College Algebra

College algebra is the study of equations and functions. A function is a rule that turns one number into another. Functions describe how one quantity depends on another, such as the cost of a ride and its distance.

These lessons cover a first college course in algebra. They prepare you for precalculus, trigonometry, and calculus. Start with Chapter 1.

Fundamental concepts of algebra

Real numbers and the number line; exponents and radicals; polynomials and factoring; and rational expressions.

Equations and inequalities

Linear and quadratic equations and their applications; complex numbers; radical, absolute value, and other equations; and inequalities.

Functions and graphs

The coordinate plane, distance, and circles; lines; functions and their graphs; transformations; quadratic functions; and combining and composing functions.

Polynomial and rational functions

Graphs of polynomial functions; dividing polynomials; the zeros of a polynomial; and rational functions and their asymptotes.

Inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions

Inverse functions; exponential functions and the number e; logarithms and their properties; exponential and logarithmic equations; and growth and decay.

Systems of equations and inequalities

Systems of equations in two and three variables; solving systems with matrices; and systems of inequalities.