Kathryn Said:

What is the difference between College Algebra and Pre-calculus Algebra?

We Answered:

they teach u extra stuff in college algebra

Tamara Said:

If I get a college credit in Pre-Calculus and Calculus will I have to go back and take College Algebra?

We Answered:

A lot will depend on what you are majoring in and what your Math SAT scores are. If you are an engineer major, finance, chemistry, etc., you will need a higher SAT Math (higher than 450 for example) score to not have to take the College Algebra class.

Brandy Said:

Which college math course is more difficult, Pre-Calculus Algebra or Finite Math?

We Answered:

I've taught them both. I think algebra is usually harder than finite math, in the sense that the students tend to complain about algebra a lot more, and get a lot lower grades. I think it's because most students don't remember any algebra from high school, even though they think they do.

If you really and truly DO remember algebra, then maybe algebra would be easier.

But the online aspect makes me think that algebra would be way harder. I just... wouldn't like to do algebra online. If you see an equation, and beneath it another one, and you don't know how to get the second one from the first one, who are you going to ask? That sort of thing is harder by distance. Finite math, though, I think would be easier to explain online. The explanations are at least in words, usually.

Also the name, Pre-Calculus Algebra, makes me think they are trying to get you ready to take calculus, so they're going to be tough about the algebra. You don't need that much algebra to do stats, but for calculus it's REALLY important.

So, my opinion is algebra would be harder.

Chad Said:

I have to take Pre-Calculus Algebra, and I don't have the foggiest idea what I am doing!!?

We Answered:

Unless someone has complicated life, pre-calculus algebra is just algebra. I would expect, because of shifting attitudes toward story problems and formulas that you should be able to find books at the elementary school, middle school, and high school level on the topic to prepare you.
Although it may seem insulting, go to the library or a book store and look at the various "Algebra for Dummies" and similar lines of books and see if any of them begin where you are. Most of the books know they have to explain up from a moderate level of knowledge, while text books assume knowledge without explaining what that is.
And it may seem silly, but since it happened to me, have your eyes checked and see whether you can read comfortably. I had worn glasses since junior high, but only after I slowly failed out of college after a year and a half did an exam reveal that my astigmatism meant I could see clearly with my glasses, but I could not hold focus comfortably without bifocals. So I didn't really take in what I tried to keep looking at and studying was very tiring and frustrating.

Alex Said:

Where would I go for for algebra and pre-calculus courses?

We Answered:

Your local community college will have these courses. Be prepared for much more math if you're looking at engineering, probably through multivariable calculus at the least, plus probability and statistics.