The Quick and Effective Way to Learn Algebra The fastest way to learn algebra is to build a solid foundation in the basics. Inside this book you won’t find a lot of endless drills. Instead, you get an original, step-by-step approach to learning algebra. In your first steps, you are introduced to essential concepts—allowing you to grasp the subject almost immediately. You will gradually progress to more challenging skills. Along the way, the authors show you how to solve practical problems using clear, step-by-step instructions. Exercises for each section, with detailed, worked-out solutions, will let you check your progress. In no time at all, you will have acquired the knowledge and skills you need to solve algebraic problems with confidence.  Easy Step-by-Step Algebra features: •  A unique building-block approach to mastering algebra •  Down-to-earth explanations of important rules and concepts •  Sample problems that are carefully explained—step by step •  Insights on how to avoid common mistakes •  Exercises to practice what you’ve learned and measure your progress •  Brand-new chapters—Signal Words and Phrases and Word Problems—that will round out your new set of math skills

Table of Contents:
1 Numbers of Algebra Natural Numbers, Whole Numbers, and Integers Rational, Irrational, and Real Numbers Properties of the Real Numbers 2 Computation with Real Numbers Comparing Numbers and Absolute Value Addition and Subtraction of Signed Numbers Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers 3 Roots and Radicals Squares, Square Roots, and Perfect Squares Cube Roots and nth Roots Simplifying Radicals 4 Exponentiation Exponents Natural Number Exponents Zero and Negative Integer Exponents Unit Fraction and Rational Exponents 5 Order of Operations Grouping Symbols PEMDAS 6 Algebraic Expressions Algebraic Terminology Evaluating Algebraic Expressions Dealing with Parentheses 7 Rules for Exponents Product Rule Quotient Rule Rules for Powers Rules for Exponents Summary 8 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Terms and Monomials Polynomials Like Terms Addition and Subtraction of Monomials Combining Like Terms Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials 9 Multiplying Polynomials Multiplying Monomials Multiplying Polynomials by Monomials Multiplying Binomials The FOIL Method Multiplying Polynomials Special Products 10 Simplifying Polynomial Expressions Identifying Polynomial Expressions Simplifying Polynomial Expressions 11 Dividing Polynomials Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial Dividing a Polynomial by a Polynomial 12 Factoring Polynomials Factoring and Its Objectives Greatest Common Factor GCF with a Negative Coefficient A Quantity as a Common Factor Factoring Four Terms Factoring Quadratic Trinomials Factoring Perfect Trinomial Squares Factoring Binomials Guidelines for Factoring 13 Rational Expressions Reducing Algebraic Fractions to Lowest Terms Multiplying Algebraic Fractions Dividing Algebraic Fractions Adding (or Subtracting) Algebraic Fractions, Like Denominators Adding (or Subtracting) Algebraic Fractions, Unlike Denominators Simplifying Complex Fractions 14 Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities Solving One-Variable Linear Equations Solving Two-Variable Linear Equations for a Specific Variable Solving One-Variable Linear Inequalities 15 Solving Quadratic Equations Solving Quadratic Equations of the Form ax2 + c = 0 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula 16 The Cartesian Coordinate Plane Definitions for the Plane Ordered Pairs in the Plane Quadrants of the Plane Finding the Distance Between Two Points in the Plane Finding the Midpoint Between Two Points in the Plane Finding the Slope of a Line Through Two Points in the Plane Slopes of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines 17 Graphing Linear Equations Properties of a Line Graphing a Linear Equation That Is in Standard Form Graphing a Linear Equation That Is in Slope-y-Intercept Form 18 The Equation of a Line Determining the Equation of a Line Given the Slope and y-Intercept Determining the Equation of a Line Given the Slope and One Point on the Line Determining the Equation of a Line Given Two Distinct Points on the Line 19 Basic Function Concepts Representations of a Function Terminology of Functions Some Common Functions 20 Systems of Equations Solutions to a System of Equations Solving a System of Equations by Substitution Solving a System of Equations by Elimination Solving a System of Equations by Graphing 21 Signal Words and Phrases Common Signal Words and Phrases for Addition Common Signal Words and Phrases for Subtraction Common Signal Words and Phrases for Multiplication Common Signal Words and Phrases for Division Common Signal Words and Phrases for Equality 22 Word Problems Algebraic Problem-Solving Process Be Careful with Units Age Relationships Consecutive Numbers Ratios Mixtures Coins Rate-Time-Distance Work Percentage Simple Interest Number Relationships Geometric Shapes Appendix: Measurement Units and Conversions Answer Key Index