Precalculus

Topics covered:

Unit 1: Algebraic, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions

1. Functions & Mathematical Models
2. Properties of Elementary Functions
3. Polynomial & Rational Functions

Unit 3: Trigonometric & Periodic Functions

1. Periodic Functions & Right Triangle Problems
2. Applications of Trigonometric & Circular Functions
3. Trigonometric Function Properties, Identities, & Parametric Functions
4. Properties of Combined Sinusoids
5. Triangle Trigonometry

Unit 2: Analytic Geometry

1. Conic Sections & Quadratic Surfaces
2. Polar Coordinates, Complex Numbers, & Moving Objects

Unit 4: Introduction to Discrete & Continuous Mathematics

1. Probability & Functions of a Random Variable
2. Sequences & Series

Students taking this course for Kolbe Core (K) credit are expected to complete daily assignments, periodic exams and quizzes.  Kolbe Honors (H) students will go into more depth and cover more material than the Kolbe Core (K) students.

Assignment due-dates and grades are established by the parent.  Optionally, a student may be enrolled in the Self-Paced Plus© grading assistance program to receive grading assistance from a Kolbe Academy faculty or staff member on designated assignments in the course.  In this case, parents will still submit final grades to Kolbe for the course, but may choose to incorporate the graded assignments into the student’s overall grade or use the Kolbe-graded assignments to assist in arriving at the student’s final grade.

• Precalculus: Concepts and Applications, Paul A. Foerster
• Home Study Companion for Precalculus: Concepts and Applications, Math Without Borders  (This course companion is optional, but recommended.  It is listed under the Precalculus “Optional Material” section in the Kolbe Bookstore.)
  

Other required material:

• Graphing Calculator, TI-83 or TI-84

Self-Paced Plus courses include the following:

• Grading by a highly qualified teacher for selected assignments (listed below) in the course.
• Access to teacher through the course’s discussion board.
• Option to report grade given by the teacher, or to report a grade assigned by parent.
• The pacing is still established by the parent in conjunction with the student’s goals and academic calendar.
• Assignments will be graded within 1-2 weeks of the submission date, excluding holiday breaks.  (For the quickest grading, students should turn assignments in incrementally throughout the year.  If a student turns in multiple assignments to be graded at once, expect a response time of 1-2 weeks per assignment submitted.)

Self-Paced Plus Assignment List: