Book excerpt: Books in Barron's Easy Way Series make fine textbook supplements in a wide array of subjects, and are also ideal for independent study by high school and college students who want to boost their grades. This brand-new Easy Way title starts with exercises in basic algebra and progresses to the point where students will be able to solve word problems through calculus. Problems are clearly and concisely dissected and analyzed. Each word problem breaks down into four successive parts: statement of the problem; its analysis; a work area; and the answer. Chapter One deals with mathematical formulas and their uses. Following chapters focus on mixture and coin problems; perimeters and circumferences; determining areas of geometrically defined spaces; finding volumes of solid forms such as cubes, cones, and spheres; solving integer and numbers problems; solving statistical problems; using first degree equations; solving ratio, proportion, and variation problems; understanding quadratic equations; tackling problems solved by trigonometry, and problems solved by functions of calculus. Amusing line art adds a user-friendly touch to this book. An appendix presents solutions to all exercises and tests plus trigonometric tables.