Today is Fibonacci Day or Fibonacci Sequence Day. The date is 11/23 which gives us the first four digits of the Fibonacci Sequence. I have posted about Fibonacci and his sequence previously. His sequence starts with double ones and then every number after is the sum of the two previous numbers: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, ... One place sequences and series are often taught is Algebra 2, though sometimes it is in pre-calculus as well. In honor of Fibonacci Day, it seems like the perfect time to share two resources for students taking or teachers or tutors teaching Algebra 2. The first is Everything You Need to Ace Algebra 2 in One Big Fat Notebook by Workman Publishing. (Note: It is currently on sale as part of Amazon's Black Friday Sale.) It is the latest in The Big Fat Notebook Series.
About the Book:
The ultimate Algebra 2 study guide that reviews all the skills students need to ace high school Algebra 2 class, in language that is actually easy-to-understand.Filled with helpful tips, definitions, and side bars, all written in accessible student-friendly language, readers can use this study guide to supplement classroom instruction, for review, homework help, test prep, and to make the most challenging Algebra 2 concepts make sense. Starting with a review of foundational Algebra 1 skills, this book covers everything from solving quadratic equations, to graphing functions, to solving triangles with trigonometry, all in a clear, accessible and easy-to-understand way, with step-by-step example problems. It’s like being tutored by the smartest kid in class! (And it’s written, vetted, and approved by the experts— high school Algebra 2 teachers.) All core concepts are covered in print, and additional concepts are available in bonus chapters for free online.
From Me:
This book is divided into eight sections: Fundamentals of Algebra, Functions, Quadratic Functions, Polynomial Functions, Rational Functions, Radical Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, and Trigonometric Functions. The topics that are covered in Algebra 2 depends on the school and the curriculum. Some topics are covered in Algebra 2, and some are covered in precalculus (and some are left out). There are a lot of topics to cover between Algebra 2 and precalculus. I will say that I have not seen a school actually cover trigonometric functions in Algebra 2. Some schools have series and sequences which are not in the physical book but are one of the topics available online. Online there are Equations and Inequalities, Matrices, Sequences and Series, Probability, Statistics, and the Laws of Sine and Cosine. There is a link provided in the Table of Contents to access these additional chapters in case your school does these topics in Algebra 2.
As with the other books in this series, the pages provide clear instructions and examples of various math topics. The pages are color coded and truly easy to look at and understand. There are example problems as well as ones for the reader to try to make sure they are gaining the knowledge. Since it is Algebra 2 there are many graphs. A lot of Algebra 2 topics require graphing and function notation. Both are well done in this book.
This book is perfect for someone who wants to review their Algebra 2 perhaps to take a certification test, a parent who wants to be able to help their child with their homework, a tutor, or a student taking Algebra 2. It is clear and concise and takes out some of the distractions that typical textbooks have with the photos and other things. It is easy to read and easy to understand. It will help anyone who is reviewing or learning for the first time and I highly recommend it.
Our next book is the companion book to Everything You Need to Ace Algebra 2 in One Big Fat Notebook. It is The Big Fat High School Algebra 2 Workbook by Workman Publishing.
About the Book:
Give students the extra practice they need to master and ace their Algebra 2 class with this expansive write-in workbook, featuring more than 130 exercises, plus step-by-step solutions.Each chapter in this comprehensive workbook aligns with a chapter in the Algebra 2 study guide, providing students the opportunity to reinforce their Algebra 2 skills with extra in-depth practice. Each Workbook chapter begins with a brief recap of concepts and has 10-15 robust practice questions covering all the skills reviewed in each chapter. A variety of question types like solving equations, graphing functions, applying algebra skills to real world problems, and more, provide a broad assessment of student understanding. In the back of the book, an in-depth solutions section takes readers step-by-step through each problem, showing them how to get the right answer, and helping them check their work. More than a drill and kill workbook, it’s a “how to” and “here’s why” that can be used to supplement classroom instruction. And, it’s written, vetted, and approved by the experts— high school Algebra 2 teachers!
From Me:
This workbook provides examples and instruction to solve the various types of problems and then some problems for the reader to practice. It has the same sections as the physical book above but does not have the online option. I love how it has the examples with brief explanations and then problems for the students to practice.
Again, the book is color coded and very clear and concise. It is easy to read and use. The pages even include some doodles like the stars in the one example above. It looks like a student's notebook but is full of exactly what the teacher would want the student to focus on for each problem. The extra practice problems have a good amount of space for the student to work on the problems there. It is actually a pretty amazing book!
This book is perfect for anyone taking Algebra 2 who may want or need a different explanation and/or extra practice. It is also perfect for a tutor or helping parent to use with kids to give them more practice. It also makes a wonderful supplementary book for any Algebra 2 classroom!!
I am going to use these books with a student who is advanced. He is in eighth grade in Algebra 2. I have him two extra periods a week for math lab and intend to cover some of the topics other schools may cover in Algebra 2 that we do not. I am going to use these books to learn the new topics (I teach a different class during math lab) and have him practice in both books. I can see him liking the clear instructions. I can't wait to have him do the sequences and series section.
Happy Fibonacci Day!!
