Pre-Calculus is a high school or college level course that prepares students for calculus. Topics that are covered are advanced algebra, trigonometry, functions and an introduction to limits.
The Pre-Calculus course emphasize mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills.
A standard course considers functions, function composition, and inverse functions, often in connection with sets and real numbers. In particular, polynomials and rational functions are extensively studied. Algebraic skills are exercised with trigonometric functions and trigonometric identities. The binomial theorem, polar coordinates, parametric equations, and the limits of sequences and series are other common topics of precalculus. Sometimes the mathematical induction method of proof for propositions dependent upon a natural number may be demonstrated, but generally coursework involves exercises rather than theory.
Most of the time used by a Pre-Calculus teacher will be to cover functions and their applications: polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions.
Honors Pre-Calculus classes will cover conic sections, Euclidean vectors and other topics whose understanding is crucial for studying calculus and that are used in medicine or engineering.
