Welcome To Algebra, Vol. IV: Solving Systems Of Equations And Inequalities

Solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities is not exactly the kind of video to make your blood race, but for students struggling with the problems of algebra it will provide some extra help. Geared for ages 12-17, and containing two tapes (Vol. III and Vol. IV; there is, apparently, no Vol. I or II), the Welcome to Algebra series is designed to focus on areas which young algebra students often have the most problem with. The instructor, Jack Wayne, is an excellent presenter, who makes the students feel at ease, and gives them the impression that the problems are basically a piece of cake once you know the rules. The problem with this tape--at least for public libraries--is problems. Most of the running time in both lessons, which cover "Solving Systems of Equations" and "Solving Systems of Inequalities," is devoted to solving one problem after another. Unless a student were lucky enough to find this title in the library, precisely when he was studying these particular topics in algebra, there would be little use for a tape that is so specific. Teachers, of course, might want to use this title to augment their own presentations, and junior and senior high school libraries might want to consider this title. But for public libraries this is not a necessary purchase. (See THE MAGIC GALLERY: POP ART for availability.)