Book excerpt: In this latest edition to the successful Cartoon Guide series, master cartoonist and former Harvard instructor Larry Gonick offers a complete and up-to-date illustrated course to help students understand and learn this core mathematical course taught in American schools. Using engaging graphics and lively humor, Gonick covers all of the algebra essentials, including linear equations, polynomials, quadratic equations, and graphing techniques. He also offers a concise overview of algebra’s history and its many practical applications in modern life. Combining Gonick’s unique ability to make difficult topics fun, interesting, and easy-to-understand—while still relaying the essential information in a clear, organized and accurate format—The Cartoon Guide to Algebra is an essential supplement for students of all levels, in high school, college, and beyond.