Reviewer (text)
Anita Lock
THE CARTOON GUIDE TO ALGEBRA is a fun-filled self-study approach to learning elementary algebra. Gonick's latest educational comic book incorporates often-confusing components of algebra into real world situations combined with clever illustrations.
Award-winning author Larry Gonick bridges the gap between higher math and practical application. Aside from the essential prerequisite of knowing basic arithmetic, Gonick makes it clear that in order to do algebra, one has to get completely comfortable with adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing negative numbers. And to prove his point, Gonick devotes the first few chapters acclimating readers with these operations (including multiplication and division, both of which are rarely found in regular algebra textbooks) and how they function on a number line before delving in expressions, variables and the whole world of equations.
Likening the act of doing addition, subtraction, and so forth to "performing an operation," Gonick eases readers' mathematical fears by lacing the page with a comical surgical illustration --- operating on equations --- and adding a word of encouragement to try "to keep the bleeding to a minimum." Gonick even equates an algebraic expression to a recipe, stating that just like a recipe, an algebraic expression "gives step-by-step instructions for operating on algebraic ingredients" (variables and numbers).
[Gonick] makes math come alive by personifying algebraic concepts.
Gonick skillfully builds each chapter by continually tying in related concepts, such as rate, average squares and square roots and finally solving quadratic equations. Each page is filled with explanations and problem examples that are surrounded by a slew of cartoons. What makes Gonick's mathematical approach different from other self-study guides is that he makes math come alive by personifying algebraic concepts. And either as standalones or coupled in real world problem examples (i.e., money, food, bookcase building), Gonick turns these otherwise confusing concepts into user-friendly mathematical tools.
Although Gonick closes each chapter with a variety of problems with which readers can test their newfound knowledge, some readers may be disappointed to know that the book does not include an exhaustive list of solutions. Regardless, there are plenty of answers to the seemingly endless sets of practice problems --- enough for readers to gain mathematical confidence. Undoubtedly, THE CARTOON GUIDE TO ALGEBRA is a top-of-the-line approach that will reach a wide span of learners, from beginners to math strugglers.
Teaser
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.
Promo
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.
About the Book
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 for students of all levels, in high school, college, and beyond.
