Basic Algebra for Students with an Aversion to Math

This book is designed for students who struggle with algebra. It is not meant to be a textbook, nor is it a replacement. It is less complete and more informal. Its purpose is to help clarify the logical extension of algebra as part of the mathematical system that we already understand. Although we will discuss various algebraic manipulations that can be used for solving problems, the main objective will be to help you understand and be able to use this potent extension of arithmetic.

The author has taught mathematics at a variety of institutions over the course of his career, starting on the high school level at A.P. Randolph High School in New York City. On the college level, he has taught at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and presently at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine. He has a special interest in remedial algebra. The author has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from The Ferkauf School of Graduate Psychology in New York, a Master's Degree in Mathematics Education from The City College of New York, and is presently enrolled in a Doctoral Program in Mathematics Education at Teachers College of Columbia University.