Basic Math and Pre-Algebra For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Tips for simplifying tricky basic math and pre-algebra operations

Whether you’re a student preparing to take algebra or a parent who wants or needs to brush up on basic math, this fun, friendly guide has the tools you need to get in gear. From positive, negative, and whole numbers to fractions, decimals, and percents, you’ll build necessary math skills to tackle more advanced topics, such as imaginary numbers, variables, and algebraic equations.

• Explanations and practical examples that mirror today’s teaching methods
• Relevant cultural vernacular and references
• Standard For Dummies materials that match the current standard and design

Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies takes the intimidation out of tricky operations and helps you get ready for algebra!

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started with Basic Math and Pre-Algebra
Chapter 1: Playing the Numbers Game
Chapter 2: It’s All in the Fingers: Numbers and Digits
Chapter 3: The Big Four: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division

Part II: Getting a Handle on Whole Numbers
Chapter 4: Putting the Big Four Operations to Work
Chapter 5: A Question of Values: Evaluating Arithmetic Expressions
Chapter 6: Say What? Turning Words into Numbers
Chapter 7: Divisibility
Chapter 8: Fabulous Factors and Marvelous Multiples

Part III: Parts of the Whole: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Chapter 9: Fooling with Fractions
Chapter 10: Parting Ways: Fractions and the Big Four Operations
Chapter 11: Dallying with Decimals
Chapter 12: Playing with Percents
Chapter 13: Word Problems with Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Part IV: Picturing and Measuring — Graphs, Measures, Stats, and Sets
Chapter 14: A Perfect Ten: Condensing Numbers with Scientific Notation
Chapter 15: How Much Have You Got? Weights and Measures
Chapter 16: Picture This: Basic Geometry
Chapter 17: Seeing Is Believing: Graphing as a Visual Tool
Chapter 18: Solving Geometry and Measurement Word Problems
Chapter 19: Figuring Your Chances: Statistics and Probability
Chapter 20: Setting Things Up with Basic Set Theory

Part V: The X-Files: Introduction to Algebra
Chapter 21: Enter Mr. X: Algebra and Algebraic Expressions
Chapter 22: Unmasking Mr. X: Algebraic Equations
Chapter 23: Putting Mr. X to Work: Algebra Word Problems

Part VI: The Part of Tens
Chapter 24: Ten Little Math Demons That Trip People Up
Chapter 25: Ten Important Number Sets to Know