Almost everyone feared Algebra – and even Mathematics – back in school. But if you manage to get to college or university and have to major in the subject – you no longer find it fearful.
Everyone can excel at algebra if they understand its underlying principles and the situations to which they can be applied for predicted results. And there are best algebra books for self-study that can help along the way.
As a branch of mathematics, algebra represents problems or situations using mathematical expressions of x, y, z, etc. The combination of variables such as x, y, and z with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division create mathematical expressions that are meaningful and interpretative for targeted purposes. A combination of a, b, x, y variables with constants such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc create algebraic equations which are subject to further solutions.
Since you are interested in obtaining the best algebra books for self-study, let’s point out that some of the branches of algebra include pre-algebra, elementary algebra, abstract algebra, and universal algebra among others.
Based on these branches, a user can develop algebraic expressions of linear equations, quadratic equations, and cubic equations among others; as well as sequence and series that give rise to arithmetic progression and geometric progression.
Best Algebra Books for Self-study: Our Top 7 Picks
Having laid the foundation of algebra, let’s consider the best algebra books for self-study that you can use to gain professional and academic mastery of this subject. Below are seven that are designed for self-study and come cheap for all categories of users:
1. No-Nonsense Algebra: Part of the Mastering Essential Math Skills Series
In its second edition, this algebra textbook for self-study is recommended for students who have always struggled with mathematics. It is simplified for millions of students who must do mathematics as a minor or major subject in countries around the world. The lessons are short, concise, and direct to the point; with ample step-by-step solutions that anyone can figure out.
There are also review questions and helpful hints for solving them with ease. In this textbook, some of the topics considered are tools for algebra, solving equations, graphing inequalities, graphing and solving equations, polynomials, quadratics, word problems, and geometry among others.
Author(s): Richard W. Fisher
Publisher: Math Essentials
Current Edition: Paperback, 2nd Edition (February 2018)
Pages: 294
2. Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, Second Edition
Whether you are just being introduced to algebra or you need a refresher course on it, the second edition of Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide is the book for you. This textbook puts you in control of the tools and basic concepts for solving algebraic problems, and there are numerous real-life examples to which they can be applied in the workout section.
As a student or educator, some of the things you will learn in this algebra textbook include solving problems with algebra, number system, monomials and polynomials, algebraic fractions, inequalities, quadratic equations, graphs, and exponents/roots/radicals among others. Whether you are currently working as a professional in the healthcare, technology, business, science, or social sciences sectors, you will learn how to solve practical job problems using the algebraic solutions revealed in this book.
Author(s): Steve Slavin and Peter H. Selby
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Current Edition: Paperback, 2nd Edition (February, 1991)
Pages: 329
3. Algebra Essentials Practice Workbook with Answers
If your academic or career ambition is to develop algebraic fluency, then this is the textbook for you. With numerous practice exercises to hone your skill at solving algebraic problems, you can gain mastery in essential and complex algebraic expressions with this resource.
Interestingly, there are no visual images or illustrations in this book – but that was intentional on the part of the author – to keep the user focused on practicing. This book contains ample practice exercises, instructive examples, answer solutions, and other helpful materials.
Author(s): Chris McMullen
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Current Edition: Paperback (July 2010)
Pages: 209
4. Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in One Big Fat Notebook
If you are new to algebra, this is the book you need to grasp the fundamentals of the subject. Just as the title reveals, everything you need to ace pre-algebra and algebra 1 is contained in this one book. It contains the essentials of the number system, square roots, cube roots, polynomials, quadratic operations, and graphing among others.
As a beginner, you will be able to comprehend the essentials and complexities of algebra with the mnemonic tricks, educational doodles, quizzes, illustrative diagrams, and helpful definitions contained in this “one big fat notebook.”
Author(s): Workman Publishing and Jason Wang
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Current Edition: Paperback (October 2021)
Pages: 640
5. McGraw-Hill Education Algebra I Review and Workbook
This is a workbook and review material for algebra 1. It does not only introduce you to the basic concepts and essentials of algebra, but it also provides you with the required reviews to entrench your comprehension and workbook to test your skills. You will be exposed to classroom-grade materials that can be applied to any real-life situation.
And there are 500 practical review questions that can be attempted to evaluate your skills and review your readiness for state or national examinations. This algebra book for self-study is recommended for students and educators who must deal with beginners in algebra.
Author(s): Sandra Luna McCune
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Current Edition: Paperback, 1st Edition (January 2019)
Pages: 288
6. Algebra I for Dummies (Lifestyle)
You may be in high school or college or a mathematical guru desiring to brush up his algebra skills, Algebra 1 for Dummies is the perfect algebra textbook for you. In its second edition, this textbook simplifies algebraic operations at all levels of academic and professional life.
It does not matter that you never liked mathematics, this textbook will not only make you fall in love with mathematics, but it will also make you excel in algebra as a practical wizard.
This resource contains revisions from the first edition and features 25% updated content. It has proven tools to solve all algebraic operations to enable you to solve equations, exponents and logarithms, inequalities, polynomials, factorizations, sequences and series, and absolute values among others. This book is recommended for everyone that wants to become a guru at algebra.
Author(s): Mary Jane Sterling
Publisher: For Dummies
Current Edition: Paperback, 2nd Edition (June 2016)
Pages: 384
7. Art of Problem Solving Introduction to Algebra Textbook and Solutions Manual
Students preparing to sit for MathCounts and AMC examinations among others will find this algebra textbook very helpful. College teachers and university professors will also find it helpful to use this resource as a refresher.
The book introduces users to the essentials of algebra and takes intermediate learners to advanced topics in equations, polynomials, sequences and series, ratios, exponents and logarithms, and graphing among others.
With more than 1,000 algebra problems and proven answers, this textbook remains one of the best algebra books for self-study anyone can ever lay their hands upon. It can serve the purposes of algebra 1 and II and meet any examination needs with absolute ease. It is recommended for all categories of users – learners, students, educators, and examiners.
Author(s): Richard Rusczyk
Publisher: N/A
Current Edition: Paperback (January 1965)
Pages: N/A
