Basic Math and Pre-Algebra For Dummies

Tips for simplifying tricky basic math and pre–algebra operations Whether you′re a student preparing to take algebra or a parent who wants or needs to brush up on basic math, this fun, friendly guide has the tools you need to get in gear. From positive, negative, and whole numbers to fractions, decimals, and percents, you′ll build necessary math skills to tackle more advanced topics, such as imaginary numbers, variables, and algebraic equations. Explanations and practical examples that mirror today′s teaching methods Relevant cultural vernacular and references Standard For Dummies materials that match the current standard and design Basic Math &, Pre–Algebra For Dummies takes the intimidation out of tricky operations and helps you get ready for algebra!

Introduction 1 Part I: Getting Started with Basic Math and Pre–Algebra 5 Chapter 1: Playing the Numbers Game 7 Chapter 2: It′s All in the Fingers: Numbers and Digits 25 Chapter 3: The Big Four: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division 31 Part II: Getting a Handle on Whole Numbers 49 Chapter 4: Putting the Big Four Operations to Work 51 Chapter 5: A Question of Values: Evaluating Arithmetic Expressions 67 Chapter 6: Say What? Turning Words into Numbers 79 Chapter 7: Divisibility 91 Chapter 8: Fabulous Factors and Marvelous Multiples 99 Part III: Parts of the Whole: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents 113 Chapter 9: Fooling with Fractions 115 Chapter 10: Parting Ways: Fractions and the Big Four Operations 131 Chapter 11: Dallying with Decimals 157 Chapter 12: Playing with Percents 181 Chapter 13: Word Problems with Fractions, Decimals, and Percents 193 Part IV: Picturing and Measuring &mdash, Graphs, Measures, Stats, and Sets 205 Chapter 14: A Perfect Ten: Condensing Numbers with Scientific Notation 207 Chapter 15: How Much Have You Got? Weights and Measures 215 Chapter 16: Picture This: Basic Geometry 227 Chapter 17: Seeing Is Believing: Graphing as a Visual Tool 249 Chapter 18: Solving Geometry and Measurement Word Problems 257 Chapter 19: Figuring Your Chances: Statistics and Probability 269 Chapter 20: Setting Things Up with Basic Set Theory 281 Part V: The X–Files: Introduction to Algebra 289 Chapter 21: Enter Mr. X: Algebra and Algebraic Expressions 291 Chapter 22: Unmasking Mr. X: Algebraic Equations 309 Chapter 23: Putting Mr. X to Work: Algebra Word Problems 321 Part VI: The Part of Tens 331 Chapter 24: Ten Little Math Demons That Trip People Up 333 Chapter 25: Ten Important Number Sets to Know 339 Index 347