A First Book in Algebra ~ Free eBook

If you are looking for a self-teaching algebra text, here is a public domain option that a motivated student should be able to work through himself. A First Book in Algebra, written by Wallace Clarke Boyden, the Sub-Master of the Boston Normal School, is a no-nonsense approach for learning algebra.

A First Book in Algebra was originally published in 1894 by Silver, Burdett and Company. The author wrote the text to teach algebra to upper elementary students, so it is an easy text to jump into. The book can be adapted to any beginner in algebra.

Boyden claimed in the introduction that there were only two differences between general arithmetic and algebra:

All the differences between this work and that pursued in arithmetic may be traced to the introduction of two new elements, namely, negative numbers and the representation of numbers by letters.

That’s it. Which really makes algebra simple for the student who begins by working through simple problems following an example. As the student continues, the problems become more difficult but follow the same pattern.

In this way, the student learns:

Algebraic notation.
Standard operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
Factors.
Multiples.
Fractions.
Equations.

For most students, advanced math begins to make sense as they reach a level of comfort by working through a lot of problems. If that describes your student, this book may be a great fit.

Oh, and the answers are in the back!