The Cartoon Guide to Algebra: An Illustrated Course for Mastering Algebra with Humor and Real-World Applications (Cartoon Guide Series, 22) - Softcover

Gonick, Larry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0062202693 ISBN 13: 9780062202697

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2015

Synopsis

In this latest edition of the successful Cartoon Guide series, master cartoonist and former Harvard instructor Larry Gonick offers a complete and up-to-date illustrated course to help students understand and learn this core mathematical course taught in American schools.

Using engaging graphics and lively humor, Gonick covers all of the algebra essentials, including linear equations, polynomials, quadratic equations, and graphing techniques. He also offers a concise overview of algebra’s history and its many practical applications in modern life.

Combining Gonick’s unique ability to make difficult topics fun, interesting, and easy-to-understand—while still relaying the essential information in a clear, organized and accurate format—The Cartoon Guide to Algebra is an essential supplement and math study aid for students of all levels, in high school, college, and beyond.

This unique visual guide makes learning algebra easier than ever with:

• Algebra Essentials Covered: Master core concepts from linear equations and polynomials to quadratic equations and graphing techniques, all explained with clarity and wit.
• Engaging and Humorous Approach: Learn through Larry Gonick’s memorable cartoons and lively humor that make even the most intimidating topics fun.
• Practical, Real-World Applications: Go beyond the formulas with a concise overview of algebra’s history and its surprising uses in modern, everyday life.
• Math Help for All Levels: A perfect supplement for students in high school, college, or anyone looking to refresh their skills in an enjoyable way.

About this title

About the Author

Larry Gonick has been creating comics that explain math, history, science, and other big subjects for more than forty years. His Cartoon Guide series has enjoyed immense success, earning him a Harvey Award (the “Oscar of Comics”). He has been a calculus instructor at Harvard (where he earned his BA and MA in mathematics), a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT, and a Montgomery Fellow at Dartmouth. He was staff cartoonist for Muse magazine. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into more than twenty-five languages.

From the Back Cover

A comprehensive and comical new illustrated guide to algebra

Do you think that a Cartesian plane is a luxury jetliner? Does the phrase "algebraic expression" leave you with a puzzled look? Do you believe that the Order of Operations is an Emmy-winning medical drama? Then you need The Cartoon Guide to Algebra to put you on the road to algebraic literacy.

The Cartoon Guide to Algebra covers all of algebra's essentials—including rational and real numbers, the number line, variables, expressions, laws of combination, linear and quadratic equations, rates, proportion, and graphing—with clear, funny, and easy-to-understand illustrations, making algebra's many practical applications come alive. This latest math guide from New York Times bestselling author Larry Gonick is an essential supplement for students of all levels, in high school, college, and beyond. School's most dreaded subject has never been more fun.

Reviews

Gr 6 Up—This detailed, cartoon-driven guidebook explains the essentials of algebra, easing readers into what can be an overwhelming subject. The first four chapters are spent reviewing concepts necessary for algebraic calculations: number lines, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and expressions and variables. After establishing the basics (marked by a page that proclaims, "Now let's get algebraic!"), Gonick moves on, devoting a different chapter to each different aspect of algebra, such as rates, multiple unknown variables, equations, and square roots. He incorporates explanations, examples, diagrams, charts, and illustrations when necessary, as well as practice questions. Real world applications are not limited to the "Real Wor(l)d Problems" chapter but are sometimes included in other chapters, where relevant. Cartoon illustrations not only add a touch of humor but also enhance the text by depicting the principles discussed. For instance, when explaining the distributive law, Gonnick depicts a cartoon character physically removing parentheses and lifting numbers to distribute them to all variables. An answer key for chapter practice questions is appended, as well as a very detailed index, which is an excellent resource for those looking for specific topics. Some readers may find pages that contain a lot of text a bit dense, given the cartoonlike font. VERDICT A valuable choice for visual learners or students in need of additional instruction.—Meaghan Darling, Long Hill Township Public Library, Gillette, NJ

Edition details

• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0062202693
• ISBN 13: 9780062202697
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240