Algebra for Everyone

Algebra for Everyone - as its name suggests – is written for a wide audience. The aim of the book is to demystify the common misconception that algebra is a difficult skill to understand and use.

Algebra for Everyone is written in clear, easy to understand English and makes no assumptions about the readers’ prior mathematical knowledge (apart from being able to +, -, x, ÷). Additional skills which are required – such as negative numbers and co-ordinates are explained where necessary.

The book begins with very basic (but key) algebraic skills (National Curriculum level 5), gently progressing to more challenging skills seen at GCSE Grades D, C and B.

Who is Algebra for Everyone intended for?

Lots of people!

• Year 6 pupils who have a good (level 5) understanding of number will find the early chapters useful – particularly with the onset of secondary school.
• Key Stage 3 pupils at secondary school who meet significantly more algebra – particularly in Year 9 with SATs national tests.
• GCSE pupils who are sitting the foundation papers and want to achieve a grade C
• GCSE pupils who are sitting the higher papers and want to achieve at least a grade C
• Parents who wish to support their children who may feel less confident with algebra.

What is included?

• Over 50 pages of tutorials and questions - including useful hints (so the reader does not feel out of their depth).
• Answer books.
• CD which includes all the above material saved in a pdf (easy to view) file format. Teachers may also find the material in electronic format useful as the pages can be viewed on their interactive white boards for whole-class teaching.

What topics are explained?

Key topics include:

• solving an equation through inspection;
• use of inverse operations;
• expanding brackets;
• factorising linear and quadratic equations;
• simultaneous equations;
• solving quadratic equations through factorising;
• solving quadratic equations through formula;
• linear and quadratic graphs;
• changing the subject of equations.

Further to the obvious higher maths grade benefit a good understanding of algebra brings; because the concept is so in twined within the different mathematical topics, achieving success in algebra tends to have a positive effect boosting confidence and success throughout the subject.