Honors Precalculus

Avon Lake City Schools

Curriculum Framework

Honors Precalculus

Course Overview:

This course involves an in-depth analysis of all elementary function types, including a focus on average rate of change, limits, and an introduction to instantaneous rate of change. A thorough examination of trigonometric functions is also covered, and connections will be made throughout the course between graphical, numerical, and algebraic representations of problems. A primary goal of this course is to prepare the student for AP Calculus. A graphing calculator is required (TI-83 or TI-84).

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company):

PreCalculus by Cohen (Brooks/Cole Cengage)

Online/Supplemental Materials:

  • Delta Math

Assessments: Common assessments will be given among all Geometry courses.

A variety of assessments will be given, including take-home competency quizzes (cumulative reviews of algebra skills at a high level), regular quizzes assessing new content, and unit exams.

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

1st Quarter

Unit 1: Algebra Review

  • Working with linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, radical, and rational expressions - focus on algebra mechanics
  • Equations and inequalities
  • Assessments: Algebra summer packet, algebra boot camp worksheets, quizzes and exams

Unit 2: Limits and Continuity

  • Domain and range
  • Max/Min value
  • Average rate of change
  • Instantaneous rate of change
  • Even/odd functions
  • One-to-one and inverse functions

2nd Quarter

Unit 3: Writing and Optimizing Functions, Polynomial Functions, Rational Functions

  • Polynomial function
  • Rational function
  • Optimization
  • Vertex form

Unit 4: Trigonometric Functions - Right Triangle Trig, Applications, Unit Circle, Trig Identities

  • Right triangle trig
  • Six basic trig functions, proper notation
  • Unit circle - development and use

3rd Quarter

Unit 5: Trigonometric Functions

  • Radian measure
  • Analytic trigonometry - graphing trig functions
  • Simple harmonic motion

Unit 6: Deeper into Trigonometry

  • More advanced trig identities
  • Inverse trig functions
  • Solving trig equations

4th Quarter

Unit 7: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

  • Exponential functions - properties, solving equations, inequalities
  • Logarithmic functions - properties, solving equations, inequalities
  • Application problems - radioactive decay, compound interest, population growth

Unit 8: Conic Sections

  • Parabola, circle, ellipse, hyperbola
  • Manipulating algebraic form, use of completing the square

Further Study (Time Permitting)

  • Sequences and Series

Last updated: September, 2023