What is Precalc: Definition and 59 Discussions

In mathematics education, precalculus or college algebra is a course, or a set of courses, that includes algebra and trigonometry at a level which is designed to prepare students for the study of calculus. Schools often distinguish between algebra and trigonometry as two separate parts of the coursework.

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  1. BWV

    Worth learning complex exponential trig derivations in precalc?

    This is a pedagogical /time management / bandwidth / tradeoff question, no argument that learning the complex exponential derivation is valuable, but is it a good strategy for preparing for first year Calculus? my 16YO son is taking AP precalc and AP calc next year and doing well, but struggled...
  2. Chandller

    Foundations Textbooks vs Khan Academy for Self Study and PreCalc CLEP

    Hi PF, I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving. Quick question, as I've mentioned before, I am non-traditional college student who is right at just over College Algebra/beginning Trig level in Math. While I am out of university, to make enough money to return, I am wanting to CLEP...
  3. C

    Trigonometry (re-moved to Precalc Math Homework)

    Homework Statement: (cos2A -1)/sinA +sin2A/(cos2A+1)*cosA=__________________ Homework Equations: sin2A=2sinAcosA cos2A+1=cos^2A cos2A-1=sin^2A (cos2A -1)/sinA +sin2A/(cos2A+1)*cosA [cos^2(2A)-1 +2sin^2(A)cos^2(A)]/sinA(cos2A+1) [-sin^2(2A) + 2sin^2(A)cos^2(A)]/sinA(cos2A+1) I can't proceed...
  4. F

    Hi, I have a quick question about graph transformations.

    One of my homework questions said "Explain how to obtain f(x)=-(3+x)^2+1 from the graph of y=x^2." I know somehow you need to move the graph right 3, reflect about the x-axis, and move up one, but I don't know how to factor and manipulate the equation to show this.
  5. I

    Courses Learning Physics as 9th grader + precalc test out

    Hello! I am in 9th grade and I am really interested in physics. I got this book from my uncle on my birthday but it says there is calc in it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321973615/?tag=pfamazon01-20 I can't give it back because its disrespectful in my culture. Can I still learn from this, or...
  6. A

    I Which topics from precalc are essential for calc 3?

    i took calc 2, and am going to take calc 3. My precalc teacher skipped on a lot of topics since the class was falling behind and he assumed most weren't going to take calc 3 anyways. So which topics from precalc are essential for calc3? NOTE: i am on the semester system, which means there are...
  7. A

    Trig identities (I think?) for precalc review

    Homework Statement My calc class is having me review precalc(which I'm really rusty on...) 21. Find sin θ, sec θ, and cot θ if tan θ = 27 22. Find sin θ, cos θ, and sec θ if cot θ = 4. 23. Find cos 2θ if sin θ = 15 24. Find sin 2θ and cos 2θ if tan θ = √2 25. Find cos θ and tan θ if sin θ =...
  8. A

    Why are some precalc topics taught but not used in calc?

    There are quite a few pre calc topics that are not used in calc. For example, complex and imaginary numbers. Also, systems of equations why?
  9. A

    Precalc topics that are essential in calculus 3

    Hello, I will be taking calc3 a semester from now. I will take linear algebra this upcoming semester, so i have a bit of time to prepare for calc. what are Precal topics that are essential in calculus 3? reading the class description, it seems more geometric than calc 1 and 2. Also, what are...
  10. Adriane

    I'm having trouble creating my own trig function

    I'm developing my own trigonometric function concerning a "real world" problem of my choosing. I decided to go with the orbit of Neptune around the sun. I just don't know how to develop the equation itself, like if it would be sine or cosine? I'm just lost as to where to begin. If anyone can...
  11. A

    Precalc Trig Arc Length Question

    Homework Statement http://education.Alberta.ca/media/9451970/07_math30-1_released_2014-15.pdf question #7 Homework Equations a=theta*r The Attempt at a Solution I did a=(5pi/6)*20 but the answer is not A
  12. S

    Solve for w: u=-7i-3j, v=-4i+4j, w=5u+4v

    1. If u=-7i-3j and v=-4i+4j, find w=5u+4v. 2. I'm not sure which equation to use? Test is tomorrow so fast help would be great!The Attempt at a Solution : So my teacher gave us the answer key and it reads: -51i+j and i am not sure how to get that?? Please help![/B]
  13. M

    Has my community college skipping important precalc concepts?

    Hi. I did poorly in HS math due to many reasons, but now I love it and have received ~ 100% on every exam in the past 4 remedial math classes. Next I start cc version of precalc. So lately I've been feeling like my cc is teaching us watered down math. For example, logarithms are not introduced...
  14. E

    MHB PreCalc Functions Help: Translations

    Q: The point (0,-1/2) is on the graph of f. If g is a translation of f so that g(x)=f(x+1/2) + 2, then what are the coordinates of the translated point? I got the answer (-1/2, 2) but I'm not sure if that is the correct answer. Thanks!
  15. J

    Matrix maybe it can go in precalc section ?

    Homework Statement Let A and B be matrices of the same size. a.) prove the jth column of ## A + B## is ## a_j + b_j ## Homework Equations Where is i? In their question? The Attempt at a Solution What if you did this. ## A= \begin{pmatrix} a_{1j}\\ a_{2j}\\ a_{3j}...
  16. N

    Learn Algebra 1-Precalc for Calculus Challenge

    Would these cover all I need to know, all the way up til Calculus (not including Calculus)? aka do they cover Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Precalc -- leading me into Calculus? --------------------------------------------------- Algebra 1: Algebra, Gelfand Geometry: Euclid's...
  17. D

    Having a very hard time in my PRECALC CLASS

    Having a very hard time in my PRECALC CLASS. When they facto problems they start pulling numbers out of numbers that aren't there.. Example.. 3(4x+5)^2 (4)(5x+1)^2 + (4x+5)^3 (2) (5x+1)(5) Professor said this was the answer. a) 2(4x+5)^2(5x+1)[6(5x+1)+5(4x+5)] = b)...
  18. S

    Looking for learning resources - Precalc 12

    Does anyone know where I might find some learning resources on expansions/compressions of graphs - in particular, taking the compressions/expansions/translations and writing the function? I'm finding this very counter-intuitive and have gone over all the material I have on the subject for the...
  19. S

    Need to create a function in Precalc

    Need to create a function in Precalc... Homework Statement Let a be the # corresponding to the first letter of your name in the alphabet. Let b be the # corresponding to the first letter of your last name. Come up with a function f such that f(a)=b and f(b)=a (you need to write the answer as...
  20. H

    Precalc project: positive values in an inequality

    Homework Statement Determine the set of positive values of x that satisfy the following inequality: (1/x) - (1/(x-1)) > (1/(x-2)) a) (0, 1) union (2^1/2, 2) b) (0, 1/2) union (1, 2) c) (1/2, 1) union (2^1/2, 2(2^1/2)) d) (0, 2^1/2) union (3/2, 2) e) (1, 2^1/2) union (2, 2(2^1/2))...
  21. J

    Easy exponent precalc problem. 4^(1+√2) * 4^(1-√2)

    Can anyone do the steps to: 4^(1+√2) * 4^(1-√2)? The book says it's 16, but I got 16^-1 steps: foil exponents: that comes out to 1-2 ? Should it not be ? then, just multiply the 4's, or do you add them?
  22. H

    Precalc Problem: Finding XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, YMAX with F(X) and its Properties

    Homework Statement 1. given F(x) = .2x^4 - 2x^2 - 5x find: XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, YMAX 2. Using F(X) find the following: a. Domain b. Range c. List increasing intervals d. List decreasing intervals e. Coordinates of any maximums or minimums I worked it out mostly on paper and can't get that...
  23. M

    Where to go from learning precalc and a bit of calculus?

    Hi, This isn't so much a coursework question, but a 'where to go from here' question. But because I'm not in college, I figured it doesn't really belong in the academic guidance forum. But anyways, on to my question. Currently, I'm finishing up a 5-week precalculus course at a local...
  24. H

    Any recommendations for a Precalc textbook for self-study?

    Hi, I'll be beginning my high school sophomore year in August and will be taking Precalc in school, but, because I want to start studying physics seriously, I thought it would be a good idea to take initiative and get a solid foundation in the required math before classes start (an entire...
  25. J

    Is ommiting precalc and geomtry good for a school to be doing?

    There are a few 2 year colleges around, anyways, one of them never offers geometry or trig, they just want students to go straight from trig to calculus, but all the other 2 year colleges offer, geometry then college algebra, then trig, then precalc. then calc. What concepts are probably being...
  26. R

    What is the Objective Function and Constraints for this Optimization Problem?

    Homework Statement Optimization (Maximize or Minimize) JJCJ=-x +2y according to: A(1,2) B(-1,2) C(-1,-3) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I have taken many advanced math courses and its kind of embarrassing that I don't know how to approach this question :\...
  27. R

    Probability- precalc permutation and combination

    Homework Statement P(4,2)+C(5,3) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think I'm missing something, P(4,2)= 4P2 and C(5,3)=5C3 ?
  28. E

    Precalc Sine Project: Bat & Dolphin Echolocation

    1. Homework Statement I am doing a project for my precalc class which explores the applications of sine waves in real life. I chose to do bat and dolphin echolocation. so far the information i have found online has given me frequency in Hz, length of each pulse, and intensity in db. I'm pretty...
  29. E

    : precalc project amplitude help

    URGENT: precalc project amplitude help! Homework Statement I am doing a project for my precalc class which explores the applications of sine waves in real life. I chose to do bat and dolphin echolocation. so far the information i have found online has given me frequency in Hz, length of each...
  30. K

    Equation of a Tangent Line - PreCalc

    Find the equation of the line with slope -1 that is tangent to the curve y = 1/(x-1). The equation of a line with slope -1 is y = -x + k The curve is y = 1/(x-1) Set the y-values to each other: 1/(x-1) = -x + k Rearrange and set equal to 0: 1 = -x² + x + k x² - x + 1 – k = 0...
  31. N

    Solving PreCalc Problems: Removing Numbers and Simplifying Expressions

    Homework Statement http://img208.imageshack.us/i/sany0213.jpg/ http://img528.imageshack.us/i/sany0214k.jpg/ The Attempt at a Solution I'm completely stumped. No idea how to remove the number in such as the cos2x, ect... Or how to simplify the H/D with the fractions at the bottom, or the...
  32. B

    A good book as a refresher/catchup for precalc

    Homework Statement The Problem? I was the problem. In high school I didn't apply myself very much and slacked off quite a lot. I didn't like math classes very much because they required me to do too much work. It has been about 10 years since I've taken any math classes. When I was in...
  33. A

    Paytons' 15-Year 9% FRM Mortgage Payment Calculation

    Homework Statement Rebecca and Tom Payton have decided to buy a home that costs $200,000. The Paytons can put down 20% of the home's price. They have applied for a 15-year, 9% FRM to finance the balance. They Paytons have a combined gross annual income of $70,000. How much will the Paytons...
  34. A

    PreCalc. Finding the value

    Homework Statement Janine, a science student, measured the volume of carbon dioxide gas that can be absorbed by one cubic centimeter of charcoal at pressure x. She made the following four sets of measurements: (120, 3.1) (340, 5.5) (534, 7.1) (698, 8.3) Janine finds that the volume, f(x), to...
  35. N

    I know more calculus than precalc (entering univ. in the fall)

    Here's the deal...I had a really bad precalc teacher in high school. She had a baby a week into the course and we had a generic watch-movies, do crossword puzzles sub for the rest of the year. The class made me unmotivated for math, so I didn't try to learn anything on my own. This year...
  36. G

    Solve PreCalc Question: Population Growth in 10 Years

    Homework Statement The average growth rate of the population of a certain city is 7.5% per year. The city's population is now 22,750 people. What is the expected population in 10 years? Homework Equations I was always taught this formula for exponential growth N(t) = N_0 e^(kt) N...
  37. P

    Newtons cooling law problem given in precalc

    I'm going to write this up the same way my teacher gave me the sheet Homework Statement At 9am on october 19, 2009 a body was found in room 327 at University Center. The room is kept at a constant temperature of 72 degrees. The medical examiner was called and he arrived in eight minutes...
  38. D

    Teaching Precalc - extraneous roots?

    Hello, I am a first-year math grad student, and I just started teaching two sections of precalc! yikes! So I had a major embarrasing moment during office hours when I told 2 students the wrong answer because I completely forgot about the phenomenon known as "Extraneous roots"! Does anyone...
  39. jacksonpeeble

    Hon. Trig & Precalc Exam Review - Concepts

    I've been studying for our final exam throughout this weekend, and I realized that there is a lot that I don't remember. So, instead of asking each individual question, I'm going to try to ask one from each concept that I don't understand. Quite a few of them I have absolutely no idea how to...
  40. B

    An entire online text for Precalc from the Univeristy of Houston.

    http://online.math.uh.edu/Math1330/index.html It's the best free source I've seen. It's the project of grad students and is a comprehensive online text that has everything you'd expect from a textbook. And on top of that, there are streaming lectures.
  41. C

    What are the best options for taking PreCalc over the summer without a license?

    I am currently a sophomore in high school and am interested in taking precalc this summer. I would prefer a concentrated 3 -4 week residential course at a college or a university or on-line course, because I do not have a license. Any recommendations?
  42. M

    Concepts or technique for Precalc self-study?

    I'm going to be taking a precalculus course in the fall. I'd like to be as prepared as possible for it so that I will be able to get as much out of the class as possible. I have access to a variety of textbooks, some are rather rigourous Precalc texts from the 60s and some are the "modern"...
  43. R

    I'm looking for self-study books strictly on precalc. Trig. and Analytic Geo.

    Does anyone have any recommendations? Here is my plan: My text covers trigonometry, but not analytic geometry. I am interested in learning analytic geometry to increase my confidence for beginning calculus, so the quality of the analytic geometry book is the higher priority. I also...
  44. B

    Solving precalc problem without calculator

    The terminal side of an angle theta in standard position passes through (-2,-3). What is sec theta? How would you solve this problem without a calculator? Thanks.
  45. O

    What Are Some Tips for Preparing for Pre-Calculus and Algebra 2?

    I just finished algebra 1 over this summer, pathetic I know. It's the price I got to pay for messing up in high school and taking two years off afterwards. I start Algebra 2 in the fall and I'm going to take PreCalc over winter break. Does anyone recommend any books or materials I can use to...
  46. M

    Solving a PreCalc Football Problem

    Scott kicked a football with an initial velocity of 50 ft/sec at an angle of 65 degrees with the horizontal and at a height of 3 feet. Write the equations that would model this situation and answer the following: a) x(t) = _____________ (fill in formula with variable values plugged in) y(t)...
  47. M

    Solving a Football Kicking Problem with PreCalc

    Scott kicked a football with an initial velocity of 50 ft/sec at an angle of 65 degrees with the horizontal and at a height of 3 feet. Write the equations that would model this situation and answer the following: a) x(t) = _____________ (fill in formula with variable values plugged in)...
  48. J

    How can I optimize costs for a cylindrical can and gas pipe using derivatives?

    Alright so currently I'm learning about using zeros of first and second derivites to find relative max and mins in an equation. That stuff is pretty simply. Also we're learning to differentiate equations in relation to a variable that is not in the problem. But, I cannot figure out these...
  49. X

    I am planning to skip precalc I and go to precalc II good or bad?

    Skipping Precalc I and taking precalc II? I am in college and we have two parts of precalculus here..part I and part II. i guess precalc I covers the introductory, basics of precalc... i was wondering if i will be okay if i skip precalc I and go to precalc II? i never took precalculus but i DID...
  50. G

    Precalc Homework Help: Solving for Unknown in Exponential Equation

    [SOLVED] homework help: precalc Homework Statement solve for the unknown Homework Equations e^(2t+1)=9e^(1-t) The Attempt at a Solution I'm not sure where to start with this guy, I don't see a way to separate the 9 from the e^(1-t)
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