The Old-School Typewriter Algebra Workbook by Brian R. Krause
The Old-School Typewriter Algebra Workbook teaches today's teens basic algebra including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical expressions and equations, drawing them in with the vintage charm of an old typewriter that evokes memories of how past generations learned algebra. A summary of the needed mathematics introduces each section of worksheets, making the book ideal for independent extra practice, refreshing parents' memories or end-of-semester review. The focus is high school algebra with reinforcement of key topics often introduced in middle school.
In keeping with the old-school spirit of this book, all the exercises can be completed without calculators and have clear-cut answers given in the answer key. Every page was created entirely on the author's charmingly worn 1930 Corona Four manual typewriter. It features worked-out problems focused on common errors and a section about the unique typewriter behind the book.
About the author
Brian R. Krause is an MIT graduate with a passion for mathematics, technology and education. His teaching experience spans public middle and high schools in California and Arizona. Drawing on his internationally sought-after software design and engineering expertise, his innovative methods include using 3D modeling software to bring geometry to life and developing beautiful and engaging paper worksheets when students need them.
About the publisher
Adducive was founded by Brian R. Krause in 1997 to develop innovative educational materials and software. Its debut project, “Let's Connect!”, was ahead of its time, a series of cross-disciplinary high school lessons using cloud-based data analysis tools. Today, “The Old-School Typewriter Algebra Workbook” continues that tradition with its unique, vintage approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
A math book as a meaningful gift?
It’s hard to give a teen a math book without seeming to tell them you think they aren’t doing well in algebra.
But The Old-School Typewriter Algebra Workbook is different. It’s for students, parents, grandparents and supportive adults who appreciate history, design, and the “cool factor” of these vintage machines.
Is this workbook suitable as a supplement to a formal homeschooling or classroom curriculum?
Absolutely. Its worksheets are designed for independent practice in multiple ways. The complete answer key lets students check their work. It’s a workbook students can write in directly. It does not require a calculator or graphing website. The focus is on fundamentals, the most important topics that benefit from reinforcement.
There is a complete map to the Common Core standards for mathematics.
When are the best times for students to use a supplemental algebra workbook?
Students lose proficiency over the summer months, so summer is a key time for extra math practice. This book of worksheets in particular is focused so it is not overwhelming and it’s easy to check answers.
It also makes excellent preparation for end-of-semester and end-of-year algebra exams. The short-answer questions in The Old-School Typewriter Algebra Workbook lead naturally into exams that are also short-answer or multiple choice.
Why use a vintage typewriter theme for an algebra workbook?
I learned algebra myself from worksheets like this, typed by my teachers. I am a technologist now and use technology regularly, but students today often don’t have a choice between high-tech and low-tech learning and I wanted to give them the same kind of experience I had where I could focus on something tactile. It’s a break from all the screens.
Teens and pop stars they follow like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande are into the whole aesthetic of typewriters, and if that style makes math more engaging and the book more appealing, then I am happy to help.
