College Algebra can feel like a maze. The good news is this course is predictable once you know how it is built and how points are awarded. Use this guide as your map: what to study, when to study it, and how to collect the points you need.
Quick facts
• Passing score is 70 percent. There are 1,000 total points in the course, so plan for at least 700.
• Cumulative benchmarks allow only one attempt; earlier benchmarks allow multiple attempts with your best score kept.
• Finals are no longer proctored as of Aug 28, 2025. Academic integrity rules still apply.
• Content is aligned to OpenStax College Algebra 2e, so that free book is your perfect companion. (StraighterLine)
Table of contents
- Course structure at a glance
- Two study plans you can actually follow
- What to focus on in each checkpoint
- A benchmark strategy that protects your grade
- Daily practice recipe
- Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
- Quick algebra toolbox
- Mini FAQ
Course structure at a glance
StraighterLine’s College Algebra uses nine “Checkpoints” for learning and six “Benchmarks” for grading. You earn up to 1,000 points across those benchmarks; 700 points means a pass. Cumulative benchmarks are single-attempt, so you want to go in prepared.
Topics follow a clean arc: real numbers and expressions, linear equations and inequalities, systems, quadratics, polynomials, functions and graphs, rational and polynomial graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, and sequences and series.
Since finals are now unproctored, your focus shifts from navigating a proctor to mastering the content and honoring the integrity rules.
Two study plans you can actually follow
Choose the one that matches your schedule.
The two-week sprint (about 2 to 3 hours a day)
- Days 1 to 2: Checkpoint 1 recap of numbers, exponents, factoring. Light practice.
- Days 3 to 4: Checkpoint 2 linear equations and inequalities, graph basics.
- Day 5: Checkpoint 3 systems of equations.
- Days 6 to 7: Quadratics and complex numbers.
- Days 8 to 9: Polynomials and radical or rational exponents.
- Day 10: Functions, domain and range, composition, inverse.
- Day 11: Polynomial and rational graphs, asymptotes.
- Day 12: Exponential and logarithmic functions.
- Day 13: Sequences and series.
- Day 14: Full review then take the cumulative benchmark.
This ordering mirrors the official roadmap and keeps related ideas together for spaced recall.
The four-week steady plan (about 60 to 90 minutes a day)
Week 1 covers Checkpoints 1 to 3, Week 2 covers 4 to 5, Week 3 covers 6 to 7, Week 4 covers 8 to 9, review, then the cumulative benchmark. This pace matches typical completion expectations while staying flexible.
What to focus on in each checkpoint
Use this as your “what really matters” list. Examples show the flavor of questions to expect.
- Checkpoint 1: Prerequisites
Rules of exponents, scientific notation, factoring, rational expressions.
- Checkpoint 2: Linear equations and inequalities
One-variable and two-variable linear models, absolute value, graphs of lines, applications.
Example: Write the equation of a line through two points and interpret slope in a word problem.
- Checkpoint 3: Systems
Solve by graphing, substitution, elimination; model mixtures and break-even.
- Checkpoint 4: Quadratics and complex numbers
Factor, complete the square, quadratic formula, graph parabolas; know when discriminant is positive, zero, or negative.
- Checkpoint 5: Polynomials and radical or rational exponents
Operations on polynomials, solving higher-degree equations, radicals.
- Checkpoint 6 and 7: Functions and graphs
Function notation, domain and range, composition and inverse, symmetry, transformations, polynomial and rational graphs, horizontal and vertical asymptotes.
- Checkpoint 8: Exponential and logarithmic functions
Graphs, properties, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, growth and decay.
- Checkpoint 9: Sequences and series
Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, closed and recursive forms.
For deeper explanations and extra worked examples, keep OpenStax College Algebra 2e open in a second tab. It aligns with the course and is free. (OpenStax)
A benchmark strategy that protects your grade
- Know the point map. Six benchmarks add to 1,000 points. Plan your effort so you cross 700 before the final benchmark.
- Use your retakes wisely. Most non-cumulative benchmarks allow more than one attempt with the best score kept. Take a quick first attempt to expose weak spots, then a targeted second attempt. The cumulative benchmark allows only one attempt, so schedule it after a full review day.
- Train on exam-style items. When you study, write your own versions of likely multiple-choice traps: sign errors, domain restrictions, and extraneous solutions for radicals and logs. General college algebra test advice supports this approach.
Daily practice recipe
Repeat this loop each day:
- Preview the OpenStax section that matches your checkpoint for the day. Read examples, then try the concept questions.
- Watch and drill a small set on Khan Academy that mirrors the same skill. Keep sessions short and targeted.
- Work five mixed problems from memory. Cover your steps and rework until you can solve cleanly.
- Exit quiz. Do a mini set of linear, quadratic, function, and log items even if your day was about something else. This keeps older skills fresh.
Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
- Memorizing without pictures. Sketch graphs for lines, quadratics, exponentials, and rationals. A quick sketch catches sign errors and domain issues. General algebra study guidance shows that visualizing improves accuracy.
- Forgetting domain and inverse rules. Always state domain before or after solving.
- Dropping parentheses with function composition or when squaring binomials.
- Ignoring extraneous solutions in radical or logarithmic equations.
- Waiting until the last day to attempt the cumulative benchmark. Give yourself a buffer day.
Quick algebra toolbox
- FOIL for binomials
- Quadratic formula
- Laws of exponents including negative and fractional powers
- Log properties
- Arithmetic and geometric series formulas
For refreshers and extra examples, OpenStax and the Open Textbook Library are reliable and free.
Mini FAQ
Is College Algebra at StraighterLine self paced
Yes. There are no fixed homework deadlines, and you can move as fast as you are ready.
What materials does the course use
Course readings are integrated and adapted from OpenStax College Algebra 2e.
What score do I need to pass
Seventy percent or better across the course which equals 700 out of 1,000 points.
Are finals proctored
No. Proctoring was removed across courses effective Aug 28, 2025. You are still responsible for following academic integrity rules.
Should you require assistance with your StraighterLine College Algebra course, please do not hesitate to contact us for support.
Related StraighterLine Guides
Check out our other StraighterLine guides: How to Pass StraighterLine Chemistry, How to Pass StraighterLine Statistics, StraighterLine Tips & Strategies, and StraighterLine Final Exam Guide.
