:: High School Courses
Precalculus B
Course Description
Extends the study of functions to exponential and logarithmic functions; develops skills in solving systems of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; evaluates complex numbers in rectangular and polar coordinates; examines vectors, matrices, and series; and introduces conics, limits, and introductory calculus. (Prerequisite: Precalculus A)
Required Course Materials
Ryan, Merilyn, et al., Advanced Mathematics: A Precalculus Approach,
Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1993, ISBN 0-13-715780-0
Calculator
Course Lesson Organization
Objectives. The objectives for each lesson will help you
focus your efforts. They indicate the concepts and skills you must understand
or master when you complete the lesson.
Reading Assignments. Each lesson specifies the selections
that must be read.
Introduction. The Introduction section of each lesson provides key terms and
concepts that give you background for the lesson.
Self-Assessment Activities. These activities help
to build your knowledge and skills and to identify your specific strengths
and weaknesses. Some activities direct you to Internet sites with supplemental
material for the lesson. All activities prepare you for the graded
assignments and for mastering course materials.
Graded Assignments. Each assignment provides information
about how your work will be assessed and how credit will be given for
your responses. Most assignments will be submitted online and graded
by your instructor. Some assignments will be computer-graded. The average
of your assignments counts as 75 percent of your course grade. The
Final Examination counts as the other 25 percent. You can apply to take the Final Exam after 100 percent of your graded assignments have been submitted, and at least 70 percent have been graded and returned to you.
Final Examination
The final examination is comprehensive; it covers the material from all of
the lessons. To pass the course, you must receive a grade of 70 percent or
better.
Format: Multiple-choice, true/false, problem-solving.
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Materials Allowed: Scientific or graphing calculator,
straightedge, compass.
Course Outline
Total Number of Lessons: 10
Total Number of Graded Assignments: 10
Instructor Graded (Online submission): 0
Instructor Graded (US Mail submission): 10
Computer Graded: 0
Lesson 1: Inequalities and Linear Programming
Lesson 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Lesson 3: Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers
Lesson 4: Conic Sections - Basic Conics
Lesson 5: Conic Sections - Special Conics
Lesson 6: Matrices and Vectors - Basic Operations
Lesson 7: Matrices and Vectors - Vectors and Transformations
Lesson 8: Sequences and Series - Arithmetic and Geometric
Lesson 9: Sequences and Series - Mathematical Induction and Binomial Theorem
Lesson 10: Limits and an Introduction to Calculus
