I am going to take the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) College Algebra examine. I am trying to decide on what books I should use to prepare for this examine.

The following is what is going to be covered in this examine:

25% Algebraic operations

Factoring and expanding polynomials
Operations with Algebraic expressions
Operations with exponents
Properties of logarithms

25% Equations and Inequalities

Linear equations and inequalities
Quadric equations and inequalities
Absolute value equations and inequalities
Systems of equations and inequalities
Exponential and logarithmic equations

30% Functions their properties

Definition and interpretation

Representation/modeling (graphical, numerical, symbolic,
verbal representation of functions)

Domain and range
Albebra and functions

Graphs and their properties (including intercepts, symmetry,
and transformations)

Inverse functions

20% Number systems and operations

Real numbers
Complex numbers
Sequences and series
Factorials and Binomial Theorem
Determinants of 2-by-2 matrices

I have looked at several review books and text books. They all seem to approach the information in a different manor.

Would you happen to know if the following books cover the information I need to prepare for the examine?:

Teach Yourself Visually Algebra by David Alan Herzog

Effortless Algebra by Maran

If these books are not adequate would you happen to know of a book that is?

thank yoi

When I was still teaching senior highschool math in Ontario, I had a small library of reference and review texts for my students.

A popular one, and there are several in the series, is the Schaum Outline set of books (Google "Schaum outlines")

The books have lots of examples and lots of complete solutions.

This one was a well-used one

http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071452273

another page:
http://www.mhprofessional.com/category/?cat=145

To determine if the books you mentioned are suitable for preparing for the CLEP College Algebra exam, we can take a closer look at the contents and topics covered in each of them.

1. Teach Yourself Visually Algebra by David Alan Herzog:
This book is known for its visual approach to learning algebra. While I don't have access to the specific content of this book, it's important to ensure that it covers the topics mentioned in the CLEP exam, specifically:

- Algebraic operations: Factoring and expanding polynomials, operations with algebraic expressions, operations with exponents, and properties of logarithms.
- Equations and Inequalities: Linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, and exponential and logarithmic equations.
- Functions and their properties: Definition and interpretation, representation/modeling (graphical, numerical, symbolic, verbal representation of functions), domain and range, algebra and functions, graphs and their properties (including intercepts, symmetry, and transformations), and inverse functions.
- Number systems and operations: Real numbers, complex numbers, sequences and series, factorials and Binomial Theorem, and determinants of 2-by-2 matrices.

Review the table of contents or sample pages of the book, if available, to verify that it covers these topics comprehensively.

2. Effortless Algebra by Maran:
Similarly, without specific access to the content of this book, it's difficult to provide a definite answer. You'll need to evaluate if this book covers the content needed for the CLEP College Algebra exam. Precisely review the topics mentioned above for confirmation.

If you find that neither of these books aligns completely with the CLEP exam content or you would like additional options, I suggest considering the following well-regarded books for CLEP College Algebra preparation:

- College Algebra by Richard N. Aufmann and Vernon C. Barker
- College Algebra by Michael Sullivan
- College Algebra DeMYSTiFieD by Rhonda Huettenmueller

Ensure that you review the table of contents or sample pages of these books as well to verify that they cover the necessary topics for the exam. It may also be beneficial to read reviews or seek recommendations from previous test takers or instructors to determine the most suitable textbook for your needs.

Remember, it's crucial to focus on the topics outlined by the CLEP exam to ensure thorough preparation. Good luck with your exam!