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Pre-Calculus A

In this course, 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 Number

Graphs, Functions and Sequences

Exponents and Roots

Ratios, Proportions and Similarity

Percents

Students learn through online lesson activities, videos, and interactive activities. Modules contain a variety of lessons, which conclude with a brief self-check and module exam. The course concludes with a cumulative exam.

This 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. The course will include a variety of individual assignments and projects, as well as class discussions.

Acknowledgements

  • Algebra 2
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Students who require screen-reading tools may find accessibility challenges in some components of this course. Consider submitting a support request to learn more about accessibility in this course prior to registration.