The 7 Best Pre-Algebra Textbooks
We spent 22 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 Math is difficult enough to understand already, and boring, out-of-date schoolbooks don’t help the matter.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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