Description
Precalculus Course Description
This class is approved by the NCAA.
Precalculus is a key bridge between algebra and calculus. This course focuses on developing a deep understanding of functions and their properties so students are prepared not just to succeed in calculus, but to truly understand it.
Students meet live once per week for interactive instruction and discussion. The remainder of the learning happens through thoughtfully designed asynchronous activities that allow students time to practice, reflect, and revisit ideas at their own pace.
A strong emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding. Students are guided to understand not only what to do and how to do it, but also why mathematical ideas work. Rather than memorizing isolated procedures, students learn to explain their thinking, justify their reasoning, and make sense of mathematics in meaningful ways.
Throughout the course, students explore functions through multiple representations—symbols, graphs, tables, words, and models—and learn how these representations connect to one another. Making these connections helps students see mathematics as a coherent system rather than a collection of separate topics.
In addition to mathematical content, the course intentionally builds essential skills such as:
- Clear mathematical communication (spoken and written)
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Reflection and revision of work
- Making connections between concepts
- Collaborative thinking and discussion
- Growth Mindset
By the end of the course, students will have a strong, flexible foundation in precalculus that supports confidence, independence, and readiness for calculus and other advanced math courses.
Grade Levels
- 10th – 12th grade
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of Algebra 2 required
Required Material
- Math XL
- Desmos
- TI-83+ or higher graphing calculator
- Computer access required during the week
- Screen recording tools on computer (Windows and MacOS have screen recording tools built in, or there are other free online tools like Loom) to explain understanding of mathematical ideas
Course Outline
- Polynomial and Rational Functions
- Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Trigonometric and Polar Functions
- Analytic Geometry (Conic Sections, Parametric Equations, Vectors)
- Sequences, Series, and Combinatorics
Estimated Workload
- 5-10 hours weekly
