Mastering MAC 1105: Basic College Algebra at UF

Why MAC 1105 Matters (And Where It Can Trip You Up)

MAC 1105—Basic College Algebra—is the foundation math course at the University of Florida for students who need algebra before precalculus or calculus. You’ll work with equations and inequalities, functions (definition, domain, range, graphs), transformations, polynomial and rational functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. For many students it’s the first college math class, and the jump from high school algebra—or the gap after years away—can feel steep. I'm a UF alumnus and I teach and tutor math now; this guide is for both students in the class and parents who want to support them. It answers the questions I hear most and gives you concrete ways to study, when to get help, and where to find it.

Is College Algebra at UF Really That Hard?

Parent: My student didn’t love math in high school. Should we expect MAC 1105 to be a struggle, or can they get through it with the right support?

Student: I haven’t had math in a while. Is it too late to catch up?

It depends on your background, but MAC 1105 is very manageable with consistent effort. The course builds step by step: equations and inequalities, then functions and their graphs, then polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The students who do well usually keep up with homework from day one, get comfortable with function notation and “what is the domain/range?” early, and don’t wait until the night before an exam to get help. Catching up is possible—many students I work with start behind and still improve a lot with targeted practice and a few focused sessions.

What MAC 1105 Actually Covers

MAC 1105 is typically 3 credits. Prerequisites are usually satisfied by ALEKS placement or equivalent; check UF’s current requirements. Syllabi vary by instructor, but the core is fairly consistent:

Equations and inequalities — linear, quadratic, rational, and basic absolute value; solving and interpreting solutions.
Functions — definition of a function, domain and range, function notation, graphs, and vertical line test.
Transformations and graphing — shifts, stretches, reflections; connecting algebraic form to graph shape.
Polynomial and rational functions — zeros, factoring, end behavior, asymptotes (for rational functions).
Exponential and logarithmic functions — definitions, properties, solving exponential and log equations, applications.
Applications — word problems and modeling with the above (e.g. growth/decay, break-even).

At UF, Exam 1 often hits equations, inequalities, and the basics of functions; Exam 2 hits graphing, polynomial and rational functions, and sometimes the start of exponential/log. The final is often cumulative. Nailing function notation and domain/range early sets you up for the rest.

When Are the Exams? When’s the Best Time to Get Help?

Parent: When do they usually have exams? I’d like to suggest getting a tutor before the first one, not after a bad grade.

Student: I’m already lost. Is it too late to get help before the final?

Typical structure (always confirm with your syllabus): two or three midterms plus a final. Best times to get help:

Before Exam 1: Focus on solving equations and inequalities and on function basics (notation, domain, range). One or two focused sessions can make the first exam feel much more manageable.
Before Exam 2: This is where graphing, polynomial and rational functions, and sometimes exponential/log pile up. Get clear on “what does the graph look like?” and on solving by factoring and with the quadratic formula. Catching up here prevents the second half from feeling overwhelming.
Before the final: The final is often cumulative. Prioritize function concepts, polynomial and rational behavior, and exponential/log rules and solving. It’s not too late—a lot of students I work with do a short final-prep block and still improve a lot.

Where Students Get Stuck

“I don’t get what a function actually is”

A function assigns each input (in the domain) exactly one output. The big ideas: domain = “what $x$ is allowed,” range = “what $y$ you get,” and $f(x)$ is the output when the input is $x$ . Practice with a few functions: “what is the domain?” and “what is $f(2)$ ?” The jump from “solve for $x$ ” to “here’s a rule, what’s the output?” trips a lot of people; once it clicks, the rest of the course builds on it.

Graphing and transformations

Shifts (add/subtract inside or outside the function), stretches and compressions, and reflections follow consistent rules. Write down “what moved and how” before sketching. Desmos is great for checking: type the function and see if your hand-drawn graph matches.

Polynomial and rational functions

For polynomials: factoring, zeros, end behavior (leading term dominates). For rational functions: domain (where the denominator is zero), vertical asymptotes, horizontal/slant asymptotes (degree of numerator vs denominator). Practice a few “find the asymptotes and sketch” problems; the setup is most of the battle.

Exponential and logarithmic functions

Exponentials: $a^x$ and the fact that $\ln$ and $e$ undo each other. Logarithms: $\log_b(x)$ means “what exponent on $b$ gives $x$ ?” and the rules (product, quotient, power) come from exponent rules. Solving equations often means rewriting in exponential form or taking log of both sides. Practice a few “solve for $x$ ” problems until the steps feel familiar.

Word problems and applications

Translate the situation into an equation or function (identify what varies, what you’re solving for), then use the algebra you’ve learned. Start with “what do I know?” and “what do I need?”—writing that down before manipulating helps.

Can They Still Pass If They’re Already Behind?

Parent: My student bombed the first exam. Is it still possible to pass?

Student: I’m failing right now. What do I do?

Yes. Grades are usually weighted. That means:

The final often counts a lot and is cumulative. Doing well on it can pull up a low midterm.
Homework is “free” points if you do it; don’t skip it.
Dropped lowest quiz or similar policies can help—use them.

The key is to stop guessing and start targeting. Figure out the 2–3 topics that show up most on past exams (often function concepts, polynomial/rational behavior, exponential/log) and focus there. One or two tutoring sessions focused on those can turn confusion into a clear process. Catching up is very possible; waiting until the last week is not ideal but still worth doing.

Study Strategies That Work

Do homework the same day (or next day) the material is covered. Letting it pile up makes functions and graphing feel impossible.
Go to office hours with specific questions (“I don’t get when there’s a horizontal vs slant asymptote”) and one or two problems you attempted.
Practice “what is the domain?” and “what is $f(3)$ ?” for every function type. Then practice one “solve for $x$ ” and one “sketch” per topic.
Use past exams if your instructor posts them. They show what’s really emphasized (often function notation, graphing, and exponential/log).
Use free online resources. Khan Academy – College Algebra is topic-by-topic and free; Desmos is ideal for checking graphs. We don’t have college algebra notes on the site yet—targeted tutoring plus these resources works well.
Form a study group and take turns explaining “what is the domain of this rational function?” or “how do you solve this log equation?” Teaching someone else forces you to understand.

Key Resources for MAC 1105 at UF

Online (start here)

We don’t have a college algebra course on the site yet. Until then, these free resources are the best place to reinforce lecture and practice:

Khan Academy – College Algebra — topic-by-topic videos and practice. Use it alongside your class: after a lecture, do the corresponding Khan unit and a few exercises.
Desmos Graphing Calculator — type in functions and see graphs instantly. Use it to check your work and build intuition for transformations and asymptotes.
Purplemath – Algebra Lessons — clear written explanations when you need a second pass on a topic.

At UF

UF Math Department — course info, sometimes past syllabi.
Broward Teaching Center — tutoring and study support.
UF Libraries Course Reserves — your textbook and sometimes solution manuals or extra materials.

Books

Blitzer’s College Algebra, Sullivan’s College Algebra, and Larson’s College Algebra are common at UF; the examples and problem sets align with what you’ll see in 1105.

How I Tutor MAC 1105

I’m a UF alumnus (MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering) and I teach math at Santa Fe College. When students or parents reach out about MAC 1105, we usually focus on:

Function concepts — domain, range, notation, and “what is this asking?” so you’re not guessing on exam problems.
Graphing and transformations — connecting formula to graph and practicing the kinds of questions your professor asks.
Polynomial and rational functions — zeros, asymptotes, and sketching.
Exponential and logarithmic functions — rules and solving equations.
Connecting the math to your class so you’re ready for your professor’s exams and wording.

Sessions are online, and we tailor them to where you are: catching up after a bad exam, prepping for the final, or staying ahead week by week. A lot of students do a few sessions before Exam 1 and again before Exam 2; others prefer regular weekly sessions. Either way, the goal is to make the material clear and to give you a process you can use on your own.

What Students Say After Getting Targeted Help

"Zachary really knows his stuff! He has helped me so much with my calculus. Very helpful and patient. Well versed and knowledgeable. He has really helped me level up my skills." — Michelle G., Calculus 1

"Zachary is very knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. I would recommend anybody who is struggling with calculus. Calculus is not an easy subject so it's nice to find a tutor who understands what you are going through." — Marjorie S., Calculus

"I always struggled with math and was dreading taking MAC 1105. Working with Zachary helped me not only pass the course but actually understand the material. He made algebra make sense for the first time." — UF Student

Bottom Line

MAC 1105 at UF is foundational algebra—equations, functions, graphing, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and log. Stay on top of homework, get function concepts and graphing down before Exam 2, and don’t wait until the night before an exam to get help. Use office hours, free online resources (Khan Academy, Desmos, Purplemath), your textbook, and—if you want someone who knows the course and can tailor sessions to your syllabus—targeted tutoring. Whether you’re preparing for the first exam or the final, focusing on the right topics and having a clear process makes a real difference.

If you’re a UF student (or the parent of one) and you want that kind of focused support for MAC 1105, you can schedule a session here. I work with Gators every semester and would be glad to help you or your student get through College Algebra with confidence.