How To Be A Confident Math Solver; How To Take The Mystery Out Of Algebra

For many of us who remember the nightmarish quality of math classes in junior high, the phrases "word problems" and "algebraic expressions" are roughly akin to "skull" and "crossbones," or basically poison. Asking us to solve a word problem was only slightly more taxing than requesting us to drink a Drano milkshake. Instructors Bonnie Bohannon and Amy Edmondson attempt the impossible--making higher math palatable--and do a creditable job of taking away some of the fear of solving. In the first title, Bohannon illustrates the four basic principles involved in translating a word problem into a math problem. She explains the principles of ratio and proportion, and uses numerous examples to show students the various ways word problems can be written, and how to decode them. In the second title, Edmondson discusses the basics of algebra (equations, fractions, functions, variables, the distributive law, exponents, polynomials, and coefficients) in terms that are easy to follow. While her stated goal of "mastery" seems a bit overmuch for a half-hour video to claim (unless your last name happens to be Whitehead, and your first Lord Alfred North), this program will give students a solid beginning in what Edmondson calls an "elegant problem-solving language." (If you recall, we had other names for algebra). Both of these titles are recommended, particularly for junior high school libraries, though some public libraries may also want to add these. (Available from: Leaning Forum, P. O. Box 5000, Del Mar, CA 92014; 1-800-527-5321.)