Hot X!

I really do like algebra, so I had to check out Danica McKellar's new book Hot X: Algebra Exposed!  In the introduction she writes about having the girl power to conquer x and not give up on life's  tough problems.  I think the style of this book is really appealing.  It has the feel of a teenage girl's notebook with flower doodles, handwriting and script mixed throughout the printed text.  Many algebraic concepts are covered in snips called reality math, by using examples that may be relevant to girls.  I found the examples of percentage markdowns on dresses to be relevant and useful. Blurbs headed what are they called? give definitions of terms while step-by-step breaks the problem down and watch out alerts problem solvers to common errors.  Hands-on readers might try using algebra while decorating for a party (the example shows how to to string lights diagonally across a pool in equal increments) or find the comparison between hair FOIL and multiplying polynomials using the FOIL method memorable.  Don't miss the last chapter titled What you can learn at the mall using the quadratic formula. There are great tips in this book which will foster retention of math rules and facts.  This book is fun, cool-intelligent, attention grabbing, and a great example of an innovative way of looking at math.  Also see: Danica's Hot X webpage