This DVD covers the material that appears near the end of a college algebra course. It starts out with a review of basic graphing of functions, then it goes on to discuss transformations of functions (shifting functions up and down or side to side), combinations of functions [those that look like f(g(x))], finding real and complex zeros of polynomials, rational functions, and then ends with the material on sequences and series and the binomial theorem. Really, the only material that it does not cover is the intro to probability and statistics that some college algebra courses give you or the introduction to Matrix algebra. However, Jason does cover that material in different DVD sets.
A couple of things to take note of when considering purchasing this. As I have said, this is only part of what you will see in a college algebra class. In order to get the majority of what the class would cover, you would need to combine this with Jason's algebra 2 tutor video, his matrix algebra tutor, and the probability and statistics tutor. Those would get you about 95% of what a college algebra class covers. Also, you need to be aware of what your learning style is. If you are an audio and/or visual learner, who likes seeing the problems worked through step-by-step, this is a great option. Jason really breaks down the problems well and not only explains the steps as he goes along, but he does a very good recap after the problems are finished. He does occasionally make mistakes. Sometime they get caught in post-production and they will superimpose what he was supposed to be putting on the board, and sometimes they get missed. Generally, when it happens they are fairly easy to spot and don't really alter the process at all. You also have to consider that it is just Jason standing in front a whiteboard working on problems. You cannot interact with him or ask questions. If you don't understand what he is saying you pretty much have to rewatch it until the concept sinks in. However, getting the DVDs is much less expensive than hiring a tutor, so there is a tradeoff. It is NOT a substitute for going to class, however. Jason picks examples that are generally like what you would see on an exam or quiz, but the only way to know what your teacher focuses on is to go to class.
I used Jason's material to prepare for all of my math and physics classes as I was working toward and electrical engineering degree. They helped me immensely, and I found that the way Jason explained the material made a lot more sense than some of my teachers, and infinitely more sense than the textbook's explanation of things ever did. So, if you are looking for a good supplement/study aid to help you in Algebra, or just wanting to teach yourself math and need help, this is an invaluable resource.
A couple of things to take note of when considering purchasing this. As I have said, this is only part of what you will see in a college algebra class. In order to get the majority of what the class would cover, you would need to combine this with Jason's algebra 2 tutor video, his matrix algebra tutor, and the probability and statistics tutor. Those would get you about 95% of what a college algebra class covers. Also, you need to be aware of what your learning style is. If you are an audio and/or visual learner, who likes seeing the problems worked through step-by-step, this is a great option. Jason really breaks down the problems well and not only explains the steps as he goes along, but he does a very good recap after the problems are finished. He does occasionally make mistakes. Sometime they get caught in post-production and they will superimpose what he was supposed to be putting on the board, and sometimes they get missed. Generally, when it happens they are fairly easy to spot and don't really alter the process at all. You also have to consider that it is just Jason standing in front a whiteboard working on problems. You cannot interact with him or ask questions. If you don't understand what he is saying you pretty much have to rewatch it until the concept sinks in. However, getting the DVDs is much less expensive than hiring a tutor, so there is a tradeoff. It is NOT a substitute for going to class, however. Jason picks examples that are generally like what you would see on an exam or quiz, but the only way to know what your teacher focuses on is to go to class.
I used Jason's material to prepare for all of my math and physics classes as I was working toward and electrical engineering degree. They helped me immensely, and I found that the way Jason explained the material made a lot more sense than some of my teachers, and infinitely more sense than the textbook's explanation of things ever did. So, if you are looking for a good supplement/study aid to help you in Algebra, or just wanting to teach yourself math and need help, this is an invaluable resource.
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