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: 

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