written. I would have to say that it is the best Math book I ever bought, it was a great investment for me.

very well written
Very helpful. Clear and concise tutorial of the math process with clever humor interspursed throughout. My congratulations to the author. ... Read more

Book Description

Review and practice exercises in this workbook are specifically designed to prepare students for the math section of the SAT I tests that are being given in November and December 2004, as well as in January 2005. Students who plan to wait and take the all-new SAT in March 2005 or later should order Barron’s Math Workbook for the NEW SAT, 3rd Edition, which will become available on this web site in January 2005. The current 2nd Edition offers students special math strategies applicable to the current exam, showing them how to approach test questions and get correct answers that at first glance might seem too difficult or time consuming to tackle. Exercises include hundreds of multiple-choice questions, quantitative comparisons, and "grid-in" questions. All questions are answered with worked-out solutions. Review topics cover all question types found on the current SAT I. An appendix reviews key SAT I math facts. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

a must-have for high math scores
This book really helped me review for the math section of the SAT. It covers every type of question and gives a thorough review of every math concept you will need to know for the SAT. I highly recommend this book if you are looking to raise your scores significantly.

Scoreraising Device
This book really helped me a lot. This book has everything you need to know for the SAT I Math. It's easy and fun to learn. To be honest, you have to use this book wisely. I'm happy that i got 780 with this book even though i didn't finish this book thoroughly. This covers every material you need to know. This book covers the concepts, gives lot of practices, and gives you lot of sat tricks and tips for you to know. It's a school's Algebra and Geometry textbooks mixed in one.

Excellent book
I highly recommend this book. I first took the SATs in May of my Junior year. I got a 640 on the math. I then bought Barron's Math Workbook (2nd Edition), along with the College Board's 10 Real SATs, and re-took the test in December. My math score improved 120 points--- I received a 760. This book is very thorough and effective, the questions have understandable answers, and it also offers good tips. However, I would strongly recommend getting the College Board's book in addition to this one, as the practice on real tests in invaluable.

Excellent Review for Sat Math
It does not surprise me that a SAT Prep teacher does not care for this book. If more students bought and used this book, their math score would improve dramatically and the SAT prep teachers would be out of business. Would I rather spend 225 dollars on a course for improving my score or 15 dollars for a book to do the same. I chose the book and boy did it work. I bought this book and used it for about 2 months prior to my second SAT. I knew I should have spent longer time with it, because I wasnt able to get all the way through this in-depth book. Yet I improved my math score by 105 points just by using this book only half of the way through. Imagine if I had the time to read the whole book! I am really impressed with Barron's. I strongly urge this for anyone who is looking to improve their SAT math skills....Oh and when I took the actual SAT I recognized about 90% of the math problems from the Barron's book. So yes it does help tremendously.

Not like the real test
As an SAT tutor for the last 13 years, I find this book to be disappointing and unhelpful. The questions do not accurately reflect the SAT. Specifically, the subject matter is too complex, the questions too difficult and tricky. This book will intimidate many students and direct others to expend their energy in uproductive ways. My first choice would be 10 real SATs, my second choice Stanley Kaplan. ... Read more

Book Description

Gujarati’s Basic Econometrics provides an elementary but comprehensive introduction to econometrics without resorting to matrix algebra, calculus, or statistics beyond the elementary level. Because of the way the book is organized, it may be used at a variety of levels of rigor.For example, if matrix algebra is used, theoretical exercises may be omitted. A CD of data sets is provided with the text. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

VERY GOOD TEXT, BUT COULD BE BETTER
Econometrics, as the extension of statistics into economics, sends shivers down the spine of most undergraduates.This book is, so far, the best textbook I have seen to teach econometrics.It divides concepts into chapters that are easy to reference separately, and it follows a logical sequence similar to the one in most college-level courses.

In its 4th edition, Gujarati has had much time to improve the method and get comments.However, after having gone through the course and the textbook, I was left with the feeling that there must be a better way to teach econometrics.After learning it, you realize that the concepts are indeed simple, with much complex veneer to scare people away.In a few years, a wise and student-aware professor will write a textbook (call it the Econometrics Holy Grail?) that will make learning econometrics similar to learning basic stats.

The BEST !!!for the first course in econometrics
I use this book in the first course of econometrics. Indisputably, I couldn't find any basic text that can explain me clearly until I find this one. I recommend student/reader to study this book together with Eviews (econometrics computer application,www.eviews.com). It's a great companion that can help you to understand the book.You can also find the solution book by the author.

If you would like to buy the first book for econometrics,do not hesitate to buy this one. It worth your penny.$$$$$$$$$$$

BEST INTRODUCTION YOU CAN FIND
Hi everyone:
If you've never done econometrics, and you're about to take your first course in econometrics, make sure you have this book. With this book you will have a competitive advantage over your classmates because you will not only know the what and the how, but also the why. In short you'll become a shrewd econometrician.
NB: This book is excellent but only as an introduction. If you've already taken econometrics, then you might wanna get the more advanced Greene.

Thank you,

Still the best
Gujarati`s Basic Econometrics is old (1995, 3th edition), but still the best introductory/intermediate text you can get for your money. Comprehensive, easy to understand, ideal for undergraduate students who needs not only a textbook, but a referencebook too.
Perhaps not the newest, but I am planning to use it as basic textbook for an undergraduate econometrics course. I could find another book, but this is the only one that, I am sure, my students will be able to understand without any problem.

Excellent reference book
Good for both students and graduates, this book offers clear description of concepts and equations. ... Read more

Book Description

Math difficulties are more a matter of attitude, not aptitude. The authors debunk ``math myths,'' explore the roots of math anxiety and demonstrate that doing math is not really so different from any other skill. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I feel more confident about math
I got this book at book fair for about 25 cents and kept saying to myself what can this book actually do for me? Well I discovered the fears that I had with performing math and that a lot of people have those same fears. When told how confront my fears it was like a serious wall had came tumbling down. I have started studying college algebra again which was so difficult for me fifteen years ago and it seems that this subject is no longer taboo. Before with math I always thought that I need a teacher/professor to teach me the subject. However I have discovered that is not true and that self learning college algebra is better for me. This is one of the most liberating experiences of my life and I am grateful to the authors of this book.

High praise from a College
This book was recommended to me by a college counselor who has high praise for the authors. If I may paraphrase: The book is eloquently written, the format is very well put together and usable. The authors discuss the aversion to math that has a long history purpetuated in American schools: mathematics and real world rationale continue to be divided by an abyss. One important fact pointed out by the academic counselor is that the book is written by PhD. Mathematicians, which seems to be the only way to get math departments interested in trying new programs. I look forward to using this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Precalculus
I was a math/stat student in college.I bought this book to review for the CSET test (prerequisite for teaching math in California).It was an excellent review of most subjects covered on the test.The examples were excellent and the problems were excellent.It even taught me how to use a Ti-82 calculator.It may not be as good for someone who has never had precalculus.

Where's the study guide?
It's a good text for Precalculus as long as you have someone along to check your work, the CD is basically useless.The first two chapters don't load some of the animations due to Java errors on Windows, and there are no practice tests on the CD.The answers in the back are fine, as long as you know how to get them.This version DESPERATELY needs the study guide. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (14)

one of the best scientific works
Heath does a better job than most in his notes-almost all commentary written in modern editions of great scientific works is hilarious-usually some half brite clown trys to find a million faults in the writing of someone who is obviously one hell of a lot more intelligent. Heath just gives the likely facts surrounding Euclid's life, works, and the evolution of the math contained in The Elements.
This is math that is accesible if you're willing to put in the time, because it starts with principles we're all familiar with and can agree on (such as the whole being greater than the part), and slowly and methodically works it's way to comparisons of the 5 Platonic solids. Along the way he covers number theory, plane and solid geometry, and provides an early basis for calculus and even certain branches of physics, although the terminology is obscure if you're familiar with more modern methods. Approach this work as a puzzle book, and try to solve the proofs yourself, or even try to disprove them; proceed slowly, it will take more than a year to work through all 13 books, but you will understand these things much better than the average math teacher when you're done. It's also more fun to try to understand the work of one of the greats than it is to study from one of those overpriced college calculus books-don't worry. The principles of Math and Physics don't change, this book is as valid now as ever!

Order Your Thinking
Euclid teaches us step-by-step how to prove the most fundamental and complex concepts of geometry in such a systematic and understandable way. By learning Euclid's propositions, we also find ourselves thinking and speaking in a more ordered fashion. I recommend these books to anyone interested in math as well as those who want to improve their debating and reasoning skills.

There's a Better Way
If you like long, tedious introductions and the need to sort through endless words to find what you're looking for, then you might want this version of Euclid's work. On the other hand, if you want to get to the point and prefer a clear resource for study, the version published by Green Lion is FAR superior to this one.

I think we're missing something here.
I read most of the twelve reviews. I gleaned from them several quotes which demonstrate my point. First, the quotes:

"The principles of Math and Physics don't change, this book is as valid now as ever!" from the review by Carl Slim

[I disagree. Neither math, nor physics are unchangable. They evolve, expand, modify, and make new discoveries regularly.]

"I can understand high level math books in Algebra and Analysis, but this book confused me with words. Frankly, I do not see why a math book is supposed to explained in words after all this development of mathematics.These notes are not all that easy and at a higher level than the postulates of Euclid, and I found them irrelevant....It even, proves the Pythagorean theorem. This proof was a bit difficult, a simpler proof can be found elsewhere, but, after all, it is amazing how mathematicians could have solved such a problem thousands of years ago."
according to the reviewer from Qatar

[This is a lengthy quote, however, it points out the misunderstanding regarding Euclid's treatment of the Pythagorean Theorem. Euclid's Prop. 47 gives a visual representation and proof, whereas the equation used in algebra is abstract (this is why many struggle with algebra--it is highly abstract where geometry would treat the same problem concretely).

"Euclid teaches us step-by-step how to prove the most fundamental and complex concepts of geometry in such a systematic and understandable way. By learning Euclid's propositions, we also find ourselves thinking and speaking in a more ordered fashion. I recommend these books to anyone interested in math as well as those who want to improve their debating and reasoning skills."
according to a reader/reviewer in Eastern Pennsylvania (bless you)

What's missing from the first two altogether, but pointed to in the third, is this: Euclid,his contemporaries, and many who followed in his footsteps were philosophers as well as mathematicians. Both math and philosophy try to produce certainty through systematic methodology. Euclid's Elements therefore, are not only profitable for developing an understanding of geometry, it can also aid in the development of disciplined and logical thought. Just listen to philosophy students; they use terminology similar to that of mathematicians. In fact, this is one reason classical home schoolers are sometimes taught Euclid; it compliments the study of the Great Books, logic, philiosophy, and forensics.
I actually heard recently that a new translation is coming out real soon, if it's not out already.
I hope I don't come off as a smartypants, writing essentially a review of the reviewers. I don't have advanced degrees in math, physics, or philosophy, but I believe the reviews are incomplete without this understanding of the historical relationship between math and philosophy and the use of Euclid. Blessings.

Classic = Elegant, if not for the notation!
We, the children of this new age, are deprived of major classics and beautiful mathematics because of the tediousness of the notation. Oh, do not be optimistic, this is not the only book with forbidding notation, see Artin's Galois theory, which is an excellent book if someone just tries to update its notation.

Aside from that the book was a merry one. It contains more books than the first one. It contains the books 3 up to 9 of Euclid's 13 books of the elements.

Book 3 is a delightful one. Its sole purpose is to characterize circles. It goes with the same style of the first two books given the first volume. Books 4 continues in the same fashion and studies circumscribing and inscribing figures by others.

Book 5 is the first attempt to bring geometry near to algebra. It deals with proportions. The notation started getting more and more cumbersome. He continues giving us things that we know already. And all through the volume until book 9 we see results commonly given in simple college algebra in the most tedious fashion.

I praise this volume only for the material on circles and I see that it is worth reading if you have a strong constitution. As for me I am not going to read the third one about the out of date commensurable numbers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

By far a very unadequate textbook
As a freshman in high school, I was very excited to be taking precalculus. But as the year unfolded, so did the many pages of my textbook, and I was dissapointed. Though it does provide many challenging problems, and many examples with graphics, I was unfortunate enough to have to drudge through the year always correcting the Teacher's Edition. On average, about 5-7 problems in every section were wrong in this particular textbook. In addition, There were many gramatical and numerical errors in explanations that were both superfluous and uninformative. The begging of each section had about 10-15 pages of explanation for that section alone. Additionally, the formating and small text were both confusing and intimidating. Overall, this textbook was far worse that I anticipated. This was both the first and the last year in which my school purchased this textbook, and anyone looking for a boring and less than adequate textbook: be my guest and waste your money. ... Read more

Book Description

As the market leader, the Larson/Hostetler Precalculus series provides both students and instructors with sound mathematics in an approachable way. The quality and quantity of the exercises, combined with interesting applications, cutting-edge design, and innovative resources make Precalculus the complete solution for both students and instructors. This text introduces trigonometry with the unit circle first and then with the right triangle. Use of the graphing calculator is optional.

• New! Model It real-life applications in nearly every text section are multi-part exercises that require students to generate and analyze mathematical models. First referenced in the Why You Should Learn It at the beginning of each section, these interesting applications illustrate why it is important to learn the concepts in each section.
• New! Enlarged printable graphs in many exercise sets contain problems asking students to draw on the graph provided.For added convenience, in the Sixth Edition these proofs have been moved from an appendix to the end of relevant chapters.
• New! P.S. Problem Solving, at the conclusion of each chapter, features a collection of thought-provoking and challenging exercises that further explore and expand upon the concepts of the chapter. These exercises have unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional algebra and trigonometry exercises.
• New! A wealth of student success tools includes: How to Study This Chapter, a chapter-opening study guide that includes What you should learn (section-opening objectives), Important Vocabulary, a list of Study Tools, and a list of Additional Resources to help the student prepare for the chapter; Why you should learn it, a section-opening, real-life application or a reference to other branches of mathematics, illustrating the relevance of the section's content; and What did you learn?, a concise chapter summary organized by section. These objectives are correlated to the chapter Review Exercises to help students prepare for exams.
• Abundant, up-to-date Real-Life Applications are integrated throughout the examples and exercises and identified by a globe icon to reinforce the relevance of the concepts being learned.
• A wide variety of Exercises, including computational, conceptual, and applied problems are carefully graded in difficulty to allow students to gain confidence as they progress. Each exercise set includes Synthesis Exercises that promote further exploration of mathematical concepts, critical-thinking skills, and writing about mathematics, and Review Exercises that reinforce previously learned skills and concepts.
• Special Algebra of Calculus examples and exercises highlight the algebraic techniques used in calculus to show students how the mathematics they are learning now will be used in future courses.
• Optional graphing technology support is provided in marginal point-of-use instructions that encourage the use of graphing technology as a tool to visualize mathematical concepts, to verify other solution methods, and to facilitate computation. In addition, the section An Introduction to Graphing Utilities helps the student become familiar with the basic functionality of a graphing utility. The use of technology is optional in this text; all exercises that require the use of a graphing utility are clearly identified by an icon.
• Explorations preceding the introduction of selected topics provide the opportunity to engage students in active discovery of mathematical concepts and relationships, often through the power of technology. Explorations strengthen students' critical- thinking skills and help develop an intuitive understanding of theoretical concepts.
• All Examples have been carefully chosen to illustrate a particular mathematical concept or problem-solving skill. Every example contains step-by-step solutions, most with line-by-line explanations that lead students through the solution process, making it easy for students to understand the concepts being explained.
• Additional carefully crafted learning tools designed to create a rich learning environment include Study Tips, Historical Notes, Writing about Mathematics, Chapter Review Exercises, Chapter Tests, and Cumulative Tests.
• A clear, predictable layout, in which solutions and explanations begin and end on the same page, allows students to see concepts and solutions as a whole, without page-turning distractions.

Book Description

Titles in Barron's Painless Series are textbook supplements designed especially for classroom use by middle school and high school students. The approach of each title is an appeal to students who think that the subject is boring, or too difficult, or both. The authors, all experienced educators, take a light approach, showing kids what is most interesting about each subject, and how seemingly difficult problems can be transformed into fun quizzes, brain-ticklers, and challenging puzzles with rational solutions. Students learn to see patterns in math word problems, then compute with decimals, fractions, compare rates, and solve proportions. Then using everyday, real-world examples, they explore statistics and probabilities, and learn how math can actually predict future outcomes and events. Other areas of practical math are examined, with a final chapter that searches out problems and activities that can be found on the World Wide Web. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The greatest math book
This is a really fun book to read. The peoples names are really funny and it is very challenging to do the word problems. I am having so much fun giving the problems to my friends and family to see if they can do them. I know that I will do so much better in school because I have been practicing my word problems. I would suggest that this book should be used in school too. ... Read more

Book Description

Not long after research began at RAND in 1946, the need arose for "random numbers" that could be used to solve problems of various kinds of experimental probability procedures. These applications, called Monte Carlo methods, required a large supply of random digits and normal deviates of high quality, and the tables presented here were produced to meet those requirements.This book was a product of RAND's pioneering work in computing, as well a testament to the patience and persistence of researchers in the early days of RAND. The tables of random numbers in this book have become a standard reference in engineering and econometrics textbooks and have been widely used in gaming and simulations that employ Monte Carlo trials. Still the largest published source of random digits and normal deviates, the work is routinely used by statisticians, physicists, polltakers, market analysts, lottery administrators, and quality control engineers. A 2001 article in the New York Times on the value of randomness featured the original edition of the book, published in 1955 by the Free Press. The rights have since reverted to RAND, and in this digital age, we thought it appropriate to reissue a new edition of the book in its original format, with a new foreword by Michael D. Rich, RAND's Executive Vice President ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This book is so freaking great!
However strong the urge, DO NOT skip to the end of this book to find out what happens. It will only ruin the surprise. The character development is sublime, and completely appropriate for this genre. If only people were like this in real life.

i don't understand
i'm not from your country plus i'm not the smartest whip this side of the equator but this book both confused and boggled me. i really didn't get it. i kept trying to find a pattern, any pattern, within its pages but i came up stone cold empty. someone please enlighten me before i contact the UN or drink myself silly with absinthe.

can't we all just be normal deviates?
I found this to be a work of profound power and pathos, rife with examples of the hilarity, tedium, beauty and frustration of being human. How much we could learn from each other, but don't. How much we could see if a lifetime, but fail to. This book is filled with solutions of all kinds, just kind of hanging out in the school parking lot playing kickball, waiting to be taken home. I recommend it to those of you who wander around all day totally baffled by the world, knowing there are no answers to your questions but unsatisfied without their constant scratching presence. I've read it twice through but still pull it off the shelf for reference at least once every two weeks.

Can't beat the original!
I understand that, in addition to a sequel/prequel being in the works, the film rights were recently purchased by xxxx. I don't care who they get to write the screenplay, direct or star in the film - you can't beat the original!

Number randomness
I can partially concur on the review given by Louis, On the point of favourite Random number, 776834689765872643756324876 this was actually a close second for me, having myself given it considerable thought and after considerable debate with fellow random number enthusiasts, we have made a firm descision that the top place for our most converted random number must go to 7267268972587295534337209. What clinched the position was the random placement of the 72 digits (1,4,2,7), If one looks closely at the placement, one can begin to appreciate the randomness of the '72' digits thus elevating the reader to explore other random number aspects of this fascinating occupation. The book was a master piece of writing, I, no we ( a random number club) have this volume proudly displayed on our bookshelf. the book beginning to end is a wonderful informative and exciting read. well worth the money and the wait.

Interested in this then have a look at CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae (30th Ed)

Excellent read...

many thanks Rand regards

24912795 ... Read more

Book Description

Many useful procedures explained and taught: two-column addition, left-to-right subtraction, direct multiplication by numbers greater than 12, mental division of large numbers, more. Also numerous helpful short cuts. More than 8,000 problems, with solutions. 1945 ed.
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Reviews (3)

EXCELLENT BOOK TO IMPROVE MENTAL CALCULATION
I gave it a five star simply because the books is simple and very effective at getting you to learn the "art" of quick calculation.

I looked at all the others in that field. Most of them teach you tricks for quick calculation. To do certain calculation you need to remember the tricks. There are dozen of them and you just get confused. This book do not used trick but teach you "number sense" ... and how to calculate from left to right with complex number. Beleive me, I was affraid of that kind of calculation and with that book I learned a lot!

I used it because I am preparing for interviews in management consulting. Case study need you to do lots of quick mental calculation. I am very good with complex calculation but mental arithmetics is something else.

BUY THIS BOOK ... very slim, but as said before, lots lots of exercise well made and improving in difficulty ... cant say more, its the book I was looking for.

Amusing, it was first published in 1945 ...

I have kept my copy for years
and keep going back to it. It is important that a prospective buyer knows this book focuses on MENTAL arithmetic, i.e., no paper. If that is an interest of yours, then this is your book. If you are interested in "shortcuts", there are other books out there (though the last chapter of this book contains some of the more popular ones.) Don't think you can multiply two two-digit numbers in your head? you may be surprised.

It does what it says...
Long collection of exercises to improve your mental calculating ability. This book will keep you busy for quite a while. It's slim but there's a lot of exercises in it. It will give you eough familiarity with numbers to do fairly large multiplication and division (let alone addition and subtraction) in your head. Fractions included. Requires no advanced math skills of any sort. Presupposes a knowledge of basic caluculation, that's it. No algebra, geometry etc. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is instruction and review in whole numbers, fractions, percentages, and introductions to algebra and statistics, plus a diagnostic test and an end-of-book practice test with answers.

Over the years, Barron?s popular and widely-used Easy Way books have proven them-selves to be accessible self-teaching manuals. They have also found their way into many classrooms as valuable and easy-to-use textbook supplements. The titles cover a wide variety of both practical and academic topics, presenting fundamental subject matter so that it can be clearly understood and provide a foundation for more advanced study. Easy Way books fulfill many purposes. They help students improve their grades, serve as good test preparation review books, and provide readers working outside classroom settings with practical information on subjects that relate to their occupations and careers. All Easy Way books include review questions and mini-tests with answers. All new Easy Way editions feature type in two-colors, the second color used to highlight important study points and topic heads. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Helpful.
I checked out quite a few books to help me review basic math and algebra concepts, not knowing which ones would click with me and which wouldn't. Of the six hefty workbooks I selected, this one was my favorite. It offers lots of pre-tests, exercises, and follow-up tests with explanatory answers at the back. The first test in the book tests what you already know overall before studying the information inside, and then each answer is listed in an index next to a label of what sort of problem it is, allowing the reader to pinpoint areas where help is needed. The book has some cartoon drawings which some people might find distracting but I liked the light-approach, the actual verbal descriptions are clear and not 'jokey' or distracting like some of the other books were. I found the methods and how they were presented easier to work with than the other books.

Does a great job
This book helped me get my "math" legs back under me. I feel that it is primarily aimed at those with a prior knowledge and only need a good refresher. It starts out with basic things such as percents and long division, and it ends up touching upon some basic algebra. If you need a good refresher, this book is great.

really great book!
this was a brilliant book for 6th graders going into 7th, it reviews elementary maths, and explains the subjects you hadnt got before, or widens your knowledge on that subject. it provides examples, tests and exercises, it also has the solutions, and answers at the back, if your not quite sure how to do it.

this book is truely the easy way!

Great Review!
I found this book to be extremely helpful. I have never been very good in the math department and this book has helped me considerably. It is very easy to understand and it makes problems such as (6/2)-(8/9)=? seem very simple.

The author first gives you a basic outline and then he goes into more detail, with many sample problems. This book explains basic concepts much better than any of my former teachers ever did. I am going back to college and I needed a refresher course, I could not have asked for or found a better book to get the math review I needed. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

OK if you can add, subtract, multiply, and devide everything
This book assumes so much it should be considered a small refference and not a learning tool.

I am terrible at math and have been all my life, and now I am going to be taking it in college. I thought I should study math before I tried to attempt it at college, so I got this book. Boy was this the wrong book for me. It starts out assuming you are very good at addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division. They give you problems like 6 - (4 + 2) + 8 ÷ 4 before they even discuss any of the operations used. Look in the table of contents and you won't even find a section on addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Its all covered very minimaly in one section on whole numbers. Before you can even say the word you into adding, subtracting, multipling and deviding fractions.

This book is definetly not for people who have real problems with math. ... Read more

Book Description

Demonstrates a slew of time-saving tips and tricks for performing common math calculations. Contains sample problems for each trick, leading the reader through step-by-step. Features two mid-terms and a final exam to test your progress plus hundreds of exercise problems ranging from simple to more sophisticated. Also includes sections on ``Mathematical Curiosities'' and ``Parlor Tricks'' for math lovers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Examples of math that should not be done
This book is designed to do something that simply should not be done. While the mathematical inadequacies of the American public are conceded here, teaching people sixty tricks is hardly the solution. Furthermore, if someone cannot divide by 4 in the normal way, how is it possible that they will learn to do it by dividing by 2 twice? The rules of division are the same in both cases. If someone understands the rules of arithmetic, then all of these tricks are superfluous.
Even if these sixty special cases are thoroughly learned, that is, memorized, the amount of mathematics digested will be minimal, as no generalizations are made. For example, one of the tricks is the rapid multiplication of any one- or two-digit number by 101. But the reasons for this are never explained, so the end result is the reader knows only one particular operation on a small set of numbers.
The accountant or bookkeeper that wishes to increase their ability to compute on the fly may find this book of interest. But, to all others, the message is simple and direct, spend your time learning the general rules of arithmetic!

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This is way better than his first rapid math book!
I have to admit I hated the first rapid math book he wrote.Besides that,this book is way more better than the first.I gave it three stars instead of five because you have to memorize all of the addition ,subtraction ,mutiplication, and division tables.I wish he would teach rapid math tricks to remember your tables.You'll keep saying to yourself "If only I knew my facts this trick would be alot easier." I hope he reads this.

Title Somewhat Deceptive
I am a long retired teacher and supervisor of mathematics. In addition to having taught math for many years, I have also written and published materials covering the same subject. I am now using this book with an eight year-old math whiz and find it valuable to introduce him to rapid calculation and then an analysis of why it works (largely based on our place-value system of numbers. The various methods are interesting but most of them are not very practical for everyday calculation since most are special cases rather than general applications. For successful use they also require instant recall of the basic number facts and there is no hint as to how this can be accomplished. Barring that prior requirement not many math phobes will become highly skilled arithmeticians in 30 days using this or any other book.

Cool Tricks
This book has some very cool tricks. It really helps out a lot on tests. It is fun to show my dad them (he is really interested in math). In math class we are reading this book and doing the problems. I don't see how Mr. Julius figured out these tricks. You should get this book! ... Read more