Guest Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 In the thread below, you say that you prefer Basic College Math to Pre-Alg and Intro Alg to Beginning Alg. Would you please share why? I am trying to make a decision for my son. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209222 Also, besides price, is there any reason to buy the 4th over the 3rd edition? Thank you for your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 If I am unsure of a student's background I prefer BCM to Pre-Algebra... it is not as stressful. If I am sure a student had a strong middle school math background then I really really like the Lial Pre-Algebra text-- it actually has quite a bit of Algebra in it-- but it can be challenging if the student is not ready. I use the Pre-Algebra class with my 'honors' students... I had to call the class honors because the pace is pretty fast... 'slower' or non-mathy students would have a hard time keeping up with our pace. BCM is a nice SOLID Pre-Algebra course-- with just enough Algebra 1 at the end (basic equation solving) to ease the student into a full Algebra 1 course. Lial Pre-Algebra covers basic math AND the first 4 chapters of Algebra 1 (not as deep as in the full Algebra course--but still quite a bit more than other Pre-Algebra texts). The best thing to do if possible is to take a look at both texts. They are set up the same way-- the FULL teaching lesson is in the text and each lesson is designed for BLOCK scheduling- so 2 days average per lesson (odds) and 2 for the chapter reviews (all). -- I prefer the LAYOUT of Introductory Algebra to the layout of Beginning Algebra... I like the larger font size and the practice problems in the margins right alongside the lesson-- "read the lesson example then work a practice problem--if you did it correctly move on to the next example"... both programs cover the same material with practically the same teaching. The paperback texts lie flat and are nice to work with-- I DO reinforce the covers with clear self-laminating sheets. They hold up amazingly well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Thank you for that thorough explanation. From that, I need Basic College Math for my son then Intro Alg. One would not do both texts then, I take it? Would you be willing to share an ISBN for the text and solution manual with me? Thank you again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.