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Where to Go from Here
This book is organized so that you can safely move from whichever chapter you choose to start with and in whatever order you like. You can strengthen skills you feel less confident in or work on those that need some attention.
If you haven’t worked on any algebra recently, I’d recommend that you start out with Chapter 1 and some other chapters in the first unit. It’s important to know the vocabulary and basic notation so you understand what is being presented in later chapters.
If you’re all set with the basic operations, then a good place to go is Chapter 11, where you find out about factoring different types of expressions. Factoring makes it possible to simplify expressions and solve equations.
When you’re ready for the “What do I need this for?” question, go to Chapter 20 or Chapter 21, where you see some of the many types of applications that use algebraic expressions and solutions.
There are other resources, such as Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies and Pre-Algebra Essentials For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), if you think you need more background. And, of course, when you’ve finished here and are ready for the next challenge, be sure to check out Algebra II For Dummies and Pre-Calculus For Dummies. And that’s just the beginning!
Book 1
Starting Out with Numbers and Properties
Contents at a Glance
1 Chapter 1: Assembling Your Tools: Number Systems Identifying Numbers by Name Placing Numbers on the Number Line Speaking in Algebra Taking Aim at Algebra-Speak Practice Questions Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 1 Quiz Answers to Chapter 1 Quiz
2 Chapter 2: Deciphering Signs in Expressions Assigning Numbers Their Place Going in for Operations Tackling the Basic Binary Operations Working with Nothing: Zero and Signed Numbers Practice Questions Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 2 Quiz Answers to Chapter 2 Quiz
3 Chapter 3: Incorporating Algebraic Properties Getting a Grip on Grouping Symbols Spreading, Grouping, and Changing the Order Relating Inverses and Identities Working with Factorial Applying the Greatest Integer Function Practice Question Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 3 Quiz Answers to Chapter 3 Quiz
4 Chapter 4: Coordinating Fractions and Decimals Converting Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers Finding Fraction Equivalences Making Proportional Statements Finding Common Denominators Applying Fractional Operations Simplifying Complex Fractions Performing Operations with Decimals Changing Fractions to Decimals and Vice Versa Practice Question Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 4 Quiz Answers to Chapter 4 Quiz
Chapter 1
Assembling Your Tools: Number Systems
IN THIS CHAPTER
You’ve undoubtedly heard the word algebra on many occasions, and you know that it has something to do with mathematics. Perhaps you remember that algebra has enough stuff in it to require
