Are you struggling with algebra and in need of some extra help? Do you always find yourself saying that math isn’t your thing? Regardless of what brought you here, we are glad you are here. Algebra can be a tricky subject to grasp, and sometimes a little help is needed.
Imagine sitting down to take your exam and drawing a blank at what one of the algebraic symbols mean. To your surprise and detriment, this symbol is in every question on the exam. You scramble to find a way to figure out what to do, but you are at a loss. You end up failing your exam.
Scenarios like this don’t have to happen. With the right study materials, you should be able to practice algebra with no problem. This article aims to help you do just that. If you are looking to self-study high school mathematics or find precalculus textbook recommendations, we have got you covered.
The best Algebra books are only a few scrolls away. Keep reading to find the best books for you.
If you want to just get back to studying, get our top choice for algebra books here.
Last update: 2024-04-27
Our Favorites for Best Algebra Books
Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, Third Edition by Peter Selby
Practical Algebra is a popular option for students who need a refresher on algebra or if you are a student who is looking for more help with their coursework. This book provides students with significant concepts for problem-solving and is perfect for the self-guided learner. Before Peter’s death, he was the director of technology as well as the author of two popular books Quick Algebra Review and Geometry & Trigonometry.
What Makes it Unique:
- The book places a significant emphasis on problem-solving and the mastering of concepts. The information you learn in each chapter can be easily measured in the tests at the end of each chapter.
- Each chapter is broken into a frame. This frame provides students with problems to solve and includes information that the student may not currently have.
- The book is broken down into 12 chapters. These chapters all cover a different area of algebra, including ratio, inequalities, fractions, and so much more.
Why Choose this Best Algebra Book:
- This text is one of the best algebra books for learning how to solve problems adequately. Not only does it provide ample practice, but the self-tests are also a great way to ensure that you are retaining the knowledge you should be.
- Some readers felt like math never really clicked until they began reading this textbook. Selby was able to present information in a way that is easy to grasp and apply.
- For higher-level math students, this is an excellent review text to purchase when thinking about precalculus textbook recommendations.
- Wong, Bobson (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 512 Pages - 04/08/2022 (Publication Date) - Jossey-Bass (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-04-27
No-Nonsense Algebra by Richard W. Fisher
No-Nonsense Algebra is another favorite for students when it comes to learning how to apply information and concepts. The lessons are presented in ways that students can understand. Each of the readings in the texts follows a logical order and includes a variety of ideas like polynomials, radical expressions, and even word problems. The book was written by a seasoned mathematical professional who was in the profession for over 30 years.
What Makes it Unique:
- This algebra workbook is meant for students in grades six through twelve.
- The book includes ten different lessons that conclude with algebraic word problems. Each chapter consists of a review as well as an introduction to what the student can look forward to.
- No Nonsense also includes hints throughout the text, which aid students in further problem-solving.
- The text even includes an online tutorial that will walk you step by step through problems. You can also find ample examples and exercises to get you familiar with solving similar problems.
Why Choose this Best Algebra Book:
- Purchasers have used this text as a basis for their children’s home school curriculum. This is one of the best elementary algebra books if you need a legitimate basic introduction to algebra.
- The book is organized and straightforward. It is a perfect way to self-study high school mathematics in advance.
- This book is excellent for people who need examples or can grasp concepts solely in words. Each lesson includes the concept explained in terms and then again presented through the use of examples.
- This can also be an excellent refresher text for helping kids and adults brush up on basic math skills.
- Fisher, Richard W (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 294 Pages - 02/06/2018 (Publication Date) - Math Essentials (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-04-27
Runner Ups for Best Algebra Books
Algebra by Israel M. Gelfand & Alexander Shen
If you are looking for a book written by an internationally recognized math lover and educator, this is it. It has been used at several universities across the world, including the University of Illinois, California State University, and several others. This book, though an older option on the market, has been instrumental in some of the first high school level courses in algebra.
What Makes it Unique:
- This book zeros in on math. There are no added filler text and no meaningless jargon to distract the reader. Yet still, it includes humor and aid.
- Algebra can be used with middle school students and even beginning college students.
- The text is divided into 72 different lessons, with each one covering a different area of algebra. It is made up of majority problems to be used for mastering the content.
- To further make things easier on the reader, Gelfand provides algebra solutions to problems which include step by step solving instructions.
Why Choose this Best Algebra Book:
- Several purchasers found this to be a fascinating read. They found it to be exciting and informative. Most students love this textbook and find it helpful.
- Readers found this to be an excellent supplemental text. The author not only cares about the subject but genuinely wants people to understand the subject matter.
- Your child no longer has to wonder why they are completing a task. After reading this text, your child should be able to explain problems as the teacher would.
- Though this text is often used to help children understand algebra it can also be a great reference for adult math students.
- Israel M. Gelfand (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 150 Pages - 09/17/1993 (Publication Date) - Birkhäuser (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-04-27
Algebra I Workbook For Dummies 3rd Edition by Mary Jane Sterling
The For Dummies series is known for providing readers with the most simplified ways of learning. The text attempts to break things down to its most basic form to make it easier for people like us to grasp. This algebra one workbook does just that.
What Makes it Unique:
- Aside from just receiving the book, purchasers also have access to an online arsenal of quizzes and tests. These options are aimed at enforcing the information you learn and providing you with a digital alternative.
- The text is broken down into parts. The first part contains tutorials on basic operations, including radicals, exponents, and equation symbols. The subsequent elements include break downs of expressions, solutions, and even graphing.
- The end of the text even includes tips to make learning algebra easier.
Why Choose this Best Algebra Book:
- This text is a great book to use if you are looking for ample sample problems.
- Even the biggest math haters found this book to be helpful and interesting.
- This is a great book to use if you have had prior algebra experience. It is one of the best algebra refresher books but may not be ideal for a new algebra learner.
- Sterling (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 312 Pages - 04/07/2017 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-04-27
Value Pick for Best Algebra Books
Painless Algebra Fifth Edition by Lynette Long
Barron’s is one of the leading producers of test prep material. This guide, though not centered around a traditional exam, it aims at making learning algebra fun. With this middle school book, students will be presented with a multitude of ways to solve problems and have fun while doing it. The text incorporates humor to keep students engaged and wanting to continue learning.
What Makes it Unique:
- Brain ticklers are sprinkled throughout the text. These ticklers are aimed at challenging the students with concepts learned in the book.
- The book incorporates a plethora of jokes and imagery to keep students intrigued. All of the information is presented in plain English, making it easier for students to understand. Caution images are also placed throughout the text to help readers understand common mistakes to avoid.
- Examples include step-by-step explanations to ensure that the reader grasps the concepts regardless of how the problem is presented.
Why Choose this Best Algebra Book:
- Readers love this book because it helps them build confidence in their ability to do algebra problems. This intro to algebra book provides excellent explanations and examples to ensure there is no room for confusion.
- Parents found that purchasing this book for their child was the push needed to build a better foundation in math. With this text, there is no more struggling.
- Long Ph.D., Lynette (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages - 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) - Barrons Educational Services (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-04-27
How to Choose the Best Algebra Books for You
Choosing an algebra book may seem like a daunting task, but in reality, it is not. All you need to do is take the time to think about what you’re looking for. There are several questions you can ask yourself to determine if a book is right for you.
- What grade am I looking for the text to support?
- Is this a book that can be a supplemental text for my in class work?
- Can or will this book be a reference guide in the future?
- What is my goal in utilizing this book?
- Does this text offer things like answer keys, ample practice problems, and exams?
- Will this book be used for self-study?
- What is the tone of this book? Is it extremely serious? Is this book fun to read?
All of these questions help determine the why, the what and the who of your book search. They also aid you in weeding out books that may focus on a younger or older grade range or the type of workbook.
Accessibility may also be an overarching concern for your new algebra text. Other questions you may need to ask yourself include:
- Is this offered as an eBook or simply in print?
- Does it offer online guidance or tutorials?
One thing you don’t want to do is buy the first algebra book you see. Although it may be an algebra tutorial, some thought should go into what you purchase. You don’t want to end up with a stack of algebra books that you will never use.
One additional thing which may help find the perfect book is looking for recommendations. Although we are a great resource, people like your math teacher or an advisor may also offer an excellent list of mathematics reference books. As trusted experts in the field, they would be an excellent resource.
If you incorporate these questions into your search and even use some of them as filters for the options you are weighing out, you will find the best algebra book for yourself.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best Algebra Books
Here’s a table of the best algebra books we evaluated:
Last update: 2024-04-27
Don’t let one lousy teacher spoil your zest for math, more specifically, algebra. The subject can be confusing once you are starting, but we promise with the right resources and help it will get easier. With that in mind, this list provides you with some excellent options for brushing up on your algebra as a young student or a seasoned adult.
One favorite in the math world is No-Nonsense Algebra: Mastering Essential Math Skills. This text provides a humorous and fun way of learning math. Not only do readers get reliable reviews of material, but they also get ample examples and practice problems. This makes algebra a breeze.
Another great choice is Gelfand’s textbook, Algebra. This text was written by a true math lover who has no interest in beating around the bush when it comes to problem-solving. He provides ample examples and information without the frills making it a great contrast from No-Nonsense Algebra.
Overall, these are some of the best algebra books for refreshing your mathematical memories or beginning your journey through algebra. Since they are not the only books on the market, your choices are endless. Simply use the tips we provided, and you will find the best book for you in no time.
If you found this post helpful, you’re definitely going to like our other textbooks reviews here.
