Basic Math and Pre–Algebra For Dummies

• Understand fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Unravel algebra word problems
• Work with graphs and measures
• Grasp prime numbers, factors, and multiples

A fun and accessible guide to the fundamentals of math

Somewhere along the line, you fell out of love with numbers. Simple math became difficult, and difficult math became impossible. But fear not, future math whiz you are holding the solution in your hands! Conquer your math anxiety forever with the easy–to–follow instructions and practical exercises of Basic Math & Pre–Algebra For Dummies.

• Master the Basics understand the Big Four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Strength in Numbers explore counting numbers, integers, rational numbers, and real numbers and learn how to work with each set
• Geometry Simplified gain a working knowledge of graphs and measurements from every angle
• Parts of the Whole learn to work confidently with fractions, decimals, and percentages, using real–world examples
• Math Your Way pick the approach traditional, easy, or quick trick that works for you
• Avoid Common Mistakes learn how to identify and avoid ten annoying math demons
• Unmask Mr. X tackle basic math and pre–algebra word problems, using single– and multiple–variable equations to find your answers

Open the book and find:

• The basics of math addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Arithmetic expressions, whole numbers, factors, and multiples
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Graphs, measures, stats, and sets
• Scientific notation and basic geometry
• An introduction to algebra and algebra word problems
• Ten math demons and how to avoid them
• Ten important number sets you should know

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 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

Mark Zegarelli is the author of seven highly successful For Dummies titles on math, logic, and test prep topics. He holds degrees in both English and math from Rutgers University and is a math tutor and teacher.