What should I know to take college algebra?

I'm planning on taking college algebra next year and want to make sure I'm prepared. What concepts from high school math should I be comfortable with before starting this class? Any tips would be appreciated!

Heading into a college algebra course, there are a few key areas from your high school math education that you'll want to have a solid understanding of.

First things first, arithmetic foundations are crucial. You should be comfortable with operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division including handling complex numbers. Also, the usage of fractions and dealing with decimals should not present a problem to you.

Knowledge of Algebra I is another requisite. Be sure you're acquainted with solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, handling exponents, and conducting operations with polynomials. Being well-versed with factoring of polynomials will also be beneficial.

Also, if you had exposure to Algebra II concepts in high school, you are in a good form. This includes a good understanding of quadratic equations, their solutions, and graphing. You would also benefit from a familiarity with laws of exponents, and operations with rational expressions and radicals.

Geometry is not heavily leaned on in college algebra, but understanding concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem, parallel and perpendicular lines, and basic trigonometry can be helpful, especially for conversations surrounding mathematical proofs.

As for tips for success: practice regularly and review old concepts when you can. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed, whether it's from a professor during office hours, a study group, or a tutoring center if your college offers one.

Remember, algebra is built upon layers of knowledge, so continuing to practice and review past material can mean the difference between understanding a new concept quickly or needing a bit more time to understand how all the pieces fit together. Good luck with your class!