4 comments about Introductory Algebra (Lial Developmental Mathematics Paperback).

1. i didnt get it because they never got any in stock



2. The product I ordered was a book,it was in very good condition. There was no problem with the product. Just want to make sure that no one makes the mistake of ordering the wrong book. I needed the student edition of Introductory Algebra, but ordered the teachers edition, because I didn't read all product details and comments. Now I have to order the student edition. Hope that this information will help others in their attempt to place an order.



3. I ordered the book thinking it was the student edition because it did not say that it was the Instructors "annotated" edition.
   Now I see many that say annotated or Instructors or Teachers edition. I ordered mine on 12/16/05 and had to send it back. I think all textbooks being sold should have that clarified. It is considered cheating if you use the "annotated" i.e Instructors edition.



4. I ordered this book but never received it. I attempted to contact this seller but unfortunately I didnt receive any response to my inquiry! I intend to file a claim requesting a full refund.

1 comments about Intermediate Algebra.

1. This book is confusing. The sample examples are not helpful when completing the problems as they get harder. The disc for the computer is nothing more than a person working out the the examples in the beginning of each section so if you have a question on to do a specific problem this disc will not help you.

5 comments about Beginning Algebra (6th Edition) (Tobey/Slater Wortext Series).

1. i read this book and it is the best. it improves your grades



2. This widely-acclaimed textbook by Tobey & Slater is a valiant attempt to make elementary algebra both interesting and anxiety-free. I have been using this textbook [both 4th and now 5th editions] to teach in over 30 classes so far at a
   community college and have found the book, despite its good intentions, to have many flaws, some of which I would like to touch upon here. The book comes equipped with many extras, such as lecture videos on CD ROM and internet support. I think the study tip boxes scattered throughout the text are condescending to the student and don't belong in an elementary algebra textbook. [If we want to avoid the words "beginning" ,"introductory", "elementary" in the title couldn't we just say "a first course in algebra" or just " algebra I"?] Next, the many "pretests" are a distraction and make no sense in this book. I've noticed that they cause anxiety and I never use them. Chapter "0" reviews basic math and could stand a lot better organization, which I have to do myself. One glaring omission in this chapter is proportion. Proportions are used to solve for a numerator after finding a LCD but the topic is put off until chapter 6 and even then barely discussed.But proportion is the key linking concept for all of our basic math and this omission, in my opinion , could prove disastrous as the course proceeds.The "blueprint for problem solving" seems useless, and I never refer to it. I am still mystified by what they are attempting to communicate. The touted "real-life" applications also seem rather contrived, repetitive, condescending, and plain boring ,so I hardly ever assign these problems. However, the "organizers" at the end of each chapter are superb. They neatly summarize every section and give an example or two as illustrations of the method. The algebra in Chap 1 is good, but could also stand better organization. I have a quarrel with modern notation of signed numbers. They should write the signs smaller and as which would eliminate the need for parentheses ( confusing for the beginner) and also conform to our newer calculators displayal of signs and operations.Quite a few of the word problems are confusing or imprecise so I tend to avoid these. A good example is on page 50 problem #28: "In a recent tire inspection for Ford Explorers, local dealers found that 12% of the treads were defective. For each Explorer that was defective, the dealer offered immediate replacement of all five tires (including the spare ).If the local dealers inspected the tires on 450 Explorers, how many new tires did they need?" The authors insist that the correct answer is 270, but I am not so sure....
   I can go on about the cluttered appearance of this book, distracting photos, drawings,etc.
   but it would be pointless.However, overall the editing is excellent with very few errors. [a glaring exception is problem #29 on page A-23 ].I would like to end this review with mention of the kind of writing I strenuously object to in a first course in algebra. On p. 526 is a discussion of complex numbers, which is irrelevant to the needs of the student:
   "Thus the [square roof of minus 4 ] is not a real number...You may encounter a more sophisticated number system called complex numbers in a higher-level mathematics course. In the complex number system, negative numbers have square roots."
   But in Chapter 10, when solving for roots of a quadratic, the authors reject imaginary solutions , so that this topic need never be mentioned in the main body of the text.



3. Tobey and Slater's 'Beginning Algebra' text is used by my college where I tutor mathematics in the first course in Algebra, often the first course in Algebra many of our students have ever taken. It is very much a beginning course, as the course itself carries no official 'credit' (it is a zero-level course, as a prerequisite to other science and mathematics courses, that many students place out of on the basis of assessment scores).

   The first chapter is actually a Chapter Zero, covering review topics in the event students have not had mathematics for a while. These include topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, estimation, and basic arithmetical functions. The chapter is a bit disorganised (however, every class seems to have a different intuitive feel for mathematics, so I have not discovered that one system of rearrangement that works for all classes).

   The following chapters cover the major topics of Algebra systematically: Real Numbers and Variables; Equations and Inequalities; Applied Problems (this is the dreaded `story problem' chapter, where most students who seek tutoring first seek it out); Exponents and Polynomial expressions; Factoring (another major area of problem for students); Rational Expressions/Equations; Graphing and Functions (the third primary area of problem for students); Solving Systems of Equations; Radicals and Roots (including some basic geometry via the Pythagorean theorem); and finally Quadratic Equations.

   Each of the sections includes pretests, post-tests and reviews, and plenty of problems to be solved to reinforce the mathematical principles being presented. There are a few issues with the organisation that we address in the course (sometimes the introduction of square roots and radicals needs to be advanced to assist in the discussion of factoring, for example), but these are fairly minor and can be adjusted as the instructor and/or course planner desires.

   Each of the chapters deals with things in a mathematical as well as an 'English' way - explaining in words the concepts and operations being carried out in the numbers. Each section of each chapter covers only a few key concepts, with enough problems for solving that reinforce the principles thoroughly. Each section also as word problems (story problems) to test the real-world applicability of the numerical/mathematical concepts being presented, so when students ask (as they always do and shall), 'When am I ever going to use this?' there are examples drawn from typical situations.

   Tobey and Slater have also worked to make various connections with geometry, graphs and charts, tables, as well as internet resources to provide the most up-to-date and useful text. There are specific problems along the way that assume the use of calculators (as most of real-life mathematics now involves calculators).

   The book's design is interesting from a graphic-design standpoint, but from the standpoint of clarity to the students, the pages are a bit `busy'. While I appreciate the need to reduce the number of pages in an effort to keep the costs down (text-book prices are typically higher than popular-book prices, and this text is no exception), more white space on the pages would probably help the accessibility and make it a little less intimidating.

   Most students who take the Beginning Algebra class using this text who then move on to the Intermediate Algebra class (which is the course level of mathematics required of most every degree programme at our college) find that, in many respects, they have already mastered the key concepts of Algebra, and find Intermediate to be new applications and more complex problems of similar principles they have already learned. In that respect, this text is a good one, and serves the students well.




4. I am highly pleased with my purchase. The item is in wonderful condition and the delivery was FaSt! Wow. Great Experience!



5. This book is VERY useful, I had to take an Algebra course where of course my teacher was horrible and I basically had to teach myself. This book has it all, Explanations on problems, example problems, Practice Problems (answers in the back), exercises (answers for ODD problems in the back), chapter tests and cummulative tests (answers on the back). As well as a CD-ROM to help with showing how to solve problems for each Chapter Test. Whether your taking a class or just want to get a head start for Algebra, this is a GREAT book adn you will not be disappointed. You will definately learn a lot!

5 comments about Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: Concepts and Applications (4th Edition) (Bittinger Developmental Mathematics Series).

1. I recieved my book promptly, in perfect condition, and for way cheaper than at my college.



2. The book was brand new.. and in the wrapper. The only bad thing is that I needed "MyMathLab",too. I was under the impression that it came with the book if you bought it new. If you need the book & the "MyMathLab"... then specifically search it that way so you will be given that option. THANKS!



3. The shipping was fast and it was the right book for my 2 of my college math classes.



4. I had to cancel the order and go buy a book from the college. The order did not arrive before my course was underway. I ordered on May 15, my class started on June 9, and there was no book as on June 11. I e-mailed them and they said they did not know I ordered a book, so I bought a book on June 12 and cancelled the order. On June 13 the book came from Ink Well. I put it back in the mail to them.



5. The best part about this purchase is that we didn't have to pay the college bookstore price for it! Thanks for the alternative to being freed from the outrageous prices from the bookstores. My son did well in the class, by the way :^)

No comments about Schaum's Outline of Calculus, 5ed (Schaum's Outlines).

3 comments about The Annotated Turing: A Guided Tour Through Alan Turing's Historic Paper on Computability and the Turing Machine.

1. Some books entertain, some inform; some confirm what you already knew, some make you change your mind about something. But then there are some books that just make you think "wow! I wish I'd written that".
   
   For me, Charles Petzold's The Annotated Turing falls into that last category (as well, of course, as the informational category). It's a book worth reading not only for the topic itself but the way it's presented.
   
   Petzold provides the necessary background before working through Turing's famous 1936 paper "On computable numbers, with an application to the Entscheidungsproblem" with rich annotations at every stage, including biographical details.
   
   If you are interested in the foundation of mathematics, computability, Turing's work, or even just ways of explaining mathematics in a historical context, I highly recommend this book.



2. I've posted a much more in depth review at http://vinull.com/Post/2008/07/21/review-the-annotated-turing-by-charles-.aspx so this one will be short, but this book is well worth your time. Simply put, Turing deserves much credit for inventing the programmable computer and he did as a side effect to solving a math problem.
   
   If you're like me, and not so good with the numbers, don't sweat - Petzold explains the math so even if you can't read the formula you know what it means. Anyone who has a passion for computers will enjoy this book!



3. For those touring Turing's work, there's nothing better than a guide. Alan Turing's research in computing science form (along with works by Goedel, von Neumann, etc.) the a "must-see" tour for any serious computer scientist or discrete mathematician. Unfortunately, all such original works are very aged in writing style, terminology, and notation, making them very difficult to read. I have read Turing's work (in my professional work) several times, but this book still gives useful insights and illuminates key points that I'd missed.

2 comments about Introductory Algebra (Bittinger Developmental Mathematics Series).

1. I bought This book for a Math Class, I highly disagree with the Previous reviewer, Math is an important subject, (how else could this other person know how much they spent on there credit card each month?) If you don't know math, then you are at a disadvantage to everyone else. Math Is Not dead, like latin, It is just as alive as American English. It is just not understood, Please let me tell you I am no math Major, I am a dislexic who has worked hard to over come my mental mix-ups. So in regards to this particular Math book? It is very detailed and informative, So I am very pleased with it.



2. Came the way they stated on their profile and took a week to get in the mail. I would do business with this company again. Excellent service.

2 comments about Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus.

1. I have to use this book for a college math class and I have completely given up trying to learn anything from it. It gives very brief explanations and examples and then asks questions that it has not addressed at all. Everyone in my math class HATES this book, we were even warned about the fact that most students don't like it by our teacher when the class began (now that's a bad sign). I also have a private math tutor who, while he does understand what the questions are asking (he has a masters degree in Physics), doesn't understand why the authors of this book ask their questions in such ridiculous and hard to understand ways. DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!!



2. Since students rarely take the time to read a math textbook, I think the most important feature is the quality of the problems at the end of each section. For most math textbooks, each section has a bunch of problems that are very repetitive and do not focus enough on conceptual understanding. Functions Modeling Change has a nice variety of problems that force students to think more deeply about the material.
   
   Also, the book emphasizes the "Rule of Four," which I have adopted in my teaching now. Whenever we represent a function, we learn to do so in four ways: with words, with tables, with graphs, and with formulas. Students learn that when they are given one of the four representations, they need to be able to convert it to each of the other three. I feel this process creates a fuller understanding.

5 comments about Linear Algebra.

1. This book has several good points. First, it is extremely affordable. Second, it covers all the typical topics in a typical undergraduate linear algebra course within the first 4 chapters or so. This makes it a great reference. I bought it as a supplement to my old linear algebra textbook, and it is great for that purpose. In addition, it continues on to more advanced topics which may not be covered at the undergraduate level; for example, the heavy emphasis on determinants and the more rigorous treatment of spaces, leading to affine spaces. I also have Shilov's book on real analysis, so I like the concise yet thorough manner of the author.



2. I find it ironic that my two favourite Linear Algebra texts are this book and the Axler, for they are exact opposites: Axler shuns determinants, and Shilov starts with them and builds much of his theory off them. However, there is no book I have found that has such a deep and clear exposition of determinants. The first chapter alone makes this book worth buying.
   
   However, there's an incredible amount of material in this book, and the later chapters are just as valuable. This is a dense book, but it is fairly easy to read once you get used to the style. I would recommend it to anyone learning linear algebra for the first time, as well as to people who want a deeper understanding or a different perspective.
   
   Like I said before, this book is particularly useful when combined with a complementary text such as Axler, which provides a completely different approach to the subject. This book may come across as a bit old-fashioned, and some might say the material is obsolete, but I believe that everything contained in the book is useful, if only to give the reader a deeper understanding of the why's and how's of linear algebra. And plus: you can't complain about the price!



3. I couldn't really find a truly good, comprehensive linear algebra textbook. This is one of the better ones. You don't even want to touch one of the worse ones.



4. I am choosing this book for my course on advanced linear algebra. This means nowadays a beginning course that covers all the bases, but that includes also some theory and proofs, and continues to the jordan form and spectral theorems.
   
   I considered Axler, Lang, Hoffman Kunze, Halmos, and notes by Sharipov on the internet.
   
   All these have their good points, but Shilov has it all: superbly clear explanations and proofs, examples and exercises, complete coverage of the important canonical forms, and a great elementary treatment of determinants, as well as tremendous attention to pedagogy.
   
   E.g. like Halmos, Sharipov and some others, Shilov discusses nilpotent transformations separately and in detail, before doing jordan forms. since the idea of a jordan form is that every map is the direct sum of an invertible one and a nilpotent one, you would think it would make sense to discuss these types separately, but many books just cram the jordan form into one explanation with no discussion of nilpotent operators first.
   
   finally, as a dover book, it is a terrific bargain. Friedberg Insel and Spence is a nice book, and Hoffman Kunze is also a classic, but those cost 10 times as much for about the same quality. I have reached the point in life where I will no longer assign a book that the publisher charges $135 for when there is a $15 book out there just as good or better.
   
   Strangely however, not one student has ever expressed gratitude for this practice of mine in a class evaluation, but i suspect they appreciate it anyway, (or maybe Daddy is buying the books).
   
   Edit: Having found cheap used copies of earlier editions of Friedberg et al..., I have relented and am using it also in my course. In general the earlier editions are better anyway. Some people have convinced me too that as clear as Shilov seems to me, it may be hard for some students to read.



5. Ordinarily I would give this book three stars, but I feel the rave reviews must be offset further than that. The first chapter on determinants is very good, it gives you the why and the how of everything. Perhaps this is due to the somewhat concrete, computational nature of determinants, which favors Shilov's approach. Shilov retains this sort of computational orientation throughout the text, with very little attention paid to the visual/intuitive aspects of linear algebra. A particularly atrocious example of this is chapter 5 on coordinate transformations. He derives formulae for a multitude of different types of coordinate transformations without ever describing what the transformation accomplishes in intuitive terms. This can be troubling even for someone who already has a reasonable understanding of the subject, because it means that ultimately his presentation amounts to little more than a mere presentation of a lifeless formula, and you are left to determine for yourself what it amounts to. Indeed, all of the chapters, with the exception of the first, share in this general flavor. Computational in flavor, as opposed to conceptual or abstract, while at the same time weak in visual/intuitive content. To me this is not a winning combination, and has made for a rather miserable read. In all fairness, however, I should add that his coverage is pretty good, albeit a bit unorthodox as far as the order of presentation is concerned. You can learn linear algebra from this book, it just won't be that fun.

4 comments about Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: A Combined Approach.

1. The plot is intricate, and the mystery deepens until the last few pages of the text. The authors richly deserve the highest praise for their tireless efforts.



2. The product is great and the CD that came with it is unopened as promised. Although I'm happy with the product, I'm not happy with the fact that I paid for 2-day shipping on a Saturday and didn't receive the book until Thursday. Probably won't be using that anymore...



3. I found this book on my school's web site for $142, but bought it from Amazon for $97. Shipping was fast and free, the way I like it.
   The book does a decent job of explaining the principles and definitions you need to perform algebra, but it's somewhat boring. (Of course, IT IS an algebra textbook)
   I'm attending classes at an online college right now and the facilitator I had for this class was horrible, so I relied heavily on the textbook. There are some good worksheets in the book that you can do for practice and then check your answers in the back of the book.
   The best part of this package is the CD-ROM that comes with the book. If you have a visual learning style or just want to see things explained with examples, the CD-ROM has several video exaples for each section of the book. It also has worksheets and evaluations that you can use to chart your progress and practice on your own.
   I don't think the book is worth anywhere near $142 or even $97, but it was required for my course. The good news is that now that the class is just about over I can use the book as a paperweight or as a sedative.
   I can't really complain though, since this was all I had to rely on for this entire class as far as instruction and guidance goes.



4. This is an excellent book to learn the basics of Algebra even if you are not a student. It explains everything and it includes a CD ROM with additional resources and exercises.