About Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is broken in to two different semester courses, Pre-Calculus I and Pre-Calculus II.

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II

Pre-Calculus I: In this course, students will continue to study in depth many of the concepts studied in Algebra II and will begin to apply those concepts to real world problems. Topics to be studied include coordinate geometry, graphing and interpreting polynomial and rational functions including the use of synthetic substitution to locate zeros and determine quotients. Additional topics include logarithmic and exponential functions and conic sections. Students will use a graphing calculator to help facilitate the development of concepts in these areas

Pre-Calculus II: In this course, students will apply skills and concepts learned in Algebra II to the study of the six (6) trigonometry functions. Students will apply trigonometry to problem situations involving triangles, explore periodic real-world phenomena using the sine and cosine functions, study the connection between trigonometric and circular functions, apply general graphing techniques to the trigonometric functions, solve trigonometric equations and verify trigonometric identities. Students will use a graphing calculator to help facilitate the development of concepts in these areas. (Upon successful completion of Pre-Calculus I & II, the student will be well prepared to study mathematics at the college level.)

About Advanced Pre-Calculus

In this course, students will integrate concepts from Algebra and Geometry as they study polynomial, rational, logarithmic, power, and logistic functions. They will investigate limits in preparation for the study of Calculus. Students will develop an understanding of the properties of trigonometric functions and their inverses as well as model realistic situations using trigonometric functions. This is a rigorous course that moves at a fast pace and examines topics in depth. (Successful completion of Advanced Pre-Calculus will prepare students for Advanced Placement Calculus or for a first course in college calculus.)

Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra II or teacher recommendation