Honors Precalculus

The Fine Print

Course Goals​

• Describe characteristics and properties of complex functions both graphically and algebraically 

• Recognize and evaluate the behavior of trigonometric functions using the unit circle 

• Learn and manipulate trigonometric identities to solve complex equations

• Understand the relationship between linear equations and matrices in order to solve systems of linear equations

• Explore topics of analytical geometry graphically 

• Use standard equations to graphically represent the 4 types of conic sections

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate limits of sequences, series and functions 

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The course will cover the following topics:

• Characteristics of complex functions such as domain/range, increasing/decreasing, minimums/maximums and asymptotes

• Factoring polynomials using synthetic division

• Properties of complex numbers

• Modeling logarithmic and exponential functions to study topics such as earthquake magnitudes, compound interest and population growth

• Trigonometry topics such as trigonometric functions, the Unit Circle, right angles, and trigonometric identities to study topics such as linear speed and harmonic motion

• Properties of vectors such as finding the dot product, cross product and triple scalar product

• Solving systems of linear equations algebraically and by use of matrices to study topics such as cryptography

• Proofs by mathematical induction

• Introduction to probability including use of the Binomial Theorem, Pascal’s triangle and permutations

• Exploration of conic sections including circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas,

• Graphing and exploring properties of parametric and polar equations

• An introduction to Calculus through the evaluation of limits  

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Prerequisites

• Students must have completed the equivalent of one of these high school math sequences: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry or Integrated Math 1, 2, 3.

• Are you ready? Take a Self Assessment Test. 

 

Course Details

• Precalculus classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45-4:00 p.m. Eastern.

• All classes will be recorded, so students have the option to participate live or watch the recorded videos. 

• Please see the FAQ for class dates/breaks.

• This class is a-g approved in CA if taken through Sky Mountain, Inspire, Ocean Grove, or South Sutter.

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Instructor Demo​

• See a Zoom Demo where the instructor, Ashley Porter, demonstrates her instructional approach and previews some of the technology resources--including GeoGebra--that she and students will be using in the class.

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Course Resources

Textbook:

• Precalculus Functions and Graphs: A Graphing Approach, 5th edition, by Ron Larson, Robert Hostetler, and Bruce Edwards; eBook and homework through WebAssign;  ($35 purchase coordinated through instructor)

• Look inside: a preview

• Affordable used print copies are optional: Precalculus Functions and Graphs: A Graphing Approach, 5th edition; ISBN: 978-1439044520

• Borrow a copy: Blue Tent OnLoan

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Web Resources:

• WebAssign, online homework and quiz program

• GeoGebra – A free application for students to visualize characteristics of functions

• Desmos.com – A free online graphing calculator program 

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Calculator:

• Required: TI-84 series

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Technical resources:

We use ZOOM for live meetings. U.S. and international students need:

• An internet connection

• A computer with a web-cam

• Recommended: a headset with a microphone (but your built-in computer audio and microphone will work if necessary)

• Students will be emailed a link prior to each live class to join the ZOOM session.

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