BusyMom5 Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 I am looking ahead at next year and Algebra. I'm leaning toward Jacob's Algebra, but I have a few questions- 1. There are 2 books, Mathematics a Human Endeavor and Jacob's Elementary Algebra. Can someone explain the difference between these 2 books? Are they the same level? 2. Where do you find Jacob's Elementary Algebra? It seems to be out of stock everywhere, but I see no dates as to when it will be available. I can't seem to find any good examples either, just raving reviews. I know I looked for this book last year, and it was also unavailable- any ideas when it will be available? 3. Dr. Callahan uses Jacob's text. I'm not sure about a DVD series for teaching math, but it definitely has it's appeal! DD liked the preview on their website and thought the girl in the video was fun to watch and easy to understand. Is the entire series like that? How long is the average lesson? 4. What support, solution manuals, ect. should I get? Is there enough support for me to comfortable teach it? What other Algebra texts should I look at? We have Crocodiles and Coconuts to add in, nad if we like it I will get the other one that goes with it. I"m also considering Saxon w/ Art Reed DVDs- mainly due to the support I think I would have, a DVD lesson, complete solutions manual, and the materials are all easy to find (used and cheaper). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 Jacobs' Elementary Algebra has been out of print for a long time. It is available used on Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 1. We use Elementary Algebra. I think I remember reading the other is for remedial college classes, but I'm not positive about that. Elementary Algebra is what most people are referring to. 2. It was written in the 1970s and has long been out of print. Check Amazon and eBay for used copies. Be patient. :) 3. Sorry, can't help you there. We haven't used those. 4. The only real support there is, other than Dr. Callahan, is the teachers guide. It has answers but not solutions, alas. There has been mention here that there is an actual solutions guide available somewhere but I haven't found it. Maybe someone in the know will share. :) If you have a decent hold on your high school algebra, you should be fine teaching it with this book. It is gentle but really thorough. I recently took a look through the algebra text the local middle school uses and couldn't believe the difference in depth. My mathy kid is really happy with Jacobs. It's been a great fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 Mathematics: A Human Endeavor isn't an algebra text. It's a great book, it just doesn't have much of the content of a traditional algebra course. It has a lot more about logic and problem solving and... random math. I don't know how else to describe it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 The other book is more of a number theory book. It is a fun side trip, if your child otherwise enjoys math or needs a year side trip. I love Jacobs. I intend to use it with my next child. It is out of print so you will have to find it used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyMom5 Posted January 9, 2016 Author Share Posted January 9, 2016 So what is a good used price? Am I just looking at a bad time of the year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apple Bean Tripod School Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 Jacob's Elementary Algebra was "the one" after trying Saxon and MM. We are really happy with it. I paid $47 on Amazon last November. It hurt to spend that much on an old used book, but I stalked it for a while and that was the best I could find and I got to the point where I couldn't wait anymore :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armom Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 I just recently bought a like new copy from someone on homeschool classifieds for $25+postage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourisenough Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 I gave up on Jacob's, feeling like I needed more in the way of teacher support (at least a full solutions manual). Instead, we're going to use Foerster's Algebra 1, plus the Math Without Borders video lessons. I bought the text used for cheap and will order the videos and also the solutions manual (from RR). I worked through chapter 1 over Christmas break and really liked it. Just a thought if you find Jacobs difficult to track down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 So what is a good used price? Am I just looking at a bad time of the year? I think we paid around 20? And maybe another 15 for the teacher guide? Remember you will be able to sell the books again when you are finished. People expect them to be used, and they are always in demand for good reason. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaSprout Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 There is a solutions manual: http://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=009966 Preview- https://books.google.com/books?id=PEBMNI51vMEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=jacobs&ei=doaTVtvRB4TBjAHx57jQDA&cd=1#v=onepage&q=jacobs&f=false If you don't need it ASAP, keep shopping. I watched for a year before I bought mine. I always post math books I'm selling here at the classifieds because they go fairly quickly. It's probably worth checking the classifieds here regularly because math books usually don't last too long if they're priced right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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