The 7 Best Pre-Algebra Textbooks
We spent 23 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top picks for this wiki. Math is difficult enough to understand already, and boring, out-of-date schoolbooks don’t help the matter. If the word “equation” makes your child physically ill, check out these pre-algebra textbooks. We’ve included editions that explain core concepts and provide students with a proper foundation, whether you’re a pre-teen entering high school or an adult in need of a refresher.
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Skip to the best pre-algebra textbook on Amazon.
7. Prentice Hall
This option from Prentice Hall is a great value and offers 886 pages of lessons carefully crafted to help students master the basics. Also available is a practice workbook full of extra problems to hammer home difficult ideas.
- aimed at high school students
- web resources available
- text hasn't been updated since 2003
| Publisher | Prentice Hall |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 4.7 pounds |
| Rating | 3.9 / 5.0 |
6. Bittinger Worktext Series
The seventh edition from the Bittinger Worktext Series is a modern update on classic learning techniques, with a greater emphasis on guided lessons to take advantage of the resources and technology available to today's kids.
- comes with a mymathlab access code
- mobile learning resources
- mainly designed for classroom use
| Publisher | Bittinger Worktext Seri |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
5. Glencoe McGraw-Hill
This title from Glencoe McGraw-Hill boasts over 1,000 pages of lessons and problem sets. It is a great primary option for comprehensive study, but it can also be used to supplement course books for anyone in need of an additional approach.
- designed to improve test scores
- includes self-check quizzes
- large and bulky hardcover
| Publisher | Glencoe McGraw-Hill |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Rating | 5.0 / 5.0 |
4. Elayn Martin-Gay Sixth Edition
The Elayn Martin-Gay Sixth Edition was written with the aim of helping students transition smoothly from simple arithmetic to algebra. The author has over 25 years of teaching experience and has a full series of volumes for those who want to learn more.
- includes access code for web lessons
- step-by-step solutions to problems
- video lectures are also available
| Publisher | Elayn Martin-Gay Sixth |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.9 / 5.0 |
3. Holt McDougal Larson
The folks at Holt McDougal Larson have spent years refining their methods, making their texts a classroom standard. In addition to this student edition, they also have workbooks designed for common core as well as a version for consumer and career learning.
- trusted school brand
- assessment tests for every unit
- spanish version also available
| Publisher | HOLT MCDOUGAL |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
2. Lial Series
The fifth edition of the Lial Series focuses on helping students succeed by providing a proper foundation for complex algebra. The authors utilize approachable writing and varied exercise sets combined with ancillary resources to work with all types of learners.
- interactive powerpoint presentation
- online access kit
- guided solution exercises
| Publisher | Lial Series |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 |
1. Miller O'Neill Hyde
The pedigree of this Miller O'Neill Hyde resource isn't in doubt: all three authors have over 20 years of collegiate-level mathematics experience. This 768-page tome is aimed at communicating to students on a level that is easy to understand.
- published in paperback
- updated for 2014
- e-book version also available
| Publisher | Miller O'Neill Hyde |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
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Last updated on May 12, 2017 by Gregg Parker
Gregg Parker is an author, screenwriter, and comedian who divides his time between Los Angeles, California, and Osaka, Japan. When he’s not watching sports, he spends most of his free time on his artistic pursuits or collecting miles for his next international journey.
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