Synopsis

From the Author

Introduction to Master Math: Algebra: Algebra is the second book in the Master Math series. The first, third, and fourth books are entitled Basic Math and Pre-Algebra, Pre-Calculus and Geometry, and Calculus. The Master Math series presents the general principles of mathematics from grade school through college including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus and introductory calculus. Algebra is a comprehensive algebra book that explains the subject matter in a way that makes sense to the reader. It begins with the most basic principles and progresses through more advanced topics to prepare a student for pre-calculus and calculus. Algebra explains the principles and operations of algebra, provides step-by-step procedures and solutions, and presents examples and applications. Algebra is a reference book for middle school and high school students that explains and clarifies the algebra principles they are learning in school. It is also a comprehensive reference source for students currently learning pre-calculus and calculus. Algebra is invaluable for students, parents, tutors and anyone needing a comprehensive algebra reference source. The information provided in each book and in the series as a whole is progressive in difficulty and builds on itself, which allows the reader to gain perspective on the connected nature of mathematics. The skills required to understand every topic presented are explained in an earlier chapter or book within the series. Each of the books contains a complete table of contents, a comprehensive index, and the tables of contents of the other books in the series that specific subjects, principles and formulas can be easily found. The books are written in a simple style that facilitates understanding and easy referencing of sought-after principles, definitions and explanations. Algebra and the Master Math series are not replacements for textbooks but rather reference books providing explanations and perspective. The Master Math series would have been invaluable to me during my entire education from grade school through graduate school. There is no other source that provides the breadth and depth of the Master Math series in a single book or series. Finally, mathematics is a language-the universal language. A person struggling with mathematics should approach it in the same fashion he or she would approach learning any other language. If someone moves to a foreign country, he or she does not expect to know the language automatically. It takes practice and contact with a language in order to master it. After a short time in the foreign country he or she would not say, 'I do not know this language well yet. I must not have an aptitude for it.' Yet many people have this attitude toward mathematics. If time is spent learning and practicing the principles, mathematics will become familiar and understandable. Don't give up.

Debra Ross, the author, February 16, 1999

Biography

Debra Anne Ross has a double BA in Chemistry and Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and and MS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. Debra's career encompasses biology, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, biosensors, pharmaceutical drug discovery, and intellectual property. She is the author of the popular Master Math books, The 3:00 PM Secret: Live Slim and Strong Live Your Dreams, The 3:00 PM Secret: Ten Day Dream Diet (2009), and Arrows Through Time: A Time Travel Tale of Adventure, Courage, and Faith (2009).