📈College Algebra Unit 1 – Prerequisites

What You Should Already Know

• Proficiency in basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Understanding of the order of operations (PEMDAS)
  • Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right)
• Familiarity with fractions, decimals, and percentages
  • Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages
  • Performing arithmetic operations with fractions and decimals
• Knowledge of basic algebraic concepts (variables, equations, inequalities)
• Ability to evaluate expressions by substituting values for variables
• Understanding of the coordinate plane and graphing points
• Recognizing and understanding basic geometric shapes and their properties (triangles, circles, rectangles)

Key Concepts to Review

• Properties of real numbers (commutative, associative, distributive)
• Simplifying algebraic expressions by combining like terms and using the distributive property
• Solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable
  • Isolating the variable by performing inverse operations
  • Checking solutions by substituting them back into the original equation or inequality
• Graphing linear equations in two variables
  • Identifying the slope and y-intercept from the equation in slope-intercept form $y = mx + b$
  • Using the slope and y-intercept to plot points and draw the line
• Understanding functions and their notation $f(x)$
• Evaluating functions for given input values
• Identifying the domain and range of a function

Essential Math Skills

• Factoring polynomials (greatest common factor, difference of squares, trinomials)
• Simplifying rational expressions by factoring and canceling common factors
• Solving quadratic equations using various methods
  • Factoring
  • Quadratic formula $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$
  • Completing the square
• Manipulating and solving absolute value equations and inequalities
• Graphing inequalities in two variables
  • Shading the appropriate half-plane based on the inequality sign
  • Identifying the boundary line by changing the inequality to an equality
• Working with exponents and radicals
  • Applying the laws of exponents (product rule, quotient rule, power rule)
  • Simplifying expressions containing radicals (square roots, cube roots)

Important Formulas and Rules

• Distance formula $d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$
• Midpoint formula $(\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2})$
• Slope formula $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$
• Quadratic formula $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$
• Laws of exponents
  • Product rule $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$
  • Quotient rule $\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$
  • Power rule $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$
• Properties of logarithms
  • Product rule $\log_a(xy) = \log_a(x) + \log_a(y)$
  • Quotient rule $\log_a(\frac{x}{y}) = \log_a(x) - \log_a(y)$
  • Power rule $\log_a(x^r) = r\log_a(x)$

Common Problem Types

• Solving multi-step equations and inequalities
• Applying the laws of exponents to simplify expressions
• Graphing linear and quadratic functions
  • Identifying key features (x-intercepts, y-intercept, vertex)
  • Determining the equation from a graph
• Solving systems of linear equations
  • Substitution method
  • Elimination method
  • Graphing method
• Solving word problems involving linear and quadratic relationships
  • Translating verbal descriptions into algebraic expressions or equations
  • Interpreting the results in the context of the problem
• Simplifying complex fractions
• Solving equations and inequalities involving absolute value

Study Tips and Tricks

• Practice, practice, practice! Work through a variety of problems to reinforce your understanding
• Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps
• Annotate word problems by underlining key information and identifying the question being asked
• Check your answers by substituting them back into the original equation or inequality
• Use graphing technology (calculators, online tools) to visualize functions and check your work
• Create a formula sheet or reference guide with important formulas and rules
• Explain concepts and problem-solving strategies to a study partner or classmate
• Seek help from your instructor, tutors, or online resources when you encounter difficulties

Potential Pitfalls

• Forgetting to distribute the negative sign when simplifying expressions or solving equations
• Misapplying the order of operations (PEMDAS)
• Confusing the slope formula with the y-intercept
• Incorrectly graphing inequalities by shading the wrong half-plane
• Misinterpreting the results of word problems or failing to answer the question asked
• Rushing through problems and making careless errors
  • Take your time and double-check your work
• Relying too heavily on memorization without understanding the underlying concepts
• Neglecting to check for extraneous solutions when solving rational or radical equations

How This Connects to Future Topics

• The skills and concepts learned in College Algebra form the foundation for more advanced mathematics courses
  • Trigonometry
  • Precalculus
  • Calculus
• Understanding functions and their properties is essential for modeling real-world phenomena in various fields
  • Physics
  • Engineering
  • Economics
• Proficiency in algebraic manipulation and problem-solving is crucial for success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines
• The ability to think abstractly and reason logically, developed through the study of algebra, is valuable in many areas of life
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-making