Math Made a Bit Easier: Basic Math Explained in Plain English

This is a wonderful tool for spot-checking basic skills while working with a student in higher mathematic skills. Often, when a student has problems in algebra, such as speed in solving equations or careless inaccuracies in calculations, this stems from a missing building block: they forget what hasn't been directly used in a while, weren't taught a specific concept or weren't taught it well--or didn't pay attention the first time around, or they are not rehearsed enough in that skill for automaticity. The end result is delay in speed or they grow confused and frustrated. Students often think, "I'm just not good at math".Larry Zaphron has made it easy for anyone to practice basic math skills in this review text. You will want the accompanying workbook which has pre-test (for diagnosis of basic skills gaps) and a single post-test and practice problems, so consider the price of both books when considering purchasing this text. Of course, this text can be used alone, but it is natural to want to rehearse what has just been learned.The book set is very accessibly priced and is quick to move through. The instruction is just enough to remind the students of what they have been previously taught. It is NOT a textbook to teach these concepts initially, but an excellent brush-up course for students taking advanced math courses or prepping for college tests. The student can work through this set independently. A wise parent or tutor will oversee the pre- and post-testing and discussion and feedback for each chapter to ensure the student gets the most benefit, however. For that purpose, an accompanying guide is available which charts out the lessons directly (see my review on the guide book); the tutor can still choose the level of structure desired in the student-tutor relationship. This text targeted problems spots accurately. If there was a need to go into more depth (or more rehearsal) on a specific concept, we used the internet for extra instruction or rehearsal. My hat is off to Mr. Zafran for making this available. He is passionate about quality tutoring instruction (don't skip his introductions!) and his intent is most definitely for the student's ultimate success.

I'm a homeschooling mom who, in desperate search of "THE answer" to mine and the children's math struggles, stumbled upon Mr. Zafran's math website (MathwithLarry dot com) about mid September. It was the greatest "stumbling upon" I'd ever encountered, math-wise. It wasn't long before I was browsing through "Book Info" on his site, then on to google books where I simply couldn't stop reading! Mr. Zafran's views on HOW and WHY children (and adults) fall behind and end up completely LOST in maths made perfect sense, and I knew and understood these truths all too well. Needless to say, I did not hesitate to order the books-ALL OF THEM! How could I not, and at these VERY REASONABLE prices -a steal, actually- I couldn't afford NOT to.I am still reading, learning and teaching myself all over again, but I am enjoying it immensely. When I am reading/studying the lessons, I feel like Mr. Zafran is right there with me, instructing me step-by-step in my very dialect, as if these books were written just for me. I just can't say enough about these books, and how well-written they are, and how very easily they can be followed and understood. They've been an absolute life-saver for me and the kids, who, by the way, are actually ENJOYING math daily now. I am no longer "dreading" having to learn and teach a new math concept, nor am I seeking "alternatives" any longer. I found THE answer, and just want to say, "Thank you, Mr. Zafran...for making math a BIT easier. Or, if you don't mind me saying so, a bit MUCH easier."~M.S.

This is a very general math outline that simply builds from basic to complex mathematics. It lacks almost all of the colorful visuals, word bubbles, and examples of the usual math textbook. In fact, it's not really a textbook at all. It doesn't teach on the level (ie- 4th grade, 6th grade...). It simply starts with the number line and builds concepts from there. It contains a lot of math knowledge, but has all of the redundancy of annual learning and re-learning stripped out, so you have to know how to use it properly. I'd recommend using it a few months before taking a major placement test (SAT, ACT, etc.) or if you are going to teach math to someone (your children or as a new teacher) just to wrap your mind around all the math concepts at once and build them in your mind in a logical sequence. I wouldn't recommend using this book on a young student or new learner of math unless you are using it as a tutoring reference--it's not made to motivate students--it's made to instruct the person earnestly seeking to learn math properly.

I recently purchased "Math Made a Bit Easier" by Larry Zafran. My interest in the book was due to my desire to help tutor young students in mathematics. Zafran's book could be quite helpful in guiding a teacher/tutor toward effectively aiding those students who are have having troubles with the very elementary aspects of mathematical mastery.I would recomend the book to parents of youngsters who are faced with some difficulties in mastering elementary mathematics, teachers and tutors who seek to help students with low-level math skills, as well as any adults who never had the opportunity and motivation to master basic math, but wish to get a bit of mastery of it toward their GED, college preparation, or strictly for self-improvement -- or just any older students seeking to return to school.

I thanked God over and over for Larry Zafran. He truly cares for students of all ages that continually struggle with MATH! Prior to taking the Accuplacer, an entry level exam to college, I was a nervous wreck. Remedial classes are not affordable.I read this and then "Basic Algebra and Geometry Made A Bit Easier" and aced the exam!!!This is recommended to anyone that I have met since who struggles with math, especially my niece and her young friends. If only this kind of material were given to EVERY teacher and parent - how much frustration it could save!!