a little math help, please

[Gail]

The daughter now realizes that all those hours whiled away by writing and drawing during her math classes have come back to bite her on the behind. She would like to review h.s. algebra one, learn algebra two (I mean, she was physically present in her h.s. algebra two class, but learned little or nothing--it's all a haze), and then move on to a knowledge of basic college algebra. Problem is, she wants to do this more or less on her own and is need of some book titles that would suit. Does anyone here have any ideas? She is quite bright and well-educated in the liberal arts, but very weak in algebra, although she does have an analytical mind. She's also married to someone who could coach her through the inevitable rough spots. I would be most appreciative of any help you could give me.

[Félix]

I would recommend going to a college book store and checking out the texts available.

[Gail]

Well, yes of course I realize she could do that, but I was hoping that someone here might have had some personal experience with this.

[Sally, la reina]

With self teaching algebra, Gail?

I think that a group of literary dorks like us usually avoids math like the plague.

[Heidi]

Matt would be the person to ask. He's a math genius. :) Oh, and Larry... don't you work in engineering, sort of kind of?

[Sally, la reina]

Yes, but because he is a math genius (it concerns me that I never spell that word right on the first try) why would he know which books to check out to brush up on basic algebra?

[Félix]

No, Heidi. I used to be an engineer -- but not the kind that that can design and build things. I was the kind that toots the whistle.

I was fairly good with math until 11th grade, when hormones and trigonometry did me in. In later years I went at it again, being able to pass college-level calculus with a B -- then promptly forgot about 99% of it.

Is there a Cliff's Notes for algebra? Prolly not, huh?

[Sally, la reina]

Larry said "prolly"!!!

[Félix]

Yep.

[[deleted user]]

Sally wrote: "Yes, but because he is a math genius (it concerns me that I never spell that word right on the first try) why would he know which books to check out to brush up on basic algebra?"

I agree, he may not be able to expand on simple algebra, he probably hasn't been around it since 7th grade. I would ask the guidance counselor at school. Or if you have a Tech school they should have a good idea for those that need to get there GED's.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Gail, this series isn't bad:
Algebra I and Algebra II

[Sally, la reina]

Woot! The librarian shows her stuff again!

[Félix]

Was there ever a doubt?

[Sally, la reina]

That Gail's daughter would find a book through us? Yes.

[Heidi]

Sally wrote: "Yes, but because he is a math genius (it concerns me that I never spell that word right on the first try) why would he know which books to check out to brush up on basic algebra?"

It's not necessarily that they would definitely know whick books to check out, just... probably they'd know more about it than I would or any other literary types who don't give much care or attention to math.

Plus, he tutors.

[Heidi]

Sally wrote: "Woot! The librarian shows her stuff again!"


:D

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Or, there's this one:
Dr. Math Explains Algebra Learning Algebra Is Easy! Just Ask Dr. Math!

[Félix]

Sally wrote: "That Gail's daughter would find a book through us? Yes."

No -- that Jackie would come through (again).

[Gail]

Thanks to all, especially Jackie, our resident book-finder deluxe.

I should have made clear that she's a college grad who is a web designer. She (rather foolishly) listened to someone who advised her that it would be a good idea if she actually understood (as in, know HOW it works, rather than just know how to work it) something that is called, I think, Javascript, which would entail actually understanding some math.

As is always the case with her (so refreshing in this day and age, and gratifying to one's self), she turned to Mother as the one who could help figure out, perhaps, how to do this without too much inner sturm and drang. Since rather than self-teach algebra I would have several operations or repeatedly poke my eye with my mascara wand, I turned here, where I knew I'd get some humor and some help. This is a great and fun group.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

You're welcome, Gail. Those books should make learning a little algebra not too painful an experience for her. I wish her luck!