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Precalculus

By David A. Smith

Precalculus is, at some institutions, an amalgamation of precalculus one and precalculus two. The main topics of precalculus would usually include a detailed study of relations and functions, and their applications, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Composition and inverse functions are covered as well as their applications. Systems of equations and inequalities including matrices and various coordinate systems are also detailed. Parametric equations, conic sections, and solving triangles are usually presented in a second half of a precalculus course. A serious course in precalculus also would include an introduction to sequences, series, and probability. It is possible for these topics to be covered in detail in a single course, though rare, because the level of preparedness for a student would have to be relatively high. Often, the main goal of precalculus is to achieve a high level of readiness for calculus, but equally important is to have each student learn to organize and develop their thinking into justifiable steps of logical reasoning.

Recommended Reading
about precalculus
introduction functions
polynomial rational function
exp and logarithmic functions
trig angle
trigonometry functions
graphing trig functions
trigonometric identities
trigonometric formula
trigonometric equations
solve a triangle
conic sections
polar coordinate system
planar curves
precalculus quizzes

Precalculus Books