The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems (Humongous Books)

Wow, just wow. I can't recommend this book enough

A few months ago, I decided to go back to school (specifically for a master's program) and started looking for a text that could help me review all of the algebra I'd forgotten (in preparation for reviewing all the calculus I'd forgotten).

I was basically looking for something that A) would give me a broad understanding of all of the important Algebra topics I need to know and B) wouldn't baby me or throw too much at me in one go. While there are plenty of online and offline resources to help understand specific topics and areas of Algebra, nothing has been quite right (either the explanations focus too much on explaining the simple stuff, doesn't explain enough of the basics or doesn't cover enough topics). The Humongous Book of Algebra problems, however, has been absolutely perfect for what I need.

There are basically two reasons why I absolutely love this book.

First, format of the book. This book is written in a basic Q and A format where a question is asked and Kelly answer it both on a technical and theoretical level (ie, what you do to the numbers to get the answer and why it works that way). Each question in answered in a quick no-nonsense style that gives you the important information - no more, no less. This format breaks up Algebra into bite sized questions that lets the reader take in as much information as he or she needs. At some points I was able to breeze past several pages, while at other points I needed to read and reread an answer before finally getting it. Apart from the fine intake control, the Q and A style breaks everything up into small steps that allows you to pin point exactly what you get and what you don't get. Sometimes texts and materials try to bundle up several subtopics into one overarching topic. As a result, it can be difficult to figure out what exactly you don't understand or what you need to go over to get the concept. Not so with this book.

Also, this Q and A style allows you to quiz yourself. After covering a few pages, you can go back, cover the solution, and try to answer the question in your own words. The solutions are extensive enough that answering most requires you to deeply understand why something works the way it does (which, you have to admit, is much better than the end of the chapter battery of plug and chug questions that most textbooks give you)

Second, the wording. This is where the book really shines. Most math books force you to choose between two styles - a super jargon heavy technical style or a simplified conversational style. Each have their strengths and weaknesses (Jargon will helps you understand advanced texts but can be difficult to get an initial understanding of; The simplified style is easy to understand, but can get annoying as you start trying to get a deeper understanding of what's going on), but this book takes the best of both. As it's base, it uses a technical style that doesn't get to heavy, but still uses the proper terminology. However, the little 'notes' that Kelly has added to the book gives you little tricks and simple alternative explanations that helps the reader grasp the core concept quickly. There were so many "ohhh now I get it" moments as I read these notes. As a result, while the book has enough rigor to keep you advancing as a student, the side notes makes you feel like you've got a helpful tutor pointing out the easiest ways to understand the harder topics.

If any of this sounds like it will be the least bit helpful for your study goals, I definitely suggest you pick up a copy of this book.

This book has been taking a backseat to other books with more serious looking covers and regrettably gathering much dust since my purchase a while back. If only I took the old adage "never judge a book by its cover" more seriously, I'd be much closer to where I want to be in math right now. One of the hardest things I've found in self-taught mathematics (more so than any other discipline) is gauging when you're ready to transcend to higher levels... how do you know when you're ready?

1) Do you have the relevant repertoire of math syntax and language semantics to understand the wording and symbols (collectively notation) used in your next math subtopic of choice?

2) Do you have a solid command of algebraic manipulation of expressions which is the MOST IMPORTANT building block in the foundations of every other math subject?

I can't understate how frustrating it's been picking up books on various higher level math subjects and not understanding even the first page due to the use of symbols or phrasing which are assumed prior knowledge and not knowing where to look to bridge this gap. This book does a VERY GOOD job of paving the way to: set theory, linear algebra, trig, and calc.

If only this book had been available 15 years ago when I was struggling with high school Algebra (and then College Algebra). Aside from a ton of problems to work with, the author explains each one very clearly. At $12-13 this book is an absolute steal, and if you're taking a course in Algebra or just need to review (like me), this is a must-have book.

I never write reviews for books, but this book (and his Humungous Book of Calculus) made me realize quite a few things about the teaching process and why this is a very valuable took as opposed to the scholastic book itself. The fundamentals taught in this book, as well as the multiple examples are very valuable. He does a good job explaining little bitty tips that are easy to overlook, but translate into bigger solutions down the road. I'm a finance graduate, and just decided to go back to college for a computer science degree. I've already taken Calc 1&2, as well as Statistics, but it was so many years ago that I would be absolutely lost without this book and the Calculus book. Although I've already taken these classes, I have to start over taking 'engineering' calc instead of 'business' calc, plus having the refresher for classes like vector calculus (after eng. calc 2) will definitely help me. This book is great for the wide array of examples and seemingly step by step approach to the harder problems within their own subject matter.

I'm a bit of a perfectionist, if the author or a prospective book buyer is reading this, take this with a grain of salt. I think this book is absolutely fantastic, with one exception. I think it could be made better by having a few of the harder examples (in addition to ones already done earlier in the chapter that are similar, but a bit harder) towards the end of each chapter, that are unsolved and require the reader to complete them (on their own piece of paper), before going to the next. Then, devote a half page or page (to each problem) at the end of the book which works out in detail each of those problems.

I think the 'reference' style is great and could be made just a tad bit better by forcing the reader to assemble and solve a complex problem (or two or three or four) at the end. I think that this would bring the book full circle and be an unstoppable buy.

Again, absolutely great book, and I think this is perfect for anyone struggling or may have forgotten a few things.

Dang good I think... I did find something on page 243 problem 11.18 it says 2a= -38 you then device both sides by 2 to get, unless I am missing something it should be 19... it says it is 16 . Pretty good besides that, I would not recommend this book alone though...

Great book with instructions. The author is personable and keeps the learning interesting. Quick great delivery. Quality and very happy with product. I enjoy saving gas and ordering online. I work full time and time is limited. I have three of his books.

The author incorrectly thinks sqrt(x)^2 = |x|.
While it is true that sqrt(x^2)=|x|, on the other hand sqrt(x)^2 =x.
I saw it several times in the book , and thus this can't be thought as a typo. What he knows is wrong.