Beyond the Book
In addition to what you’re reading right now, this book comes with a Cheat Sheet that provides quick access to some formulas and rules and processes that are frequently used. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Algebra I All In One For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
You’ll also have access to online quizzes related to each chapter. These quizzes provide a whole new set of problems for practice and confidence-building. To access the quizzes, follow these simple steps:
1 Register your book or ebook at Dummies.com to get your PIN. Go to www.dummies.com/go/getaccess.
2 Select your product from the drop-down list on that page.
3 Follow the prompts to validate your product, and then check your email for a confirmation message that includes your PIN and instructions for logging in.
If you do not receive this email within two hours, please check your spam folder before contacting us through our Technical Support website at http://support.wiley.com or by phone at 877-762-2974.
Now you’re ready to go! You can come back to the practice material as often as you want — simply log on with the username and password you created during your initial login. No need to enter the access code a second time.
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Where to Go from Here
This book is organized so that you can safely move from whichever chapter you choose to start with and in whatever order you like. You can strengthen skills you feel less confident in or work on those that need some attention.
If you haven’t worked on any algebra recently, I’d recommend that you start out with Chapter 1 and some other chapters in the first unit. It’s important to know the vocabulary and basic notation so you understand what is being presented in later chapters.
If you’re all set with the basic operations, then a good place to go is Chapter 11, where you find out about factoring different types of expressions. Factoring makes it possible to simplify expressions and solve equations.
When you’re ready for the “What do I need this for?” question, go to Chapter 20 or Chapter 21, where you see some of the many types of applications that use algebraic expressions and solutions.
There are other resources, such as Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies and Pre-Algebra Essentials For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), if you think you need more background. And, of course, when you’ve finished here and are ready for the next challenge, be sure to check out Algebra II For Dummies and Pre-Calculus For Dummies. And that’s just the beginning!
Book 1
Starting Out with Numbers and Properties
Contents at a Glance
1 Chapter 1: Assembling Your Tools: Number Systems Identifying Numbers by Name Placing Numbers on the Number Line Speaking in Algebra Taking Aim at Algebra-Speak Practice Questions Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 1 Quiz Answers to Chapter 1 Quiz
2 Chapter 2: Deciphering Signs in Expressions Assigning Numbers Their Place Going in for Operations Tackling the Basic Binary Operations Working with Nothing: Zero and Signed Numbers Practice Questions Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 2 Quiz Answers to Chapter 2 Quiz
3 Chapter 3: Incorporating Algebraic Properties Getting a Grip on Grouping Symbols Spreading, Grouping, and Changing the Order Relating Inverses and Identities Working with Factorial Applying the Greatest Integer Function Practice Question Answers and Explanations Whaddya Know? Chapter 3 Quiz Answers to Chapter 3 Quiz
4
Chapter 4: Coordinating Fractions and Decimals
Converting Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Finding Fraction Equivalences
Making Proportional Statements
Finding Common Denominators
Applying Fractional Operations
Simplifying Complex Fractions
Performing Operations with Decimals
Changing Fractions to Decimals and Vice Versa
Practice Question Answers and Explanations
Whaddya Know? Chapter 4 Quiz
Answers