HappyGrace Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Until Matryoska mentioned it in a thread below, I always thought BCM was *the* recommendation for Lial's for pre-algebra; I didn't even know Lial's had a pre-algebra! I don't know much about upper level math, but I do have BCM here and thought it looked like quite a bit of review. So which one is generally the better choice? (More specifically, for a non-mathy dc, but one who I do want to have prepared well!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 (edited) Originally Posted by HappyGrace Until Matryoska mentioned it in a thread below, I always thought BCM was *the* recommendation for Lial's for pre-algebra; I didn't even know Lial's had a pre-algebra! I don't know much about upper level math, but I do have BCM here and thought it looked like quite a bit of review. So which one is generally the better choice? (More specifically, for a non-mathy dc, but one who I do want to have prepared well!) Jann seems to really prefer the BCM, and she's much more of a math teaching expert than I - this is my first time teaching this level of math, adn she's been doing it for years. So, consider the source. :tongue_smilie: But after having my dd dutifuly slog through the first three chapters of BCM (Whole numbers; multiplying/dividing fractions; adding/subtracting fractions), and looking ahead to negative numbers (the big hole in Singapore) not being introduced till the second to last chapter, I finally went and looked at the Pre-Algebra to see if there was any difference. I'd heard it moved "a little more quickly"... I honestly have a hard time thinking that any kid that's gotten through Singapore 6b would have to do that much review of basic math (and my dd also did LOF through Pre-Algebra/Bio). I found a 3rd edition of the Pre-Algebra "like new" for $8 plus shipping - seemed worth trying out (the TOC is from 4th edition - I'm guessing they're not much different??). Jann says either book will prepare one well for Algebra, so I think which book is better depends on your student. I like that she'll get a lot more practice with negative numbers over the year with the PreAlg - I think she'll need that. I kind of miss the chapter on geometry, but I could always have her do that chapter in the BCM, or actually use the Patty Paper Geometry program I bought... :) I do also have the Key to Algebra books, which she likes - I'll have her do some of those for extra explanation. Here are the TOCs: BCM: Chapter 1 Whole Numbers 1.1 Reading and Writing Whole Numbers 1.2 Adding Whole Numbers 1.3 Subtracting Whole Numbers 1.4 Multiplying Whole Numbers 1.5 Dividing Whole Numbers 1.6 Long Division 1.7 Rounding Whole Numbers 1.8 Exponents, Roots, and Order of Operations 1.9 Reading Pictographs, Bar Graphs, and Line Graphs 1.10 Solving Application Problems Chapter 2 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions 2.1 Basics of Fractions 2.2 Mixed Numbers 2.3 Factors 2.4 Writing a Fraction in Lowest Terms 2.5 Multiplying Fractions 2.6 Applications of Multiplication 2.7 Dividing Fractions 2.8 Multiplying and Dividing Mixed Numbers Chapter 3 Adding and Subtracting Fractions 3.1 Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions 3.2 Least Common Multiples 3.3 Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions 3.4 Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers 3.5 Order Relations and the Order of Operations Chapter 4 Decimals 4.1 Reading and Writing Decimals 4.2 Rounding Decimals 4.3 Adding and Subtracting Decimals 4.4 Multiplying Decimals 4.5 Dividing Decimals 4.6 Writing Fractions as Decimals Chapter 5 Ratio and Proportion 5.1 Ratios 5.2 Rates 5.3 Proportions 5.4 Solving Proportions 5.5 Solving Application Problems with Proportions Chapter 6 Percent 6.1 Basics of Percent 6.2 Percents and Fractions 6.3 Using the Percent Proportion and Identifying the Components in a Percent Problem 6.4 Using Proportions to Solve Percent Problems 6.5 Using the Percent Equation 6.6 Solving Application Problems with Percent 6.7 Simple Interest 6.8 Compound Interest Chapter 7 Measurement 7.1 Problem Solving with English Measurement 7.2 The Metric System–Length 7.3 The Metric System–Capacity and Weight (Mass) 7.4 Problem Solving with Metric Measurement 7.5 Metric—English Conversions and Temperature Chapter 8 Geometry 8.1 Basic Geometric Terms 8.2 Angles and Their Relationships 8.3 Rectangles and Squares 8.4 Parallelograms and Trapezoids 8.5 Triangles 8.6 Circles 8.7 Volume 8.8 Pythagorean Theorem 8.9 Similar Triangles Chapter 9 Basic Algebra 9.1 Signed Numbers 9.2 Adding and Subtracting Signed Numbers 9.3 Multiplying and Dividing Signed Numbers 9.4 Order of Operations 9.5 Evaluating Expressions and Formulas 9.6 Solving Equations 9.7 Solving Equations with Several Steps 9.8 Using Equations to Solve Application Problems Chapter 10 Statistics 10.1 Circle Graphs 10.2 Bar Graphs and Line Graphs 10.3 Frequency Distributions and Histograms 10.4 Mean, Median, and Mode Pre-Algebra: 1. Introduction to Algebra: Integers 1.1 Place Value 1.2 Introduction to Signed Numbers 1.3 Adding Integers 1.4 Subtracting Integers 1.5 Problem Solving: Rounding and Estimating 1.6 Multiplying Integers 1.7 Dividing Integers 1.8 Exponents and Order of Operations 2. Understanding Variables and Solving Equations 2.1 Introduction to Variables 2.2 Simplifying Expressions 2.3 Solving Equations Using Addition 2.4 Solving Equations Using Division 2.5 Solving Equations with Several Steps 3. Solving Application Problems 3.1 Problem Solving: Perimeter 3.2 Problem Solving: Area 3.3 Solving Application Problems with One Unknown Quantity 3.4 Solving Application Problems with Two Unknown Quantities 4. Rational Numbers: Positive and Negative Fractions 4.1 Introduction to Signed Fractions 4.2 Writing Fractions in Lowest Terms 4.3 Multiplying and Dividing Signed Fractions 4.4 Adding and Subtracting Signed Fractions 4.5 Problem Solving: Mixed Numbers and Estimating 4.6 Exponents, Order of Operations, and Complex Fractions 4.7 Problem Solving: Equations Containing Fractions 4.8 Geometry Applications: Area and Volume 5. Rational Numbers: Positive and Negative Decimals 5.1 Reading and Writing Decimal Numbers 5.2 Rounding Decimal Numbers 5.3 Adding and Subtracting Signed Decimal Numbers 5.4 Multiplying Signed Decimal Numbers 5.5 Dividing Signed Decimal Numbers 5.6 Fractions and Decimals 5.7 Problem Solving with Statistics: Mean, Median, and Mode 5.8 Geometry Applications: Pythagorean Theorem and Square Roots 5.9 Problem Solving: Equations Containing Decimals 5.10 Geometry Applications: Circles, Cylinders, and Surface Area 6. Ratio, Proportion, and Line/Angle/Triangle Relationships 6.1 Ratios 6.2 Rates 6.3 Proportions 6.4 Problem Solving with Proportions 6.5 Geometry: Lines and Angles 6.6 Geometry Applications: Congruent and Similar Triangles 7. Percent 7.1 The Basics of Percent 7.2 The Percent Proportion 7.3 The Percent Equation 7.4 Problem Solving with Percent 7.5 Consumer Applications: Sales Tax, Tips, Discounts, and Simple Interest 8. Measurement 8.1 Problem Solving with U.S. Customary Measurement 8.2 The Metric System-Length 8.3 The Metric System-Capacity and Weight (Mass) 8.4 Problem Solving with Metric Measurements 8.5 Metric-U.S. Customary Conversions and Temperature 9. Graphs 9.1 Problem Solving with Tables and Pictographs 9.2 Reading and Constructing Circle Graphs 9.3 Bar Graphs and Line Graphs 9.4 The Rectangular Coordinate System 9.5 Introduction to Graphing Linear Equations 10. Exponents and Polynomials 10.1 The Product Rule and Power Rules for Exponents 10.2 Integer Exponents and the Quotient Rule 10.3 An Application of Exponents: Scientific Notation 10.4 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials 10.5 Multiplying Polynomials: An Introduction Edited December 16, 2010 by matroyshka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 This is a great thread -- thank you both so much. I don't know how I can have a question in my mind and not consider asking it here so I am so glad you did! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted December 17, 2010 Author Share Posted December 17, 2010 Wow, Matroyshka, that's really helpful, thank you! There really is a huge difference in what they cover. I'm NO expert, but I am having trouble seeing how they are even comparable? The BCM seems like a lot of review. As I looked at my copy of BCM, I remember thinking that dd, even though she is no math whiz, is covering a bunch of this in CLE 5th grade (although BCM does extend the difficulty somewhat.) I know nothing about pre-algebra. Would the BCM or the Pre-Algebra be more like a "typical" pre-algebra course? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 If one were to look at the pre-algebra rather than BCM what would be a good edition? I agree that the BCM looks like 80% review and since my son is already really behind in math, I don't want him to spend time reviewing what is not necessary. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think it's easier to find BCM at a reasonable price than the pre-algebra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I think it's easier to find BCM at a reasonable price than the pre-algebra. Not really - try here for prealegbra http://www.amazon.com/Prealgebra-3rd-Margaret-L-Lial/dp/0321266625/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292617022&sr=8-2 Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 I think it's easier to find BCM at a reasonable price than the pre-algebra. I was easily able to find the Pre-Algebra 3rd edition "like new" for $8 at Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kwiley Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Here are some links I think may be useful. You can look through a good part of each book to see the differences. (Although I still have not decided which one to use for 7th grade math :001_smile:) BCM looks a lot like Horizons 6 grade to me, but the prealgebra looks quite a bit more difficult! Any input would be appreciated. :bigear: Basic College Math: http://instructors.coursesmart.com/0321557123 Prealgebra: http://instructors.coursesmart.com/0321567927 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 One problem is I have not found the answer book yet. But I have not tried very hard. The ISBNs for all the other elements you can get to go with a given Lial's book are right on the back cover. If you look up the Solutions Guide by its ISBN number, you should be able to find it easily. I haven't felt the need for anything beyond the Student text and the Solutions Guide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyhock Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 I was just over looking at the Math Mammoth website and I noticed that Maria is now recommending the Lial's Pre-Algebra rather than BCM. Every other time I've looked, it said BCM. Thought that was interesting and that I would throw it into this conversation for anyone interested! http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete/prealgebra.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennynd Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 (edited) thanks, Matroyshka, I was thinking if I should get Lial's BCM. but the scope looks really like the SM standard 5 and 6 Edited May 20, 2011 by jennynd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kwiley Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 Thanks, You have all been very helpful. I did not see the change in MM either. I think I will go with prealgebra. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Question: Do the earlier versions of Lial's Pre-Algebra allow access to the online videos? Those look helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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