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Pre-Calculus A Self-Paced

This is a self-paced course in which students will understand and apply concepts, graphs and applications of a variety of families of functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, logistic and trigonometric. An emphasis will be placed on use of appropriate functions to model real world situations and solve problems that arise from those situations. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph. A scientific and/or graphics calculator is recommended for work on assignments, and on examinations.

Major topics include:

Principles of Algebra

Rational Numbers

Graphs, Functions and Sequences

Exponents and Roots

Ratios, Proportions and Similarity

Percents

Students learn through online lesson activities, videos, and interactive activities. Each module includes lessons that conclude with a brief quiz as well as a module exam. The course contains a cumulative final exam.

This self-paced course uses content from Accelerate Education taught by a VHS Learning instructor who is certified in their content area and who follows VHS Learning policies. The course will be hosted in the Buzz learning management system.

About the Self-Paced Course Model

Self-Paced courses are designed for students who need flexibility in their academic schedule. Teachers answer questions and interact with students in Private Topics, provide feedback on work, and host weekly office hours. Students work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.

This course has start dates on each Wednesday throughout the year. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 4 weeks and have up to 16 weeks to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 90 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.

Acknowledgements

  • Algebra 2
  • I acknowledge that this is a self-paced course.
  • This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

  • How are different types of linear equations like quadratic and exponential forms solved systematically?
  • What information does the graph of a linear function reveal about its behavior and real-world applications?
  • How can different types of functions, like linear and parent functions be used to model real-world scenarios?
  • What is the result of combining functions or reversing their operation?
  • What are the unique features and different behaviors of rational and exponential functions?
  • How are concepts like speed, arc length, and area used in solving circular motion problems?

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Solve linear equations: Apply properties, construct plans, use factoring, quadratic formula, and square root methods.
  • Graph linear functions: Recognize transformations, slope, intercept, and graph equations.
  • Analyze quadratic functions: Understand roots, intercepts, increasing/decreasing intervals, and domain/range.
  • Model with functions: Build and interpret linear and basic parent function models.
  • Compose and inverse functions: Apply rules, identify domains, and differentiate inverses.
  • Explore rational and exponential functions: Recognize features, graph equations, and find asymptotes.
  • Solve polynomial equations: Apply the Remainder Theorem and synthetic division.
  • Model with exponential and logarithmic functions: Convert between forms, solve equations, and graph functions.
  • Apply trigonometry: Define and calculate values, solve right triangles, and use identities.
  • Solve circular motion problems: Calculate speeds, arc lengths, and areas.

Additional Requirements

Scientific or graphing calculator recommended, though students can use online calculator if needed.