Sorry for what might be a repeat question...Lial's Basic/Introductory Algebra

[SheilaZ]

I've searched the archives but I cannot find an answer.

What is the difference between the Lial's Introductory Algebra, the Lials, Hornsby, McGinnis Algebra 1, and the Lial/Hornsby Basic Algebra.
Other than the publishers that is.

I have alreay planned to use BCM for pre-algebra. I was given an 8th edition of Basic Algebra. Is it comperable to Introductory Algebra?

I'm confused as to how to follow this series.

Sheila :confused:

[Jann in TX]

All of these series are/were published by the same company--just different divisions.

Basic College Math is part of Margaret Lial's Developmental Math program--also called her 'paperback' series.

If you like how Basic College Math is set up then you might like Introductory Algebra a bit more than Beginning Algebra. They are BOTH Algebra 1 level texts--but Intro has practice problems in the margin and the explanations are a tiny bit more detailed--I like the flow of Intro a bit more too... still Basic is not a bad text... Both series use the title Intermediate Algebra for Algebra 2--the layout varries depending on the series (they are not the same texts).

Beginning with the new editions this year Pearson has combined 2 of Margaret Lial's series--the one that used Introductory Algebra and the one that used Beginning Algebra. They will keep the title of 'Beginning Algebra' because it has been around a few years more. This edition is called the 10th. They made some updates to the program with this edition--mainly changing the DVTs and including an instructor working out all of the test problems step by step (a newer trend).

The latest edition of Introductory Algebra is the 8th. It is a better value to purchase the 7th--I have both and they are virtually identical. The 7th edition student text will cost under $15 shipped in 'like new' condition. With the DVTs and student solutions manual you can piece together a set for under $50 shipped. The new editions will run around $130 a set.

Margaret Lial has been authoring math texts for MANY years. I have a 1980's edition of Intermediate Algebra --other than the print being VERY TINY the same great teaching/examples is there.

[SheilaZ]

Thank you for clearing that up for me.

I do like the way the Basic Algebra is set up so I won't look that gift horse in the mouth.;)

I can put that money into upgrading a microscope.