DVD Review: The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor and The Algebra 2 Tutor

Math has never been a particularly strong suit of mine. Everything started going downhill after long division, and I was well lost by the time multiplying and dividing fractions rolled around, let alone algebra. It was with some fear and trembling that I found The Algebra 2 Tutor - 6 Hour Video Course from MathTutorDVD in the mail. The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor - 8 Hour Video Course I felt confident in my ability to conquer, but the algebra — it scared me. It wasn’t even Algebra 1, but an advanced level!

Thankfully instructor/owner Jason Gibson’s highly visual, common sense approach to math made algebra seem within even my limited grasp. In each video course Gibson breaks down mathematical concepts by dividing and conquering. Each math topic, whether it be algebra, word problems or his other DVDs on calculus, physics, etc. divides the topic into sub-topics, each of which is worked through in an ascending level of complexity through abundant problems drawn out on a white board. Avoiding lengthy lectures, Gibson gets down to basics and explores the necessary connections while working out problems at the board. In fact, most of what you’ll see is the back of his head; he turns to instruct and give detail, but most of his explanations are interwoven with real problems.

His thorough breakdown of concepts is best demonstrated by sharing the outline of the courses.

The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor includes the following segments:

Disc 1
Section 1: Adding Whole Numbers
Section 2: Subtracting Whole Numbers
Section 3: Multiplying Whole Numbers
Section 4: Dividing Whole Numbers
Section 5: Adding Decimals
Section 6: Subtracting Decimals
Section 7: Multiplying Decimals
Section 8: Dividing Decimals

Disc 2
Section 9: Adding Fractions
Section 10: Subtracting Fractions
Section 11: Multiplying Fractions
Section 12: Dividing Fractions
Section 13: Percents, Part 1
Section 14: Percents, Part 2
Section 15: Ratio and Proportion 

While The Algebra 2 Tutor includes:

Disc 1

Section 1: Graphing Equations
Section 2: The Slope Of A Line
Section 3: Writing Equations Of Lines
Section 4: Graphing Inequalities
Section 5: Solving Systems Of Equations By Graphing
Section 6: Solving Systems Of Equations By Substitution
Section 7: Solving Systems Of Equations By Addition

Disc 2

Section 8: Solving Systems Of Equations In Three Variables
Section 9: Simplifying Radical Expressions
Section 10: Add/Subtract Radical Expressions
Section 11: Multiply/Divide Radical Expressions
Section 12: Solving Equations With Radicals
Section 13: Fractional Exponents
Section 14: Solving Polynomial Equations
Section 15: The Quadratic Formula

Article Author: Jennifer Bogart

Jennifer Bogart is a born again child of God, wife and mother to three (so far). Living in rural Alberta, Canada, she relies upon her blog for creative expression and is busy developing multi-sensory homeschooling supplements at Bogart Family Resources. …

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