College Algebra vs. Intermediate Algebra: Complete Guide
Quick Answer: Intermediate Algebra is a remedial, non-credit course that reviews high school algebra concepts (linear equations, basic quadratics, factoring). College Algebra is a credit-bearing, college-level course covering exponential and logarithmic functions, advanced polynomials, and systems of equations — and serves as a prerequisite for Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics. Most students find College Algebra harder because it’s more abstract and moves faster. Finish My Math Class helps students pass both courses — with guaranteed A/B grades on homework, quizzes, exams, and full course completion.
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Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison Table
- What Is Intermediate Algebra?
- What Is College Algebra?
- Key Differences Explained
- Which One Is Harder?
- Sample Problems Comparison
- Where They Fit in the Math Sequence
- What Students Say
- Your Problems, Our Solutions
- Platforms We Support
- Placement Tests Explained
- Which Courses Your Major Requires
- Tips for Passing Both Courses
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison: Intermediate vs. College Algebra
| Feature | Intermediate Algebra | College Algebra |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Remedial / Developmental (high school level) | College-level mathematics |
| College Credit | Usually NO — doesn’t count toward degree | YES — counts toward degree requirements |
| Typical Credits | 3 institutional credits (non-transferable) | 3 college credits (transferable) |
| Difficulty | Basic to moderate | Moderate to challenging |
| Key Topics | Linear equations, basic quadratics, factoring, graphing lines | Logarithms, exponentials, complex polynomials, matrices |
| Prerequisite For | College Algebra | Precalculus, Statistics, Business Math |
| Typical Sequence | Comes FIRST (if required by placement) | Comes AFTER Intermediate Algebra |
| Can You Skip It? | Yes — with high placement test scores | Sometimes — with AP credit or placement |
What Is Intermediate Algebra?
Intermediate Algebra is a developmental mathematics course designed to bridge the gap between high school algebra and college-level coursework. It reviews and reinforces concepts that students should have learned in Algebra I and Algebra II, preparing them for the rigor of College Algebra.
Who Takes Intermediate Algebra?
Students typically end up in Intermediate Algebra because they scored below the college-level threshold on a math placement test (like ALEKS or Accuplacer), haven’t taken math in several years and need a refresher, or didn’t complete Algebra II in high school or earned a low grade.
Topics Covered in Intermediate Algebra
The course covers linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations (factoring and quadratic formula), rational expressions and equations, radicals and rational exponents, graphing linear and quadratic functions, and introduction to functions.
The Credit Problem
Here’s the frustrating reality: Intermediate Algebra typically does not count toward your degree. You pay tuition, you invest time, and you get zero credits toward graduation. It’s classified as “developmental” or “remedial” education — designed to get you ready for college-level work, not to count as college-level work itself.
This is why students who start in Intermediate Algebra often face a longer path to graduation. According to The Hechinger Report, “Of those students who start three levels below college-level math, only 16 percent complete the sequence within three years.”
What Is College Algebra?
College Algebra is a credit-bearing, college-level mathematics course that serves as the foundation for higher math courses. It’s often required for STEM majors, business programs, and many general education requirements.
Official Course Description
A typical College Algebra course is defined as: “In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included.”
Topics Covered in College Algebra
College Algebra goes significantly deeper than Intermediate Algebra. Key topics include polynomial functions of higher degree (behavior, zeros, graphing), rational functions and asymptotes, exponential functions and applications, logarithmic functions and properties, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, systems of equations using matrices and determinants, sequences and series (arithmetic and geometric), and introduction to conic sections.
Why College Algebra Matters
College Algebra serves as the gateway to virtually all higher mathematics. It’s a prerequisite for Precalculus, Statistics, Business Calculus, Calculus I (at some institutions), and many science courses (Chemistry, Physics).
If you’re pursuing any STEM field, nursing, business, or even some liberal arts programs, College Algebra stands between you and the rest of your coursework.
Key Differences Explained
1. Content Depth and Abstraction
Intermediate Algebra focuses on procedures: here’s how you factor a trinomial, here’s how you solve a quadratic equation. The emphasis is on mechanical skill-building.
College Algebra demands conceptual understanding: why do logarithms work the way they do? How do exponential functions model real-world growth? What does the graph of a rational function tell you about its equation? The shift from “how” to “why” trips up many students.
2. Pace and Expectations
Intermediate Algebra typically moves at a measured pace, with built-in review time. Instructors expect students to need extra support.
College Algebra assumes you’ve mastered Intermediate Algebra content and moves quickly through new material. There’s less hand-holding and more expectation that you’ll figure things out through practice.
3. Credit and Cost
This is the most frustrating difference. Intermediate Algebra costs the same as College Algebra — same tuition, same fees, same textbook expenses — but yields zero transferable credits. You’re paying for preparation, not progress.
4. Impact on Graduation Timeline
Starting in Intermediate Algebra can add a full semester (or more) to your time in college. If you need to take Intermediate Algebra → College Algebra → Precalculus → Calculus, you’re looking at a four-semester math sequence before you even start courses that require calculus as a prerequisite.
Which One Is Harder?
Short answer: Most students find College Algebra significantly harder than Intermediate Algebra.
Why College Algebra Is More Difficult
Abstract concepts: Logarithms don’t behave like anything you’ve seen before. The idea that log₁₀(100) = 2 because 10² = 100 requires a mental shift that many students struggle with.
More complex functions: Polynomial functions of degree 5 or higher, rational functions with multiple asymptotes, piecewise functions — these require you to hold multiple concepts in your head simultaneously.
Application problems: College Algebra word problems are more sophisticated. You might model population growth with exponential functions or analyze compound interest with logarithms.
Less forgiveness: In Intermediate Algebra, if you struggle with one topic, you can often still pass. In College Algebra, concepts build on each other more tightly — fall behind on exponentials and logarithms become impossible.
Why Some Students Find Intermediate Algebra Harder
For students who’ve been away from math for years, Intermediate Algebra can feel overwhelming because it assumes knowledge that’s long forgotten. If you haven’t factored a polynomial since 2015, even “basic” material feels foreign.
Adult learners returning to college often struggle more with Intermediate Algebra than traditional students do with College Algebra — not because the content is inherently harder, but because the gap between where they are and where they need to be is wider.
Sample Problems: See the Difference
The best way to understand the difficulty jump is to see actual problems from each course.
| Intermediate Algebra | College Algebra |
|---|---|
|
Solve for x:
Method: Factor or use the quadratic formula. This is a standard quadratic equation with integer coefficients. |
Solve for x:
Method: Use logarithm properties to combine, convert to exponential form, solve the resulting quadratic, and check for extraneous solutions. |
|
Graph the line:
Method: Identify slope and y-intercept, plot points, draw the line. |
Graph and analyze:
Method: Find vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptote, holes, x-intercepts, y-intercept, and sketch the complete graph. |
|
Simplify:
Method: Factor the numerator as a difference of squares, cancel common factors. |
Solve the system using matrices:
Method: Write augmented matrix, perform row operations to reach reduced row echelon form. |
Notice the pattern: Intermediate Algebra problems have clear, direct solution paths. College Algebra problems require you to choose from multiple techniques, apply properties correctly, and check your work for validity.
Where These Courses Fit in the Math Sequence
Understanding the typical college math pathway helps you see where you are and where you need to go:
1. Pre-Algebra / Basic Math — Arithmetic review, fractions, decimals, percentages
↓
2. Beginning Algebra — Introduction to variables, basic equations
↓
3. Intermediate Algebra — High school Algebra II level, remedial/developmental
↓
4. College Algebra — First college-level math course for most students
↓
5. Precalculus — Combines advanced algebra with trigonometry
↓
6. Calculus I, II, III — Required for STEM majors
Alternative paths: Not everyone needs to go through the full sequence. Business majors might go College Algebra → Business Calculus. Nursing students might go College Algebra → Statistics. Liberal arts majors might only need College Algebra (or an alternative like Quantitative Reasoning).
What Students Say About These Courses
These are real, verified posts from students discussing their algebra experiences:
“No matter what I do I just can not pass this class. This is my third time taking it. I cant do anything if I dont pass. I cant even stay in school… I so sick of people telling me to see a tutor. I HAVE 3 I SEE 1 EVERY DAY AND THE OTHER TWO EVERY OTHER DAY. I go to the math specialist for 2 hours a day.”
— College Confidential, September 2016
“I had to take Algebra three times until I finally made a D, which was passing, and I could move on. I minored in CS and went on to an MBA. Yeah, College Algebra sucks. Any math but Algebra.”
— College Confidential, September 2016
“College algebra is brutal for me due to my poor foundation in basic math. I struggle with the basics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions and other elementary school math topics. If the basics are not mastered, higher level mathematics tends to be an uphill battle.”
— AllNurses, March 2020
“It’s been a barrier for them to earn an AA degree because they can’t pass Intermediate Algebra. They can pass all other classes. So they end up with just a Certificate in an area of study.”
— EdSource, August 2017
“I am taking college algebra for the second time and I still have zero idea what I am doing… I love learning so much; however, I cannot seem to get a grip on algebra. I do not understand the concepts, the rules, or solving the equations.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Algebra courses have some of the highest failure rates of any college courses. But struggling doesn’t mean you can’t pass.
Your Problems. Our Solutions.
We hear these frustrations every day from algebra students. Here’s how we solve them.
| The Problem | How We Fix It |
|---|---|
| “I haven’t taken math in 10+ years. I don’t remember anything.”
Adult learners returning to college often face a steep re-learning curve. Concepts that were once familiar feel completely foreign. |
Our experts can complete your assignments while you focus on other courses. Or we can handle specific topics you’ve forgotten while you tackle the ones you remember.
→ No need to re-learn everything from scratch. |
| “ALEKS keeps resetting my progress. I was at 80%, now I’m at 60%.”
ALEKS Knowledge Checks penalize you for forgetting material. Weeks of work can vanish in a single assessment. |
We know how ALEKS works. Our experts can maintain your progress, handle Knowledge Checks strategically, and push your pie to completion.
→ No more watching your progress disappear. |
| “MyMathLab marks my correct answers wrong because of formatting.”
You understand the math but lose points to syntax errors — wrong parentheses, wrong decimal places, wrong notation. |
We’ve completed thousands of MyMathLab assignments. We know exactly how the platform wants answers formatted for every problem type.
→ No more points lost to technicalities. |
| “This is my third time taking algebra. I can’t fail again.”
Repeated failures damage your GPA, waste money, and can trigger academic probation or dismissal. |
We guarantee A/B grades on everything we complete. If we don’t deliver, you get your money back. This time, you pass.
→ Break the cycle. Move forward with your degree. |
| “I’m working full-time and taking 4 other classes. I don’t have 20 hours a week for algebra.”
Online algebra platforms demand enormous time investments. Homework, practice, quizzes — it never ends. |
We handle the time-consuming work efficiently. What takes you hours takes our experts a fraction of the time.
→ Reclaim your time for work, family, and other courses. |
Platforms We Support
Algebra courses use various online platforms for homework and assessment. We work with all of them, every day.
| Platform | Publisher | Common Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| ALEKS | McGraw-Hill | Knowledge Checks reset progress, adaptive paths unpredictable, time-intensive |
| MyLab Math | Pearson | Strict formatting, no partial credit, unhelpful error messages |
| WebAssign | Cengage | Syntax errors marked wrong, auto-saves incorrect answers |
| MyOpenMath | Open Source | Variable quality of problem sets, limited help resources |
| Hawkes Learning | Hawkes | Certify mode demands, mastery requirements frustrating |
| Knewton Alta | Wiley | Adaptive assignments can feel endless |
Placement Tests: How to Skip Intermediate Algebra
Most colleges use placement tests to determine whether you start in Intermediate Algebra or go directly to College Algebra. Score high enough, and you bypass the non-credit course entirely.
Common Placement Tests
ALEKS Placement Assessment: Used by many universities worldwide. Scores typically range from 0-100. Your institution sets the threshold for College Algebra placement.
Accuplacer: Common at community colleges and some universities. The Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) test determines placement.
Institution-Specific Tests: Many colleges and universities use their own placement exams. Check with your institution’s math department or testing center.
Preparing for Placement Tests
If you want to place directly into College Algebra and skip the remedial course, invest time in preparation. Review linear equations and graphing, factoring techniques, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and basic function concepts. Free resources like Khan Academy cover all these topics.
Need help with a placement test? Check out our ALEKS Placement Test Answers page.
Which Courses Does Your Major Require?
Different academic paths have different math requirements. Here’s a general guide:
| Major/Field | Typical Math Requirements |
|---|---|
| Engineering | College Algebra → Precalculus → Calculus I, II, III → Differential Equations |
| Computer Science | College Algebra → Precalculus → Calculus I, II → Discrete Math → Linear Algebra |
| Pre-Med / Biology | College Algebra → Precalculus → Calculus I (sometimes II) → Statistics |
| Nursing / Allied Health | College Algebra (or equivalent) → Statistics |
| Business / Accounting | College Algebra → Business Calculus or Statistics |
| Psychology / Social Sciences | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning → Statistics |
| Liberal Arts / Humanities | College Algebra, Contemporary Math, or Quantitative Reasoning (varies) |
Important: Always check your specific program’s requirements. Some nursing programs accept Statistics without College Algebra as a prerequisite. Some business programs offer Business Calculus as an alternative to traditional calculus.
Tips for Passing Both Courses
For Intermediate Algebra
Master the fundamentals first. If you’re shaky on fractions, decimals, and basic arithmetic, address those gaps before worrying about algebraic concepts. Many students struggle with algebra because they’re actually struggling with arithmetic.
Practice factoring until it’s automatic. Factoring is the foundation of everything in Intermediate Algebra. If you can’t factor a trinomial quickly and accurately, every subsequent topic becomes harder.
Don’t skip steps. Show all your work, even when you think you can do it in your head. Skipping steps leads to errors, and you won’t be able to identify where you went wrong.
For College Algebra
Understand logarithms conceptually. Don’t just memorize log rules — understand what a logarithm actually means. log₂(8) = 3 because 2³ = 8. That conceptual foundation makes everything else click.
Graph everything. When you’re unsure about a problem, sketch a graph. Visual representation helps you catch errors and understand what the algebra is actually describing.
Connect new concepts to old ones. Exponential functions are just repeated multiplication. Logarithms are the inverse of exponentials. Seeing these connections helps material stick.
For Both Courses
Start homework early. Don’t wait until the night before it’s due. Give yourself time to get stuck, seek help, and try again.
Use multiple resources. Your textbook isn’t the only explanation available. Khan Academy, Professor Leonard on YouTube, and Paul’s Online Math Notes offer different perspectives that might click better.
Know when to get help. If you’re spending dramatically more time than expected, if your grades are dropping despite effort, if algebra is hurting your other courses — these are signals. Getting help isn’t giving up; it’s making a strategic decision.
Why Students Choose Finish My Math Class
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