Precalculus

Book excerpt: Precalculus is adaptable and designed to fit the needs of a variety of precalculus courses. It is a comprehensive text that covers more ground than a typical one- or two-semester college-level precalculus course. The content is organized by clearly-defined learning objectives, and includes worked examples that demonstrate problem-solving approaches in an accessible way. Coverage and Scope Precalculus contains twelve chapters, roughly divided into three groups. Chapters 1-4 discuss various types of functions, providing a foundation for the remainder of the course. Chapter 1: Functions Chapter 2: Linear Functions Chapter 3: Polynomial and Rational Functions Chapter 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Chapters 5-8 focus on Trigonometry. In Precalculus, we approach trigonometry by first introducing angles and the unit circle, as opposed to the right triangle approach more commonly used in College Algebra and Trigonometry courses. Chapter 5: Trigonometric Functions Chapter 6: Periodic Functions Chapter 7: Trigonometric Identities and Equations Chapter 8: Further Applications of Trigonometry Chapters 9-12 present some advanced Precalculus topics that build on topics introduced in chapters 1-8. Most Precalculus syllabi include some of the topics in these chapters, but few include all. Instructors can select material as needed from this group of chapters, since they are not cumulative. Chapter 9: Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 10: Analytic Geometry Chapter 11: Sequences, Probability and Counting Theory Chapter 12: Introduction to Calculus