Jacob's Math is a classic high school mathematics curriculum by Harold R. Jacobs, known for its engaging, conceptual approach using cartoons, real-world applications, and humor to make algebra and geometry accessible and interesting.
What Is Jacob's Math?
Jacob's Math refers to the high school mathematics curriculum authored by award-winning teacher Harold R. Jacobs. First published in the 1970s and still popular today, these courses take an unconventional approach: rather than dry procedural instruction, Jacobs uses cartoons from Doonesbury and B.C., real-world applications, puzzles, and even poetry to capture student interest. The philosophy is simple but powerful. Students who understand why math works learn better than those who memorize procedures. For forty years, this approach has helped students who thought they 'hated math' discover they actually enjoy it.
Key Takeaways
- Time-tested curriculum used successfully for over 40 years
- Emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization
- Designed for independent student use with minimal teacher involvement
- Currently published by Master Books with full support materials available
Available Courses
The core Jacob's Math curriculum includes two main courses. Elementary Algebra (typically grades 8-9) covers all first-year algebra concepts using a rectangle-building approach to visualize algebraic principles. Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding (grades 10-11) is a best-selling geometry course used by nearly one million students. A third book, *Mathematics: A Human Endeavor*, serves as a liberal arts mathematics text for students who struggled with traditional approaches. After completing Jacob's Algebra and Geometry, Jacobs recommends Foerster's Algebra and Trigonometry for continued study.
Teaching Approach
Jacob's Math stands apart from typical curricula in several ways. Each chapter invites students to discover patterns for themselves rather than simply being told procedures. The text is conversational and designed for students to read independently, without requiring a parent who knows math. Exercise sets progress from review problems through standard practice to challenging critical-thinking problems. Jacobs uses an area-model (rectangle-building) concept similar to Math-U-See to help students visualize abstract concepts.
What's Included
What's Included
- Hardcover student textbook
Full course content with integrated practice problems
- Teacher guide
Answer keys and teaching tips
- Solutions manual
Complete worked solutions for all problems
- Tests
Chapter tests, mid-terms, finals, and alternate versions
- Optional DVD instruction
Video lessons from Dr. Callahan (Geometry) and Kate Hannon (Algebra)
Who It's Best For
Jacob's Math shines with students who need to understand why before they can successfully apply how. Visual learners benefit from the cartoons, diagrams, and area models. Students who are 'math-anxious' often find the conversational tone less intimidating than traditional textbooks. Independent learners thrive because the text speaks directly to them. However, students who prefer straightforward procedural instruction with lots of drill practice may find this approach frustrating initially. It's different but effective for the right learner.
The Bottom Line
If you've heard 'I hate math' more times than you can count, Jacob's Math might be worth exploring. The engaging presentation and conceptual approach have converted countless math-resistant students into capable mathematicians over four decades. Available from Master Books with complete support materials, these courses require some adjustment if your student is used to conventional textbooks, but that investment often pays off in genuine mathematical understanding.
