BackCollege Algebra: Course Schedule and Topic Overview (Spring 2026)
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Course Overview
This document provides a week-by-week schedule for a College Algebra course (Math 1314), outlining the main topics, assignment deadlines, and exam periods for the Spring 2026 semester. The topics align with standard College Algebra curriculum chapters, including equations, inequalities, functions, polynomials, rational functions, exponentials, and logarithms.
Weekly Topic Breakdown
Week | Topics | Assignments Due |
|---|---|---|
1 (Jan 15-21) | Review Factoring, Factoring Quadratics | 1.1-1.2 HW DUE Jan 21 |
2 (Jan 22-28) | Complex numbers and solving quadratics by square root, Solve quadratics by completing the square | 1.3-1.4 HW DUE Jan 28 |
3 (Jan 29-Feb 4) | Solve by quadratic formula, Solve other types part 1 (absolute value, rational, radical equations) | 1.5-1.7 HW DUE Feb 4 |
4 (Feb 5-11) | Solve other types part 2 (inequalities, rational inequalities, absolute value inequalities) | 1.7-1.8 HW DUE Feb 11 |
5 (Feb 15-21) | TEST #1 (Covers Units 1 topics) | Test due Feb 21 |
6 (Feb 22-28) | Basic functions and graphs part 1 & 2 | 2.1-2.2 HW DUE Mar 1 |
7 (Mar 1-7) | Piecewise functions | 2.3 HW DUE Mar 8 |
8 (Mar 8-14) | Inverse graphs, Piecewise functions | 2.5-2.6 HW DUE Mar 15 |
9 (Mar 15-21) | SPRING BREAK | |
10 (Mar 22-28) | Combinations of functions and function notation, Honors | 2.7-2.8 HW DUE Mar 29 |
11 (Mar 29-Apr 4) | TEST #2 (Covers Units 2 topics) | Test due Apr 5 |
12 (Apr 5-11) | Quadratics, Dividing with synthetic and long division | 3.1-3.3 HW DUE Apr 12 |
13 (Apr 12-18) | Zeros of polynomials, Rational functions, Polynomial and rational inequalities | 3.4-3.6 HW DUE Apr 19 |
14 (Apr 19-25) | TEST #3 (Covers Units 3 topics) | Test due Apr 26 |
15 (Apr 26-May 2) | Exponential functions, Log functions | 4.1-4.2 HW DUE May 3 |
16 (May 3-9) | Properties of logarithms, Exponential and log equations | 4.3-4.4 HW DUE May 10 |
17 (May 10-16) | FINAL EXAM | Due May 14 |
Major Units and Topics
Unit 1: Equations and Inequalities
Factoring Quadratics: Techniques for factoring quadratic expressions, including the use of the quadratic formula and completing the square.
Solving Quadratic Equations: Methods include factoring, square roots, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
Solving Other Equations: Includes absolute value, rational, and radical equations, as well as inequalities.
Unit 2: Functions and Graphs
Basic Functions: Understanding function notation, domain, range, and graphing basic functions.
Piecewise and Inverse Functions: Definition and graphing of piecewise functions; finding and verifying inverse functions.
Combinations of Functions: Operations with functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, composition).
Unit 3: Polynomial and Rational Functions
Quadratic and Polynomial Functions: Graphing, finding zeros, and analyzing end behavior.
Division of Polynomials: Synthetic and long division methods.
Rational Functions and Inequalities: Graphing rational functions and solving related inequalities.
Unit 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Exponential Functions: Properties, graphing, and applications.
Logarithmic Functions: Properties, graphing, and solving logarithmic equations.
Equations Involving Exponents and Logs: Techniques for solving exponential and logarithmic equations.
Assessment Schedule
Test #1: Covers Unit 1 (Due Feb 21)
Test #2: Covers Unit 2 (Due Apr 5)
Test #3: Covers Unit 3 (Due Apr 26)
Final Exam: Comprehensive (Due May 14)
Additional Info
All homework assignments are due at 11:59 PM on the specified dates.
Spring Break is scheduled for March 15-21.
Test and exam windows are open for several days; check the schedule for exact dates.
