Mastering MAC 1147: Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry at UF

Why MAC 1147 Matters (And Where It Can Trip You Up)

MAC 1147—Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry—combines the content of MAC 1140 (Precalculus Algebra) and MAC 1114 (Trigonometry) into one 4-credit course at the University of Florida. You cover the same algebra (functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and log) and the same trig (unit circle, trig functions and graphs, identities, equations) that students in 1140 and 1114 see separately, but in less time. The pace is fast, and exams often mix algebra and trig in one problem. 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 MAC 1147 Really Harder Because It’s Combined?

Parent: My student could take 1140 and 1114 separately or do 1147. Is the combined course a lot harder?

Student: I’ve heard 1147 is brutal because it’s so fast. Is that true?

MAC 1147 is the same content as 1140 + 1114, but in one semester instead of two. So yes—the pace is the main challenge. You’ll switch between algebra (rational functions, exponential/log) and trig (unit circle, identities, equations) quickly, and exams often combine both. The students who do well usually keep up with homework from day one, get the unit circle and function behavior down early, and don’t wait until the night before an exam to get help. It’s very doable with consistent effort; catching up is possible with targeted practice and a few focused sessions. If your student is strong in algebra and willing to stay on top of the pace, 1147 is an efficient path to calculus.

What MAC 1147 Actually Covers

MAC 1147 is typically 4 credits. Prerequisites are usually intermediate algebra (Algebra 2) and sometimes trig; UF often requires an ALEKS score of ≥61% (if taken January 1, 2020 or later) or ≥50 (before). Check UF’s current requirements. Syllabi vary by instructor, but the core is the union of 1140 and 1114:

Algebra: functions — domain, range, transformations, composition, inverse functions.
Algebra: polynomial and rational functions — zeros, asymptotes, end behavior, graphing.
Algebra: exponential and logarithmic functions — properties, solving equations, applications.
Trigonometry: unit circle and trig functions — definitions, special angles, graphs of $\sin$ , $\cos$ , $\tan$ and transformations (amplitude, period, phase shift).
Trigonometry: identities and equations — Pythagorean, sum/difference, double-angle; verifying identities; solving trig equations.
Trigonometry: inverse trig — definitions, domains and ranges, solving equations.
Applications and connections — word problems, analytic topics (e.g. conics), and how algebra and trig show up together.

At UF, Exam 1 might hit algebra (functions, polynomials, rationals) and the start of trig; Exam 2 and Exam 3 mix algebra and trig. The final is often cumulative. Nailing function behavior and the unit circle 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 algebra (function concepts, polynomial and rational behavior) and, if covered, the unit circle and basic trig graphs. One or two focused sessions can make the first exam feel much more manageable.
Mid-semester: If you’re behind on trig identities and equations or on rational functions and exponential/log, catching up now keeps the rest of the course from feeling overwhelming.
Before the final: The final is often cumulative. Prioritize the 2–3 topics that show up most on past exams (often rational functions, exponential/log, unit circle, identities, solving trig equations). 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

The pace: “We’re moving too fast”

With both algebra and trig in one course, it’s easy to fall behind. The fix is to treat homework as non-negotiable and to get help as soon as something doesn’t click—don’t let a whole unit pile up. Use office hours or a tutoring session to clarify one or two topics at a time; that’s more effective than a last-minute cram.

Algebra: rational functions and exponential/log

Same as in 1140: vertical and horizontal (or slant) asymptotes for rational functions; domain and solving for exponential and log. If you’re solid here, the algebra on 1147 exams is manageable. Practice “find asymptotes and zeros” and “solve this exponential/log equation” until it’s automatic. Khan Academy – Precalculus and Paul’s Online Math Notes cover this.

Trig: unit circle and identities

Same as in 1114: know the unit circle (at least first quadrant and signs by quadrant); know the main identities (Pythagorean, sum/difference, double-angle) and when to use them; practice solving trig equations. The “which identity?” and “general solution vs interval” patterns repeat. Khan Academy – Trigonometry is a good supplement.

Mixing algebra and trig on the same problem

Some exam problems use both—e.g. a rational function with a trig expression, or an equation that needs both algebra and trig steps. Break the problem into parts: do the algebra first, then the trig (or vice versa). Practice a few combined problems so the switch doesn’t throw you on exam day.

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 (e.g. midterms 50%, final 30%, homework 20%—check your syllabus). 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 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 in 1147 makes both algebra and trig feel impossible.
Go to office hours with specific questions (“I don’t get when to use the double-angle identity” or “how do I find the slant asymptote?”) and one or two problems you attempted.
Practice by topic first — get solid on rational functions, then on trig identities, then on solving trig equations. Then do a few problems that mix algebra and trig.
Use past exams if your instructor posts them. They show what’s really emphasized and how algebra and trig are combined.
Use free online resources. Khan Academy – Precalculus and Khan Academy – Trigonometry are topic-by-topic; Paul’s Online Math Notes and Professor Leonard’s Precalculus Videos are great for a second pass. Desmos is ideal for checking graphs. We don’t have precalculus notes on the site yet—targeted tutoring plus these resources works well.
Form a study group and take turns explaining one algebra topic and one trig topic. Teaching someone else forces you to understand.

Key Resources for MAC 1147 at UF

Online (start here)

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

Khan Academy – Precalculus and Khan Academy – Trigonometry — use the algebra units (functions, polynomial/rational, exponential/log) and the trig units (unit circle, identities, equations) alongside your class.
Paul’s Online Math Notes — algebra and trig sections; clear written notes and examples.
Professor Leonard’s Precalculus Videos — full lectures when you want to hear concepts from scratch.
Desmos Graphing Calculator — type in functions (algebra or trig) and see graphs; use it to check asymptotes and transformations.

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

Stewart/Redlin/Watson’s Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, Demana et al.’s Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, and Ratti/McWaters’s College Algebra and Trigonometry are common at UF; the examples align with what you’ll see in 1147.

How I Tutor MAC 1147

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 1147, we usually focus on:

Keeping pace — prioritizing the topics that show up most on your exams and building a clear process for each.
Algebra — function behavior, polynomial and rational functions (zeros, asymptotes), exponential and log. Same material as 1140; we connect it to how your professor tests it.
Trig — unit circle, trig graphs (amplitude, period, phase shift), identities, and solving trig equations. Same material as 1114; we practice “which identity?” and “how do I solve this?”
Combined problems — when exams mix algebra and trig, we practice breaking the problem into steps and doing each part clearly.
Connecting the math to your class so you’re ready for your professor’s exams and wording, and prepared for calculus.

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 each exam; 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

"The fast pace of MAC 1147 had me drowning in new concepts until I started working with Zachary. His organized approach helped me see how everything connected, and I went from barely passing to earning an A." — UF Student

"I was intimidated by the combined algebra and trigonometry content, but Zachary showed me how to approach the course systematically. His clear explanations and patience made all the difference in my success." — UF Student

"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

Bottom Line

MAC 1147 at UF is precalculus algebra and trigonometry in one 4-credit course—same content as 1140 + 1114, faster pace. Stay on top of homework, get function behavior and the unit circle down early, and don’t wait until the night before an exam to get help. Use office hours, free online resources (Khan Academy, Paul’s Notes, Professor Leonard, Desmos), 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 1147, you can schedule a session here. I work with Gators every semester and would be glad to help you or your student get through Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry with confidence.