pjssully Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 ok after reading tons of posts, I think I have decided to use Lial Basic College Math for my 12 year old sons. One has finished Zeta in Math u See, and the other finished Abeka book 6. I think they are both very smart and catch on quickly-I would like them in the same book now that they are entering the harder math. i am comfortable teaching math up to Pre-Calc. I want to make sure there are no holes before we head into Algebra 1, and from what I understand using Lial Basic College Math will prepare them for Algebra 1 the following year. Please correct me if I am wrong about this!!!!!!!! What I need to know is which edition to buy??? There are so many different editions that I am overwhelmed when I look! Could someone please give me either the edition number or better yet, an ISBN number for the best overall edition! Thanks so much, this board is a life saver!! Pm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 The editions are virtually indistinguishable. The publisher changes them to make more money from students who are forced to buy the latest edition. Any one of them (even the first) will prepare your kid just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 BCM is mostly an arithmetic review-- just a tiny bit deeper than 6th grade level. It has a long chapter on basic Geometry formula work and one chapter that introduces negatives and basic Algebra. I refer to it as 'Pre-Algebra 1'. Most BCM problems are 1-2 steps. Some STRONG students can go from BCM into Algebra 1 with no issues (but will need to work the first chapter of Lial's Introductory Algebra)-- when I teach an Algebra 1 class I begin with chapter 3... Most students will do so much better in Introductory Algebra if they work the Lial Pre-Algebra (I call this Pre-Algebra 2). It is a great bridge between middle school math and Algebra. This text begins with negatives and variables in the first lesson-- then works through standard 'middle school' concepts but adds those components in-- to show students that Algebra is just a continuation of arithmetic--not a totally different creature. Most of the Lial Pre-Algebra problems are 3-4 steps If your students can handle the Lial Pre-Algebra then go with it-- you can always pull back to BCM (but I think you will be fine). Chapter 3 in Introductory Algebra has problems that are 5-6 steps if not more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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