Pre-Calculus A
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Course Description
Pre-Calculus A, the first course in a two-semester series, covers a variety of topics to
prepare students for more advanced calculus courses. The course starts with functions
and graphs, including polynomial and rational functions. It continues by examining
exponential and logarithmic functions. Finally, students receive an introduction to
analytic geometry. Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry
Course Objectives
When you finish this course, you will be able to:
 Describe parent functions symbolically and graphically and apply transformations
to them
 Determine the domain and range of functions using graphs, tables, and symbols
 Use continuity, end behavior, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, and limits to
connect these characteristics to the graph of a function
 Recognize and use connections among the significant points of a function, its
graph, and its symbolic representation
 Use properties of functions to analyze, solve problems, and make predictions
 Use and perform operations on complex numbers in standard and trigonometric
form
 Apply the fundamental theorem of algebra
 Find the domain, range, intercepts, and asymptotes of exponential and logarithmic
functions and draw their graphs
 Define, find, and check inverse functions of exponential and logarithmic functions
 Use functions to model real-life data
 Use conic sections to model motion and other physical properties
 Solve quadratic equations with two variables to determine the type of conic section
and its geometric components
 Convert between parametric and rectangular coordinates and interpret polar
coordinates
 Use the definition of sine and cosine as y-and x-coordinates of points on the unit
circle and be familiar with the graphs of sine and cosine functions
 Use the definitions of the tangent and cotangent functions and graph them
 Use the definitions of the secant and cosecant functions and graph them
 Know that the tangent of the angle that a line makes with the x-axis is equal to the
slope of the line
 Use the definitions of the inverse trigonometric functions and graph their functions
 Compute, by hand, the values of the trigonometric functions and the inverse
trigonometric functions at various standard points
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Course Assignment Values
Assignment Type
Points
Possible
Weight
13 Assignments
165 pts
28%
5 Unit Tests
300 pts
51%
50 pts
8%
75 pts
590 pts
13%
100%
1 Midterm Exam
1 Final Exam
Course Totals
Teacher Blog
Check out your teacher’s blog, which can be found in the classroom in ROADS. Be sure
to check it out often throughout your enrollment in this course and participate by reading
and reflecting on the posts and leaving comments about your reflections. Following your
teacher’s blog may help you to fully understand the concepts in the course and
therefore help you perform better on your course assignments.
Suggested Course Schedule
The suggested time frame shown below is based on learning sessions. A learning
session is a 45-minute period of time. This course should take approximately 90
learning sessions to complete, but this schedule is just a suggestion. You may work on
each unit at your own pace, completing as many learning sessions as you’d like in one
sitting. However, keep in mind that you must finish the entire course within the time
specified by your school district.
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Learning
Session
1-16
17-32
Content Covered
Unit 1: Fundamentals, Functions, Graphs
In this unit, you will describe parent functions symbolically and graphically
by using graphs, tables, and symbols.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
30 pts
1 Unit Test
60 pts
Unit 2: Polynomial and Rational Functions
This unit will teach you to recognize and use connections among the
significant points of a function, the graph of a function, and the symbolic
representation of a function. In addition, you will use polynomial functions
to model real-life data.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
30 pts
1 Unit Test
60 pts
33-50
51-52
53-68
69-88
Unit 3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
In this unit, you will find the domain, range, intercepts, and asymptotes of
exponential and logarithmic functions. You will also draw and analyze
graphs.
In this unit, there will be:
3 Assignments
35 pts
1 Unit Test
60 pts
Pre-Calculus A Midterm Exam 50 pts
Unit 4: Analytic Geometry
In this unit, you will use conic sections to model motion, such as the
graph of velocity vs. position and the motions of planets. You’ll also use
the properties of conic sections to describe physical phenomena, such as
the reflective properties of light and sound. Finally, you will solve
quadratic equations and apply polar coordinates in a plane.
In this unit, there will be:
4 Assignments
40 pts
1 Unit Test
60 pts
Unit 5: Trigonometric Functions and Their Inverses
In this unit, you will evaluate the six trigonometric functions of any angle.
You will use trigonometric methods to find missing angles or sides in right
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
triangles and oblique triangles. You will also learn about the domains and
ranges of trigonometric functions and use these functions to find angles
in triangles. Finally, you will graph trigonometric functions and find a
function that describes a given graph.
89-90
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
30 pts
1 Unit Test
60 pts
Pre-Calculus A Final Exam
75 pts
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information without the written permission of the student’s parent or legal guardian.
Names, images, and/or class work of Advanced Academics students will not be
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Disability Statement
If you have a disability or condition that may affect your ability to succeed in this course,
please contact your teacher. It’s important that you discuss the problem with him or her
so accommodations may be made to give you every opportunity to perform well. Your
teacher and virtual school program coordinators are committed to helping students with
disabilities succeed, and every request will be treated with respect and confidentiality.
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.