Math Essentials - A Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Math was a subject that didn't give our family too much trouble until 7th grade. That's when we hit the wall, so to speak. If you've read any of my other posts about mathematics, you already know that for the past few years, it's been an area of study that has given us more headaches than smiles. In our search for the "perfect" curriculum, it feels like we've tried them all. This last year has been better, and my 14 year old finished up the curriculum we had been using, early. I figured that since we still had time in our school year, we would keep going and continue on to the next level. As it happens, and in fantastic timing, Math Essentials provided us with a copy of No-Nonsense Algebra to use and review. 

You get a pretty good picture of this book's approach from its title. No nonsense, no fluff, no convoluted lectures. Lessons are taught by Richard W. Fisher, also known as, "America's Math Teacher". This is a durable, soft covered textbook that combines the text and workbook all in one. You could simply open it up, read the introduction, and work through the problems. Those that are already mathematically minded may prefer to use the book that way. There is an online lecture that accompanies each lesson though, and I strongly recommend using those. They are short and concise, lasting roughly 4 to 11 minutes. 

Video lessons home page

!st video lesson

These are the topics covered:

- Chapter 1- Necessary tools for Algebra

- Chapter 2 - Solving Equations

- Chapter 3 - Graphing and Analyzing Linear Equations

- Chapter 4 - Solving and Graphing Inequalities

- Chapter 5 - Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

- Chapter 6 - Polynomials

- Chapter 7 - Rational Expressions (Algebraic Fractions)

- Chapter 8 - Radical Expressions and Geometry

- Chapter 9 - Quadratic Equations

- Chapter 10 - Algebra Word Problems

Additionally, you'll find:

- How to Use This Book section

- Chapter reviews

- Final Exam

- Solutions to all problems

- Glossary

- Resource center

When our book arrived, my 14 year old started skimming it, and I couldn't believe when she said, "Hey, this looks pretty good." Great, I thought, at least we're beginning on a positive note. The real test (no pun intended), would come once she began the lessons. So, we started with the online lectures. It's easy to access those, all of the instructions are in the book. You'll type in the web address, and the book provides an access code. After that, you're in. The lessons are all right there, separated by chapters. Click on your current lesson, and get to it! 

Taking notes along with Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fisher writes the notes as he teaches

More notes

How many lectures have you watched, listened to, attended, whatever the manner, where you sat there while the instructor droned on and on, and you zoned out? Well, Mr. Fisher wants you to learn, and track with him while he teaches, so, he encourages you to write the problems out with him as he works through the example problems. My daughter likes that he does that, and she feels like that process helps her retain the information better. 

Here's another question for you...how may times have you found yourself understanding the method of a math concept as the teacher provided an example problem, only to have them throw a ridiculously difficult problem in the exercises? Mr. Fisher provides both easy and difficult problems in the lessons, so you don't feel blindsided.

Ahh, square roots! Lol

Working those problems

Order of Operations

The Coordinate Plane

This class can be completed without parent help for most students, especially if they utilize the online lectures, which I strongly recommend. The book is everything that it claims to be, no-nonsense, concise, and without fluff. Now, what does my daughter think? She loves it! I'm happy and relieved to have a course that my daughter doesn't dread using.  She has completed 22 lessons in this review period, and wants to keep this as her main Math curriculum. Did you hear that? It was a sigh of contentment from me, heehee. You can pick up the book for $35.95, which includes the access to online instruction. That's very affordable! Visit the website and download sample lessons, and see what you think.

Find Math Essentials on social media: Facebook Our Crew members also reviewed the following titles from Math Essentials : Math Refresher for Adults Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2 Middle Grades/High School Read the reviews by clicking on the banner below!