Precalculus Definition and 174 Threads

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. MaximumPhysics

    MHB Did I Simplify These Precalculus Problems Correctly?

    Just joined this website for math help like right now :) Background info: I was sick for 2 years before going to university so my level in math is horrible; though I will try my best in all questions which I would ask.1. Simplify 2x^-3 + 9x^-7 Here's what I did 2/x^3 + 9/x^7 find common...
  2. B

    Precalculus 11 Word problem- Fundraising

    Hi, I don't understand what this question is asking and I have idea how to do it.. any help is very much appreciated! What does it mean to "maximize the revenue"? The Club sells sweatshirts as a fundraiser. They sell 1200 shirts a year at $20 each. They want to increase the price. A survey...
  3. N

    Precalculus problems, don't understand

    1.) Solve the equation for the indicated variable. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.) S = n(n + 1)/3; for n My answer: n = 1+√(1+12s)/2 , 1+√(1+12s)/2 For some reason I keep getting this as incorrect? 2.) Find all real solutions of the quadratic equation. (Enter your...
  4. A

    Precalculus functions and graphs 11th edition

    I have this book but the page 97 is missing. Can anyone sen me picture of it? Thanks
  5. G

    Sheldon Axler's "Algebra & Trigonometry" vs. "Precalculus: A Prelude."

    Hi all, I've been looking and searching around for a good book for some pre-calculus review, and decided on one of Sheldon Axler's books. Looking at his site and the contents of both books (links below), I'm not sure what the difference is between them, other than some re-ordering of things...
  6. kyphysics

    Content for Algebra I/II and Precalculus and Trig.?

    I'm wondering if someone who is experienced can list all the content that a person should have mastered in the subjects of Algebra I/II and Precalculus and Trig. I completed College Algebra at community college just this past year and I'm going to be taking Precalc./Trig this upcoming year...
  7. G

    Precalculus Review: Texts & Materials

    Dear all, I am looking to refresh my memory as to some material at a precalculus level. At the moment I am traversing a course in single variable calculus but I feel some review would be useful. The following is a list of materials readily available to me so I would appreciate any guidance...
  8. B

    Effective Methods for Learning Precalculus: Insights from Science

    Hi, I am looking to learn precalculus. I was wondering what Physics forum thought was the best way to do this. So how do you learn algebra, trig, up to calculus in a effective fashion? Do you recommend any specific resources or methods?
  9. N

    Precalculus Mathematics in a Nutshell + Spivak's Calculus ?

    "Precalculus Mathematics in a Nutshell" + "Spivak's Calculus"? Hey, I'm currently a senior in HS attending Elementary Calculus with a decent grade (B+). I recently had an epiphany that I haven't actually learned anything, I've just temporarily memorized how to derive the answer from the set of...
  10. F

    1 integral (easy) + a few precalculus problems.

    Homework Statement Problem 1. Calculate: 2 ∫ 6x^2dx 1 Problem 2. Solve as far as you can(simplify the problem): (x-3)(x+2)/2x-6 Problem 3. The Canadian goose came to sweden in the 1930's. Afterwhich the population of the bird increased. At the same time every year they...
  11. B

    Coulomb's Law/Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation (Precalculus?)

    Homework Statement The electric field, E, a distance D away from a charged particle is directly proportional to the size of the charge Q, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance D. If the charge is increased by 40% and the distance is increased by 30%, by what percentage does...
  12. Y

    Precalculus book,your opinion is needed.

    hi I have graduated from high school and now I am going to apply to Cleveland state university to study Electrical engineering. anyway,I will have about 5 months before starting classes so I will need to strength my math foundation for calculus. I bought Precalculus for dummies but I figured...
  13. Y

    What are the Best Resources for Self-Studying Precalculus?

    hi I need a self-study precalculus book ,I am thinking about Precalculus for dummies. what do you think about this book? what are other recommendations?
  14. C

    Factor and simplify (PREcalculus)

    Hello, First time poster here. After lurking about the forums for a couple days I feel as if this question may be overly rudimentary; regardless, I'm stuck. This is not a homework assignment but preparation for an upcoming precalculus class. (x^2-4)((x^2+3)^1/2) - ((x^2-4)^2)...
  15. G

    Precalculus question using trigonometric equations

    Homework Statement Can you all help? The problem is 2 sin(x/2) - 1 = 0 I don't know what to do with the (x/2). The Attempt at a Solution So far I've done this: 2 sin(x/2)-1=0 2 sin(x/2)=1 sin(x/2)=1/2
  16. D

    Is being good at precalculus an indicator

    Is being good at precalculus an indicator that you will be good at calculus and later maths? Right now precalculus comes so naturally to me and I hardly struggle. And when I do struggle, I like learning how to figure where I'm going wrong unlike when I'm struggling at physics or computer...
  17. A

    What Is the Best Textbook for Precalculus?

    To begin, I must say that this website has become quite a reference. It's full of capable minds that are willing to help anyone. It's structured, individual, and it possesses a high-IQ community, and I thank you for allowing me to surf freely over the forums. I suppose I'll make my contribution...
  18. A

    Schools High school physics and adv precalculus.

    I'm currently getting an 88 in my physics class. Precalculus not so well, I have a 77.5. I plan on majoring in physics next year but I'm afraid I'll be behind if I'm not I calculus nxt year. I want to improv my math grad but I don't know how to study math. How do you study math?
  19. T

    Suggest a Good Precalculus Book for 11th Graders

    I study in the eleventh grade. Please suggest a book. And it shouldn't be too expensive.
  20. E

    Precalculus knowledge for learning Discrete Math CS topics?

    Below I've listed the chapters from a Precalculus book as well as the author recommended Computer Science chapters from a Discrete Mathematics book. Although these chapters are from two specific books on these subjects I believe the topics are generally the same between any Precalc or...
  21. A

    Alg 2 with trig jr yr. Precalculus sr year

    I struggled in adv alg 2 with trig my jr year. Some of it may have been me not applyling myslef this year. I passed with a C- (77%). How bad is that? And for my senior year I am going to take adv precalculus. People say its a review of alg 2. Is that true? I think the thing i struggle with most...
  22. T

    What are the most important topics to know before precalculus?

    Thanks for any replies!
  23. C

    I want to refresh my Precalculus using James Stewart's book but I got a question

    Hello people, I want to refresh my Precalculus using James Stewart's book but I got a question about the exercises. I have bought the book and I will self study it. Do you think I should do all the exercises at the end of the chapters? How do you self study a book? I am waiting for your...
  24. M

    Precalculus Prep: Time to Get Ready!

    I decided to take precal instead of college algebra and trig in two different semesters. I made this choice because of a time issue. Class doesn't start for 2 weeks or so but I'm curious on what topics that will be presented. Also, what things should I get a head start on before starting the class.
  25. N

    Schools If precalculus is the very same thing as taking college alg/trig together then

    why do you think this one school has such a weird math sequence Whats the difference between taking college algebra&trig in one course vs taking something called precalculus? At one school the math sequence requires taking college algebra and trig in one course together, (or separately if...
  26. L

    Looking for online 6-8 week PreCalculus Class.

    I need to locate an online Pre-Calculus Class that I can start ASAP and finish by August 22nd. This is very important to me. Otherwise I can not register for two classes I wish to take this Fall. I have already had Pre-Calculus once but under less than ideal circumstances (family, financial, and...
  27. J

    The difference between precalculus and trigonometry?

    OK at the 2 year college here, they offer ONLY trig , and you take that after college algebra, and before you take calculus, and the counselors at the 2 year college all say that, trig and precalculus mean the same thing there, which is weird, because, then if you look at the classes offered at...
  28. R

    Few questions regarding Algebra and Precalculus

    Okay so I have a couple of questions. Firstly, I'm a self taught math student. I'm teaching myself math and want to see how far I can go before i need a teacher. I've successfully, taught myself Algebra. However, I'm still confused weither the book I used taught me Algebra 1 and 2, or only...
  29. I

    Free Precalculus Textbook Download - Stitz-Zeager.com

    Hey guys. I just wanted to share this with you all. I was looking for a free Precalculus textbook (or something close to it) all over the net. I could not find any until I stumbled upon this site: http://www.stitz-zeager.com/ He has a free College Algebra, College Trigonometry, and a...
  30. O

    PreCalculus Review: Essential Topics for Quick Success

    I thought maybe this should go in the Precalc Learning Materials section, but since I can't post there this seems like the next best fit. If I've picked the wrong forum, I apologize in advance. I need a quick review of everything leading up to Calculus. From basic algebra up, essentially...
  31. B

    Precalculus Algebraic Inequality

    Homework Statement -3<(1/X)≤ 1 Solve. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Here's my attempt at it: (1/X)≤1 and (1/X)> -3 X≥ 1 and X> (-1/3) Am I doing something wrong here? Is this the complete solution? Looking at my answer, is there more that I...
  32. mathyou9

    Precalculus review or Calculus 1

    Irrelevant context for anyone interested (feel free to skip this blue paragraph): I've always been a geeky, scientific nerd-type. But I've only been sort of a dilettante with all things science (i.e., well above the 50th percentile amongst my peers, but no area of expertise, by any means.)...
  33. F

    Graphing (Precalculus) Homework: Transforming Functions for y=(x-3)^2 and y=x^n

    Homework Statement Sketch the graph of the function y=(x-3)^2 by transforming the graph of an appropriate function of the form y=x^n Homework Equations y=(x-3)^2, y=x^n The Attempt at a Solution Precisely speaking, I am just totally confused with what the question is asking. i...
  34. J

    Rigorous precalculus text needed

    Hi, I wish to enter AP calculus first thing in my final High school year, and so I am Essentially skipping some precalculus content, and wish to learn/review Pre-calculus by myself. I need a book that is not application heavy, and does not rely on graphing calculators, and is overall more...
  35. U

    How Do You Use Matrix Inversion to Determine Nutrient Ratios in Food?

    Homework Statement A nutritionist is studying the effects of the nutrients folic acid, choline, and inositol. He has three types of food available, and each type contains the following amounts of these nutrients per ounce: a) Find the inverse of the matrix and use it to solve the remaining...
  36. J

    Precalculus: proving trigonometric identity

    Homework Statement prove that: tan(1+cos(x))^2 = 1-cos(x) Homework Equations trig identities, like the pythagorean, sum/difference, double/half angle identities, power reducing identities, etc... The Attempt at a Solution i'm not sure where to start; i tried using the pythagorean...
  37. H

    Tricky precalculus word problem

    Homework Statement I need to figure out the formula and answer for this word problem. it says "A few years ago at her birthday party, mary said take the year it will be 3 decades from now. Subtract the year of my birth and add the year it was one century ago. You now have my birth year...
  38. P

    Better to start learning calculus from precalculus

    Hi Everyone, I have a question regarding CALCULUS. Is it better to start learning calculus from precalculus or calculus, say in general? When I mentioned calculus, I meant Calculus written by Spivak or Courant, which I think starts off with basic concepts leading to advanced ones. Any...
  39. G

    Factor Completely (PreCalculus)

    Homework Statement Factor completely 2(3x - 5)3(2x + 1)^3 + (3x - 5)^2 (3)(2x + 1)^2 (2) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I'm not really sure how to do this problem I started out by rewriting this as it seemed to be written all weird like 6(2x +...
  40. S

    [PreCalculus] Proving Identities

    Homework Statement Prove that this is an identity. 1 + cos² x / sin² x = 2csc² - 1 Homework Equations cos²x + sin²x = 1 (manipulative equation) tan²x = sec² - 1 cot²x = csc²x - 1 etc.. The Attempt at a Solution I attempted this equation more than 10+ times. Each time, I find a...
  41. D

    Find Domain of PreCalculus Functions Algebraically

    How do you find the domain of functions algebraically? ex (3x-1)/(x+3)(x-1)
  42. L

    Precalculus Refresher: Find the Perfect Book Here!

    I need to relearn and refresh my memory with everything that's is pre calculus so is there any good book that you guys can recommend me ?
  43. D

    Simple Precalculus: Average rate of change

    Homework Statement Find the average rate of change: g(x)=1/x; x = 1, x = a Homework Equations (f(b)-f(a))/(b-a) = Average rate of change The Attempt at a Solution I've spent far too much time on this problem, but I know I'm making a stupid error and I just can't pin it down. So...
  44. M

    What Are the Most Important Concepts for Entering Calculus?

    Does anyone know of any good precaluclus-level books that are good for learning how to write basic proofs? I have a lot of very nice 1960-early 70s era texts that ask for proofs in the majority of the exercises but the problem is that not only do I not know how to write proofs, but there are no...
  45. G

    Where Can I Find Precalculus Tutorial DVD or Streaming Courses Online?

    Does anyone know of a good Precalculus Tutorial Dvd, or maybe a course that streams the classes on the Internet, like MIT does with OpenCourseWare? Thanks
  46. R

    I know this is going to sound stupid since I'm in applied precalculus

    But right now all math feels like is, "Here is a bunch of numbers and funny looking symbols, now do this step, then this, now do that because it just works, no questions asked. Just do it this way, understood?" And then the word problems come at me and I'm clueless, unless it resembles the one...
  47. jacksonpeeble

    Various Problems for Precalculus Exam, Unit 3

    Homework Statement 16. Determine the end behavior of the polynomial P(x)=x3(x+2)(x-3)2. 19. (No Calculator) Sketch the graph of the polynomial function P(x)=2x^3-x^2-18x+9. Where is P(x)>=0? 22. If P(x) has a local maximum at (1,5) and a local minimum at (-2, -4), then find the extrema...
  48. jacksonpeeble

    Various Problems for Precalculus Exam, Unit 2

    Homework Statement 9.e. Solve the equation for x: x2*ex+x*ex-ex=0 19. If logxa=0.578 and logay=1.161, what is the value of logxy? 26. Use the fact that logb4=x and logb7=y to evaluate logb(64/49). Homework Equations 9.e. x2*ex+x*ex-ex=0 19. logxa=0.578 and logay=1.161 26...
  49. jacksonpeeble

    Various Problems for Precalculus Exam, Unit 1

    Homework Statement 6. Draw a graph of the function f, and determine the intervals on which f is increasing and on which f is decreasing where f(x)=2x3-3x2-12x 9. Suppose the graph of f is given. Using transformations, describe how the graph of the following function can be obtained from the...
  50. D

    Help Solving Precalculus Homework Problems

    I need help with how to solve these problems on my homework. If you don't know how to do them all then just write the number of the one you know. Thanks so much. 1. arcsin(√3 / 2)= 2. sin^-1(- √2 / 2)= 3. arcos(- 1/2)= 4. tan^-1(√3 / 3)= 5. sin(arctan 3/ 4)= 6. If the sun is 30degrees...
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