Khan Academy Math 160- Course Information
What Is Khan Academy Math 160?
MATH 160 is a college-level mathematics course, typically called College Algebra or Precalculus, depending on your school. It covers functions, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic equations, and trigonometry basics. Some universities also throw in matrices and conic sections.
Khan Academy doesn't have a course labeled "Math 160" because the platform organizes content by topic, not by college course codes. You won't find a "MATH 160" button to click. What you will find is a massive library of math content that covers everything in this course.
That's actually good news. You get more resources than a single textbook offers.
Topics Covered in MATH 160
The exact content varies by institution, but here's what most MATH 160 courses include:
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Quadratic functions and factoring
- Polynomial division and rational functions
- Exponential and logarithmic expressions
- Systems of equations
- Sequences and series
- Trigonometry fundamentals (sine, cosine, tangent)
- Matrices and determinants (in some versions)
Check your syllabus. It tells you exactly what your professor expects you to know. Use that as your checklist.
How to Use Khan Academy for MATH 160
Khan Academy works best as a supplement, not a replacement. Here's how to actually use it:
Find the Right Content
Search for specific topics in the search bar. Type "polynomial division" or "logarithmic functions" and you'll get video lessons, practice problems, and articles. The platform maps most of this content to what you'd find in a college algebra course.
Watch the Videos First
Sal Khan explains concepts in a straightforward way. Watch at 1.25x or 1.5x speed if you already understand the basics. Pause when he works through examples and try it yourself before he reveals the answer.
Do the Practice Problems
The mastery challenges adapt to your skill level. If you miss questions, the system serves easier problems until you prove you understand. Don't skip this part—watching videos isn't the same as solving problems.
Track Your Progress
Create a username so your progress saves. The platform shows you which skills you've mastered and which need more work. This helps you focus study time on weak spots.
Khan Academy vs. Traditional MATH 160 Resources
Here's a direct comparison:
| Feature | Khan Academy | Textbook/Class |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $150-300 for textbook |
| Video Explanations | Yes, unlimited | No, unless online access code purchased |
| Practice Problems | Unlimited, adaptive | Limited to textbook exercises |
| Instant Feedback | Yes | Only if you buy homework platform access |
| College Credit | No | Yes, if enrolled |
| Personalized Pacing | Yes, entirely self-paced | No, follows class schedule |
Khan Academy wins on cost and flexibility. Traditional coursework wins on credit and accountability.
Limitations You Need to Know
Khan Academy won't give you college credit. If you need this course for a degree, you still have to enroll and pass the class.
The platform doesn't always match your professor's exact syllabus. Some topics in your MATH 160 course might be buried deep in the library, and some Khan Academy content might cover things your class skips entirely.
There's no graded homework that counts toward your actual course grade. Use it to learn, not to submit.
Getting Started: Your MATH 160 Study Plan
Here's how to actually use Khan Academy to survive or ace this course:
- Get your syllabus. Write down every topic your professor lists. This is your roadmap.
- Search each topic on Khan Academy. Bookmark the relevant videos and practice sets.
- Watch one video per concept. Take notes if you want, but don't just passively watch.
- Complete the mastery challenge. Don't move on until you hit mastery level on each skill.
- Use the platform before class. Watch the Khan Academy video on material your professor will cover next. You'll understand the lecture better.
- Use it after class. If something didn't click during lecture, find an alternative explanation on Khan Academy.
- Review weekly. Don't wait until exam week. Spaced repetition works better than cramming.
What to Do If Khan Academy Doesn't Cover Something
Some MATH 160 topics aren't well-represented on Khan Academy, especially advanced trigonometry or specific matrix operations. When that happens:
- Try PatrickJMT on YouTube for more worked examples
- Use Paul's Online Math Notes for textbook-style explanations
- Search for the specific topic + "khan academy" on Google to find community resources
- Ask your professor during office hours
Diversify your sources. No single platform has everything.
The Bottom Line
Khan Academy is a free, powerful tool for learning MATH 160 material. It won't replace your class, but it will help you understand concepts, practice problem-solving, and fill gaps in your knowledge.
Use it consistently. Watch videos. Do the problems. Track your progress. That's it. There's no magic here—just practice and repetition.