Precalculus

Students should be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these representations. Students should master their understanding of polynomial and rational functions. Students should be able to evaluate common trigonometric expressions and graph trigonometric functions. Students should be able solve right and non-right triangles using a variety of techniques. Students should be able to simplify trigonometric expressions using identities and to find the solutions to trigonometric equations. Students should be able to graph and manipulate conics. Students should be able to identify arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. Students should be able to graph polar and parametric equations. Students should be able to communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems both verbally and in written sentences. Students should be able to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. Students should be able to determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement. Students should develop the fundamental skills needed to be successful in calculus.