Math Smart, 2nd Edition (Smart Guides)

I finished 3/4 of this book in an attempt to make up for my math deficiencies and to do better on standardized tests. I realized to continue with the author's viewpoint would be futile since I learned to hate the book. The author does well on the early chapters of reviewing basics but stumbles in later sections. Algebra seems to be a particular problem for her to explain clearly and there are shockingly short details. In short, there are not enough explanations, examples, and working through problems. The annoying tone of the author grated on me with her quasi-cheerleading and flat jokes. I would appreciate a more comprehensive answer section which would explain the process. True math confidence can be achieved with hard work, good explanations, and repetition. This book does not deliver. My math tutor, who is a PhD in math, started to cross out sections of the book. I think that says it all.

I wanted to confirm on the website that this book was as good as it appears. Overall, I got so much from the book - from basic algebra to complicated fractions and all of those polynomials.

However, I did find a small handful of answers - like one out of a hundred, when I got all of the answers right - just one would be wrong according to the key. I would rework the problem over and over, and even substituted the book's answer and it still came off wrong. Did anyone else notice that? So I'm a little trepid in totally recommending this book.

It would have been better, I agree had the authors explain how they got their answers.

If you are having trouble in math, this is the book to purchase. It goes Step by steps very easy to understand.

I always am the best math person in the whole class.
I just can't remember each formula, rule, and specific
step to do so. So when we went to Border's we saw this and Math Smart 2. I picked it up and scanned some of the pages. To my amazement, they had everything I was currently doing in my school. Integers, Fractions, Decimals. I was so good I finally found books with precise facts and easy-to-understand step-by-step guide. So I showed my mom and she said she would by it. Since then, I take Math Smart everywhere I go. It a perfect reference tool for math terms and the best studying guide I have ever seen. If you have a kid at home or want to brush up on math skills yourself, this is the book. Trust me your purchase will be worth it.

I was preparing for the GRE, but I had one big problem. I had not taken a math class in 5 years. I had made it through calculus, but after a 5 year hiatus, it had all left my brain. Even the basic stuff, such as rules about exponents was out of my memory.

This book takes you back to the very beginning (we're talking, "Here are the positive numbers, and the negative numbers"), and reteaches you math step-by-step in a very easy-to-understand way. It is also fun to read, as the author keeps the book interesting by using jokes and quips. This was the most helpful math review that I had (and I even took the Kaplan GRE course!). Teaches you how to solve math problems quickly by also giving tips and shortcuts. You won't regret buying this book.