Introductory Algebra Book Suggestions

Question

General Requirements

The algebra book must be no more than 400-500 pages in length and should contain end-of-lesson/chapter exercises.

Required Topics

linear equations
linear inequalities
graphing and analyzing linear functions
systems of equations and inequalities
multiplying and factoring expressions
quadratics(everything about polynomials)
functions
ratios and proportions

(and even more if the book has it...)

all of these things would be covered in any basic algebra textbook. — Jemmy, Jan 02 '14 at 22:00
it's odd...I looked at many of them and some either lack graphs(for the functions) or lack exercises... — user118729, Jan 02 '14 at 22:02
Unfortunately, most interesting techniques for graphing are beyond the level you seem to be looking for, which may explain why the texts you've found have little about it. — dfeuer, Jan 02 '14 at 22:23
Besides the books already mentioned, you might also want to look at Algebra 2 and Trigonometry by Mary P. Dolciani, the standard U.S. Algebra 2 text back in the 1960s and 1970s. If it's of any interest, I went through this book cover-to-cover back in Fall 1973. — Dave L. Renfro, Jan 02 '14 at 22:45

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 02 '14 at 22:02

Gelfand's Algebra book is fantastic. It is written for the student to enjoy.

Lang's Basic Mathematics also sounds like a good choice. It's between 400 and 500 pages, but contains more than you asked for.

The Art of Problem Solving algebra and precalculus books are very good, if you're looking for books with a contest prep focus (they're still great, if not).

Alternatively, you could work through Khan Academy's knowledge map.

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 02 '14 at 22:24

I teach a college algebra class at a state university in New York and have found that my students have great success with this book. http://www.amazon.com/Intermediate-Algebra-College-Students-Developmental/dp/0321620917

I'm sure you can find a cheap used copy, perhaps an older edition. I have been using this book since the fourth edition, it's basically unchanged.

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 15 '14 at 16:04

I am taking a Pre-Calc Coursera course and they use http://stitz-zeager.com/szprecalculus07042013.pdf, which I like thus far and I think it meets your criteria, except for length. I think Exercises and the included answers to those exercises preclude a book in the 500 page range.

Introductory Algebra Book Suggestions

General Requirements

Required Topics

3 Answers3

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