Book Description

"The Monster Book of Algebra" presents an alternative way to learn elementary algebra. The learning is visual, and comes in the form of stories, jokes, games, puzzles, and fun mental exercises. Each chapter presents a story narrative with interesting characters that propel the action-and the reader--through the algebra concepts that are covered. For example, in Chapter 7 readers help Muffy the Polynomial Slayer and her sidekick Aspen battle the forces of the Undead. (Did you know that vampires are great at factoring polynomials?) Chapter 9 takes readers into the world of Al-Jitsu where Master Li and his rash, young disciple use the gentle Way of the Fraction to take on the evil dojo vying for world domination. In Chapter 11 readers find out why polynomials are like a box of chocolates and travel with Jenni and Forrest on a Radical Roadtrip as they journey to The Summer of Quadratics. "The Monster Book of Algebra" can be used by readers to self-teach algebra, as each concept is clearly explained and comes with many reinforcing exercises. The book can also be used as engaging supplementary material to support a more traditional classroom algebra course. "The Monster Book of Algebra" is primarily intended for junior high and high school students. In addition, adult education students will find this book useful. The underlying math presented in the book is a complete and rigorous elementary algebra syllabus. Readers who work their way through the book and complete each exercise will learn algebra and actually have fun along the way!