Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Chapter 1: Setting the Scene for Actions in Algebra 5 Chapter 2: Examining Powers and Roots 17 Chapter 3: Ordering and Distributing: The Business of Algebra 25 Chapter 4: Factoring in the First and Second Degrees 33 Chapter 5: Broadening the Factoring Horizon 45 Chapter 6: Solving Linear Equations 57 Chapter 7: Tackling Second-Degree Quadratic Equations 73 Chapter 8: Expanding the Equation Horizon 89 Chapter 9: Reconciling Inequalities 105 Chapter 10: Absolute-Value Equations and Inequalities 119 Chapter 11: Making Algebra Tell a Story 125 Chapter 12: Putting Geometry into Story Problems 137 Chapter 13: Grappling with Graphing 147 Chapter 14: Ten Warning Signs of Algebraic Pitfalls 163 Index 167

About the Author

Mary Jane Sterling is professor ofmathematics at Bradley University.She is the author of many booksincluding Algebra I For Dummies, 2nd Edition and Algebra Workbook For Dummies.