1 comments about Contemporary's Number Power 3 : Algebra A Real World Approach to Math.

1. This materials is excellant for older students to up-grade their math skills with pride. It is geared for older students. RKM

5 comments about Speed Mathematics: Secret Skills for Quick Calculation.

1. The ideas in this book are not original. The gifted scholar, Swami Sankaracharya, came up with these principles from the Vedas. He lived from 1884-1960. He wrote the book Vedic Mathematics by Jagadguru Swami Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji Maharaja (His full name).
   
   Why does Mr. Handley say you don't need to know the times tables of any #s except two. He never gave examples of any digits less than 7. For example, 5 X 5 = ?. With his method, you'll never know the answer because you'll subtract 5-5 and get zero but the remainders that you have to multiply to get the other # will be 5 X 5. So, the tricks do not work for all #s. There needs to be more clarity of when it will and will not work and give credit to whose ideas these math skills are!!!!!
   Some basic skills in life every child needs to learn and one of them would be to memorize their time tables. No ifs, ands, or buts!
   I would not buy this book because the preview chapter was proven wrong by me and I would not want to waste my money to find out where else the tricks are not working.



2. All of these books that keep popping up saying you can do the math in your mind in seconds, are correct in one way. Yes, you can do it...in fact you can do pretty massive equations using #'s in the millions or below, (or higher). The thing that is terrible about all of these books is they sound like a modern day memory book or such. They are ALL based upon what is called Vedic math. It was the math form used thousands of years ago...generally dating around the Summerian culture.
   Vedic math really does work...in fact it's quite mind-blowing to put out answers to a large group of #'s just as someone finishes reading the problem! : ) Check out websites based upon Vedic math, or buy books directly relating to Vedic math...there's more to it than just putting it in print.



3. First, a great book. I'm enjoying putting some of these methods to use!
   
   Second, in response to Nehal from 4/7/05:
   
   "But what happens when we want to multiply 13 x 54? In this case, we would like to start out with 10 (for 13) and 50 (for 54) giving us 10 x 50 = 500. In other words, we use 2 Reference Numbers: 10 and 50. Next, we make the corrections from here."
   
   13*54
   
   Use 10 as the reference number for both. Mentally write
   
   +3 +44
   
   over the 13 and 54 respectively.
   
   Gives
   
   54 + 3 = 57, and 57 * 10 = 570
   
   so 570 +
   
   44 * 3 = 120 + 12 = 132
   
   so the answer to 13*54 = 570 + 100 + 32 = 670 + 30 + 2 = 702
   
   Sure, problems in general get more difficult as you stray from the reference number, that's a given, but it is no big deal.



4. What this book has is an interesting way to solve problems but I found that using bill handley method. Is wrong and has an error. 8x3=19 using his method. Because 10 is your referance number and you put a negative 2 under 8 and negative 7 under 3 they are negative beacuse there under the numbers of 8 and 3. You add diagonaly to get (8+(-7)) or (3+(-2)) they both equal 1. 1x10=10 multiply the referance number to 1.Then you add the bottom numbers as a positive numbers to get 7+2=9. 10+9=19. Anyone could figure it's 24. Don't depend on his ability because it's not perfect!! look for a different book!!!!



5. I see this book has some bad reviews and why....I don't know so am going to read so after I write my review because this book to me is pure gold and I wish I could have the guy who wrote it sign mines! Anyway let me give you some backround information on me. My life has not been so grand at all had some things happen to me at a young age that set me back badly and it was never my fault...what could a four year old do? So that thing that happen to me made me grow up into a mute person if someone waved at me I wouldn't if someone wanted talk to me I panic my social skills were messed up.
   
   So you can guess when I went to school teachers saw me as the stupid slow one because hey I wouldn't talk really at all maybe can I use the bathroom? Even in middle school the teachers thought I skipped school and guess what? I was siting right next to her the whole time yea it was funny for them thats how quite I was so during my first years in school I was the slow kid and teachers didn't even bother in helpping me whats the point right? My mind was nothing I mean a animal was smarter then me so sometimes this lady would come in and give me all the answers in class and I had to do nothing at all not one thing but the other students were like thats not fair but I kinda enjoyed it no work and no one ever cared.
   
   So one day in forth grade...or was it third grade anyway we had a spelling test and guess what? I study the 10 words for a week and I learned them so well that I even knew the order of them so I guess I wasn't stupid and I cry sometimes even though it was long ago but as the teacher was calling out words I got bored and filled the whole row of words on the sheet and she came over and said sorry you failed and I was young and didn't understand at all but she accused me of cheating and she had no proof because I didn't they saw me as a stupid child so for me to write out ten words and in order was cheating so she gave me a F....for studying.
   
   So years later I was forced though school without trying I never had to do anything along with some others who were in the same boat as me it was about five of us totaled.
   
   I really believe I would be in more deep trouble if I didn't enjoy reading as much, but it amazed me when they said I was on the 12 grade level reading when I was in 9th grade.
   
   To me right now my typing is fine but people tell me its not correct alot of times and even on yahoo.com in the anwers section when I want to ask something people make fun of me all the time on there, people can be rude I guess they think am some loser....well I still consider myself one at times but I hate to hear it from others since thats all I have been to others. So my skills suck badly but I made it to college at a commuity one since there not so hard on you when you want to join there school but you still have to pass there classes.
   
   For weeks I have been afraid since I have signed up for a math class so thats what made me get this book out of luck in my opinion.
   I did some of the exercises in the book and was amazed that I was able to follow and understand what he was saying...because I have about three other math aid books that confused me and got too advanced like they were in a hurry to skip my level meaning only one page of it!!
   
   But this book I believe will save me and make me the women I have always dreamed about becoming I want to be somebody not working low jobs and thinking if only I was taught early or if only I had a higher IQ in his book he makes me feel its possible that I do have what it takes and that I can learn.
   
   This book is not a waste of money if I of all people can get it and understand what he is saying then I know you can yoyur reading a review on a person who never got a D,C,B,and I wish an A in math meaning I got F's and more F's I never got anything above that ever.
   
   But try this book out what do you have to lose? This book cost me 14.95 at barns and nobles plus tax to me its underpriced.
   
   Now if only the guy can write a English book I will be 100 percent set.
   
   Also if your curious I opened more up at 17 and a half....life is getting better also wish me luck in school.

No comments about Basic College Mathematics (Mandatory Package).

4 comments about Multiplication/Rock Version (Rock 'n Learn).

1. This product has, so far, be very benifical in helping my cousin learn her multiplication. She is already up to the 6's (in only 3 weeks - she was not able to get that far working with her school in an entire school year last year!).



2. I was looking for a karate chop to help break the boredom cycle that my children endure learning their math facts. This certainly wasn't it. After awakening (and scraping the cheerios off our faces,) we all decided that once was certainly enough.
   
   On a positive note, it puts the children right to sleep and makes for a fine bedtime audio program (despite the shallow, classical rock-n-roll roots.)
   
   (NOTE: Since I can't believe the other review at all, I can only assume it came from the Mr. Caudle or the publisher, Rock-N-Learn. I feel it's unethical to write rosy reviews in order to boost sales. You should instead provide publisher's information.)



3. I had high hopes for some catchy tunes to help my 3rd grader learn her times tables...what I purdhased was a man with a squealing,high-pitched, annoying voice that neither of us could toerate for more that 5 minutes.
   
   Wish that we had tried Multiplication RAP instead of ROCK, it may have been more catchy...who knew?



4. I bought this for my son who had not been able to memorize his math facts and am at my wits end to make it as easy as possible. He thinks it is OK but my daughter cannot get enough of it. I do not know if it is because she is learning something that her older brother is too or beacause she likes the music... It is in not as bad as some of the other say but it in not inspiring either unless there is some sibling rivalry to go along with it.

3 comments about Prealgebra (with CD) (5th Edition).

1. The book was in great condition. I love that the book is the teacher's edition. The price was awesome! I saved a lot of money buying it here instead of buying at the bookstore.



2. can i return what i purchased. I thought i was buying a text book the seventh edition. that is atleast what it showed when i ordered it. i dont know if i totally over looked the CD part or what. but the CD still would not even help me because it was for the fifth edition, and the item i purchashed was for the seventh editon. do you think maybe something got mixed up. I had printed out my recipt but lost it so now i cant even double check what it said. can some one please get back to me on this. i would not have open the package but I thought is was like a welcome package our something. but i did not open the CD it is still in its original package. please let me know what went wrong, becuase i even seen the picture of the book i wanted, or was it just a trick, because someone had tricked me in purchasing a study guide book before and it was just something someone had typed out. and it cost me 30 dollers. let me know please i am very unhappy



3. Quick shipping and this math book laid a good foundation for the next level in math.

3 comments about MP: Basic Mathematical Skills with Geometry.

1. The book and the publisher's MathZone show a nice attempt at integrating the power of the Internet with a traditional maths text. The material is for high school readers. You can of course treat the book just as a conventional text, and refrain from accessing MathZone. In this respect, the book is well polished, being in its 6th edition, and very logically internally consistent. As befits Euclidean geometry.
   
   Now if you do want to use MathZone, what to do at the website? Perhaps the most fruitful approach, if you are disciplined enough, is to take those tests offered there. In addition to doing the exercises in the book, of course. The tests are a valuable metric of how well you comprehend the material. The authors and publisher have put a lot of time into MathZone. Go for it!



2. I have the third edition which I used in college back in the mid- 1990's. Of all the math books that I have used, This text is my favorite. The authors of this text really make math fun and easy to learn. I highly recommend this book to all who just haven't understood math and hate it. This book will make math fun.



3. I am still waiting for my product. I emailed the seller asking when I should expect it to arrive. The delivery dates were between July 22 to approximately August 13. The seller emailed on August 13 to say she was out of town and asked if I still wanted the textbook. I replied to the email stating that "Yes, I still need the book". I emailed her two more times since then, no response from her and still no book. I will wait until August 25 to see if the book arrives. If not, I will refute the charges.

5 comments about Precalculus: Enhanced with Graphing Utilities (5th Edition).

1. Came in a good condition and very timely shipping



2. I teach high school math and reviewed many textbooks before I chose this title. The examples are diverse and the problem sets complete. Students will appreciate the excellent review at the end of each chapter. Completing this book will leave one in good stead to take calculus and linear algebra.



3. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2R7G3QXPSYY0U This is one of the better textbooks I have
   on the subject. One will have to put the
   time in but the book does a
   good job explaining concepts.
   If I may suggest something that
   has helped my studies greatly, a little book called
   Don't Like to Read, Then Don't, Listen!: How to
   Turn Any Type of Text Into Audio Files That Can
   Be Read to You!. I know that many students out
   there are like me and would rather listen to
   material than have to read it themselves. I use
   programs like the one that is reading this review
   to have my texts read to me. This is a god send
   for me. One can get this title on amazon.



4. This book gives a little too much information. Most Professors will require PreCalculus ESSENTIALS. So unless this one is required, get the condensed version of it.



5. This book came with all the wrapping and everything, with the CD as well...You couldn't ask for more!!

No comments about Contemporary's GED Mathematics: Preparation for the High School Equivalency Examination.

5 comments about Math the Easy Way (E-Z Math).

1. A young friend of mine was struggling in math(algebra). I am not the sharpest tack when it comes to math, so I shopped around
   for the best resource I could find, and I came across this little gem. So certain are the authors that your math grades will improve in 30 days, that they offer a full refund if you are not
   satisfied. After tutoring my friend, who was flunking algebra,
   she earned a B on her next report card. I have since used this
   most excellent resource to polish up my own math skills, with great effect. There could probably be more examples, especially
   for the more difficult math problems, but I still highly recommend this book.



2. My only beef: there are several incorrectly computed answers in Math the Easy Way. It also has several typos, though I think these are minor.
   
   For the student willing to learn by this book, though, you couldn't do better. Highly recommended.



3. I got this book shortly before going back to college because I knew the entrance exam would contain a fair amount of math and I was rusty. The book is very thorough and offers clear explainations of not only the solutions to problems, but also the theory behind those solutions. With the help of this book, I was able to test out of general math, pre-algebra, and basic algebra.



4. I order this book because my math teacher recommend it to all the class but it was not what I expect it will be. She tell us that this math book will help us improve our math skills and abilities but its not true! Right now I still have the same skills that I have before I ordered and the exercises and explanations are complicated, simple, fast and hard to figure out. Beside I didn't like how it arrive to my house it was all folded out and it seems like it was already return before and used so don't expect to buy books here again. S_R_C



5. I had high hopes for this and the first ninety pages or so were exciting for me. I understood some things for the very first time. I spent a couple of weeks on this and made sure I understood every page before I moved on to the next one. But when it got to the algebra section, it simply lost me. No matter how many times I read and re-read and thought about what I'd read and looked at the examples, I simply did not understand. It would have helped if they had explained how they got the particular solutions they got, but they didn't. I just gave up. I can't say it was a total waste, but it really doesn't deliver what it promises. It's helpful to a certain extent, but I wouldn't really call it easy. Two stars.

5 comments about Precalculus: A Problems-Oriented Approach (with CD-ROM and iLrn Tutorial).

1. The reason for having every topic under the sun in contemporary freshman math books is not educational fads, it is market forces. I have had many converstations with textbook marketing people and have asked them why they have so many topics in their books. The answer was, 'to have the book adopted by as many departments as possible.' The result: professors must organize and edit the contents of the book, a job that properly belongs to the author and publisher.



2. I'm an honors math major who had to use this text for a high-school AP math class a few years ago.
   
   The first reviewer has hit the nail on the head. A reader could be forgiven for thinking Cohen suffered from ADHD. He's fine at explaining the small picture, but utterly hopeless at fitting all the little bits into any kind of coherent framework. This book is all over the place, bouncing here and there, seemingly at mere whim. It doesn't really matter WHY it's so disorganized--whether the result of some ed-school fad or a publisher's marketing strategy. In the end, it's still disorganized.
   
   If your professor takes the trouble to rearrange the order of the chapters and provides plenty of supplemental material, this book might be marginally useful. But I certainly wouldn't recommend it as the primary text for a precalc course. Michael Sullivan's textbook is better organized, if not quite so lucid in its particulars.



3. My son was assigned this textbook last year in a junior college math class. He and his classmates found it frustrating. I had to spend hours tutoring him and several of his friends. As a result, I became intimately familiar with Cohen's Precalculus and the confusion it caused students.
   
   My opinion of this book is much like that of the first and last reviewers. There is no discernible order to the chapters; the book doesn't progress in any logical way from what the students have just learned to what immediately follows. (For example: Why didn't the chapter on linear equations immediately follow the chapter on matrices? That's the whole point of matrices--we use them to solve linear equations!).
   
   Sad to say, this book is just a big jumble of miscellaneous material lumped together under the rubric of precalculus. I don't know why the author and publisher chose to arrange the material this way. A previous reviewer suggests that the market forces textbook authors to include everything but the kitchen sink. Even if true, this explanation is irrelevant: it might explain why the book crams so much between its covers, but it doesn't explain the haphazard arrangement of the material. The book certainly didn't do my son or his classmates much good. Although they managed to memorize and regurgitate their lessons well enough to pass the final exam, the mathematical knowledge they gleaned wasn't retained very well because it was never put into any kind of logical order. This book provided no framework that made sense of the random lessons they received. In my opinion, that is not a good way to teach anything, especially an abstract subject like math.



4. I see that other reviewers have beaten me to the punch. I, too, found the individual chapters very good and the overall organization confused. Like a previous reviewer, I think Cohen's Precalculus would best serve as a supplement to Michael Sullivan's more effectively organized book.



5. A grab bag of precalc topics. Makes a good refresher, but not a good intro.