Hot X: Algebra Exposed

Well, it's all pretty much been said in the other 90 reviews, so here's a different view:Last year, I taught Algebra out of the textbook. It is an excellent textbook... If the reader already has familiarity with the subject. This year, I downgraded the textbook's position, it is no longer the backbone. I use this book as the roadmap for my class. The information is presented in a logical manner without a bunch of irrelevant things mixed in. It makes sense. I write my lectures from it, creating "gender balanced" examples. Our boys don't care about broken nails, we're lucky if we can get them to stop hunting long enough to sit in math class. Throw out a few examples about trajectory and speed of a round, and they perk right up...Yes, it is more work to teach this way. No, it is not prepackaged with tons of examples for classwork. However, am I more successful as a teacher in conveying the information in an comperhensible interesting manner? You bet! Does it keep the pace of the class moving? Yep! Two reasons -- The students actually "get" the math, and it is more logical in the presentation order.

My daughter now has all of the books in this series, and loves reading them, just for fun! Math is no longer a chore, and check is eager to learn.One year ago, I had a 10-year-old daughter who was frustrated to tears with mathematics, no matter how we tried to demonstrate and explain the reasoning behind it. Her school math grade was miserable, and she felt miserable, too. I remembered hearing about Danica's books on NPR, and had previewed them on Amazon.com. It was time to bring out the big guns.Within one day of receiving the first book, our daughter was engaged and excited about learning, and DEMANDED more books.Today, one year later, school work is tear-free, and math is her #1 subject with a straight A record.Danica has a mysterious way of explaining things to girls that just makes sense and sticks with them. There is something magical in these pages. We absolutely recommend all of Danica McKellar's books!

It gives me a different look at problems. Personally, the switching of curriculum's has caused many problems and factually, many teachers aren't teachers in their subjects and math is a subject that needs an approach called simplicity and common sense. Having a Masters in Mathematics states clearly to teach at the lowest level of understanding to anyone new to the subject. Once a student hates a subject they are lost with poor results for themselves and scores of achievement. I like this authors approach.

This series of books explains math in everyday language. It is perfect for the intended audience, and it may be useful to those who are older also, as other reviews show. My wife, however, did not find it to be helpful when attempting to read it as a refresher when returning to college, and the analogies chosen were primarily distracting for her.The strength of the book is also its weakness. While explaining math in everyday language, it is not particularly helpful as a stand-alone text because math is best learned by doing. It is clearly not intended to be a stand-alone text, of course. But for those not currently taking a math class, it will be necessary to find a book of exercises. For that purpose, and for self-study, "The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems" by W. Michael Kelley may prove useful.I've still given it four stars because the book clearly is helping people to learn algebra. As a self-study tool, however, take into consideration whether the person studying math may need other books and whether the writing style is appropriate to the student.

I think Middle School can be a time when girls back away from math and I don't want that to happen to my daughters (I have 2). The tips and shortcuts in this book are easy to understand. McKellar does a great job of walking you through problems and when she can turn them into something girls can relate to, it makes it a lot of fun to read. One of my daughter's is going into 7th grade in the fall and taking Algebra I. We've been using this book over the summer as a way to prepare her for the class. I highly recommend it to anyone who has daughters. The pages are interspersed with testimonials from girls, some who used to struggle in math, and the testimonials give positive messages about working hard and not letting math intimidate you. That seems to be the mantra for all her books -- math is not intimidating and you can handle it! It's been years since I've taken Algebra and even I understand the concepts thanks to this book. I wish I had this kind of book when I was a kid struggling with math.

We are a homeschool family. My daughter has always had such a hard time with math. Her strong suit has been Language Arts and writing. However, we bought all of Danica's books last winter (2014) and between these books and a new tutor, my daughter has done a 180 in math. She references these books constantly. At the time, she is using only the Hot Algebra Exposed. She cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. It has helped her tremendously and she feels she just might now like math! And between these books and her tutor, she may be able to do harder maths come Junior and Senior yr and not feel stressed and worried over grades and understanding.I know these books are meant for girls. But seriously, my boys will be using them also when they across trouble.

I love her books and I love Algebra. What a great combination!Buy it!

Brilliant book

This series of books got my daughter through that rough period when girls start to question their math competence. Danica explains things in a way that is charming and accessible.

All 4 books are AWESOME!

Better than expected, Excellent Customer service highly recommended AAA++