�What is algebra?� The answer starts out: �Algebra is like arithmetic, but in algebra some of the numbers have names instead of values.�

As another example, �It makes no sense to me why someone would replace a number with a letter� signed Carissa. The answer is in part �You�re doing something a little like algebra whenever you use a pronoun. You could have written this: It makes no sense to Carissa why someone would replace a number with a letter�

Or how about: �An algebraic expression is like a word or phrase, and an equation is like a sentence.�

A successful textbook is easy to TEACH from because it has lots of exercises, and plenty of extra padding in case there isn�t quite enough useful content to fill the entire semester. Reading a successful textbook is often like eating sawdust. In contrast, Dr. Math Gets You Ready for Algebra is easy to LEARN from. It is not necessary to read it cover to cover. Instead, I heartily recommend that you keep this book in your medicine cabinet, secure in the knowledge that if your pre-teen comes home with a questions about pre-algebra, you won�t be left with a splitting headache.