Lial's BCM 6th edition

[Amy loves Bud]

I picked up a brand new copy of this today at our used book sale for $10 on a hunch that I should.

We are finishing MUS Epsilon/LOF Fractions right now. Would Lial's come after MUS Zeta/LOF Decimals and function as a true pre-algebra? The books says it is part of a series that "includes" Pre Algebra, but BCM looks like pre-algebra to me.

So what sequence do you use with Lial's?

Thanks!

[Penny]

Jan in TX sent me this pm when I had questions about pre-algebra and Lial's.


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To save you some time searching through posts here is some information. Older editions are just fine--in fact they are usually NOT that old--this series was produced for remedial community college use (some high schools also use it) and the CCs require that texts have 'new' editions every 2 years or so...mostly cover and minor problem changes take place.

In all cases start with the student text. Once you get it it will have the isbn numbers of any extra parts you might want later... but the student text alone is all that is really needed. Video lessons (for computer viewing) can be purchase for around $35 a set--I've only had one student who actually used them--and then only on occasion. The teaching in the text is VERY good. This program was designed for INDEPENDENT learning so ALL of the lesson material is in the student text. All the odd answers plus answers to tests and such are also there.

Lial has 2 programs for Pre-Algebra one called Basic College Math (my FAVORITE) and one called simply "Pre-Algebra". Both cover the same material--but I really really like the approach of BCM. Their Pre-Algebra text seems rushed to me. Look for the 5th, 6th or 7th editions.

Again there are 2 programs for Algebra 1. The one I recommend is Introductory Algebra. My own girls use it and I teach from it in my online Math classes. The other text is called "Beginning Algebra". Again same content--but the layout of the texts is different--I just like the look and feel of Intro better. Look for the 7th or 8th editions.

Intermediate Algebra is the same as Algebra 2. Look for the 7th or 8th editions. Make sure that you are getting the PAPERBACK text--the hardback text is from her older series (it is OK but I really like the layout of the paperback text best).

Hope this helps on your math search.

The Lial series is on the same 'level' as Foerster, Jacobs and Larson (what Chalkdust uses). They were all made to the same HIGH math standards.

If you are looking for a GREAT inexpensive program then Lial is worth looking into.

If you prefer to use DVD instruction then look into Chalkdust--my next favorite program.


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I don't think she will mind me copying it for you.

HTH

Penny

[Amy loves Bud]

Excellent! Thank you!

[Mamabyrd]

Amy, I just sold my Lials BCM book at the local homeschool used book sale !! And I sold it for $10 ! I'm in Texas. Maybe you bought mine. Either way, it is a good book, very thorough.

I bought it to help me. I'm using Horizons with some of my kids and the TM for Horizons is useless. It will say things like,"Teach the student ratios.". But it won't give you any guidance as to how to teach a concept. I got the Lials book in case I needed assistance with how to present a concept. I ended up not needing it and next year my kids are switching to CLE.

[Amy loves Bud]

Amy, I just sold my Lials BCM book at the local homeschool used book sale !! And I sold it for $10 ! I'm in Texas. Maybe you bought mine. Either way, it is a good book, very thorough.

I bought it to help me. I'm using Horizons with some of my kids and the TM for Horizons is useless. It will say things like,"Teach the student ratios.". But it won't give you any guidance as to how to teach a concept. I got the Lials book in case I needed assistance with how to presenting a concept. I ended up not needing it and next year my kids are switching to CLE.

Yes, I bought it from you! I'm Peyton's mom - we rode on the hayride at the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm together - remember?

Anyway, I've been looking over the Lial's this evening, and I'm excited about it. I'm considering skipping MUS Zeta and just using the Lial's, because all of the Zeta material is covered.

Thanks!

[Mamabyrd]

Yes, I remember you from the hayride! It's a small (cyber) world. I am a curricula junkie and I promised that I'd clear some stuff out. So, thanks for buying it! I didn't get to make it to the sale itself (probably a good thing since my goal was to clear out my homeschool closet).

[Momto2Ns]

Anyway, I've been looking over the Lial's this evening, and I'm excited about it. I'm considering skipping MUS Zeta and just using the Lial's, because all of the Zeta material is covered.



I'm planning to use Lial's BCM next year for pre-algebra too. I wouldn't recommend skipping Zeta if you are doing well with MUS. You are right, it is in there, but I would use BCM as a review when you are finished with Zeta. You can find posts - again Jan in TX is the best person to explain, but she suggests giving the chapter tests as a placement test and starting where your dc does not have mastery. Then work forward from there.

She recommends this book based on the premise that you have already covered all the basic math concepts through decimals and are ready for a pre-algebra course.