Pre AP Pre Calculus

This course is designed for the student who has demonstrated exceptional talent, responsibility and inquisitiveness for the study of mathematics. This course will provide students a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum of algebraic and geometric concepts and skills for the purpose of preparing students for Calculus and college level mathematics. The main focus of the course is for students to learn how to analyze and express real world relationships using algebraic concepts. During the course we will study various forms of functions including: Trigonometry and the Unit Circle, Vectors, Polar Equations, Parametric Equations, Harmonic Motion, Conic Sections, Exponential and Logarithmic functions, Rational functions, Polynomial functions, Systems of Equations, Sequences and Series, Limits and the Derivative. The course will be targeted in preparing 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who would like to take Calculus in high school or beyond while preparing all students to be successful in future mathematics courses in college.

Students who experience success in these courses typically exhibit the following personal and academic characteristics:

• have a clear connection to the vocabulary, skills, concepts, or habits of mind necessary for success.

• are good problem solvers in everyday situations.

• have developed strong learning/study habits.

• display emotional maturity when frustrated; show perseverance when challenged.

• have strong/mastered math facts/fluency.

• have strong values of learning; are self-motivated.

• think deeply and communicate math ideas.

• are reflective and evaluate their own work.