Enroll in Precalculus with Dolphin STEM Academy
Course Overview
Studying higher algebra and trigonometry leads to a better understanding of calculus. In
Precalculus A, you will explore and build your knowledge of inverse, trigonometric, and
logarithmic functions; trigonometric identities; complex numbers; and vectors. You will
also apply this knowledge to real-world situations.
Course Goals
This course will help you meet these goals:
Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities.
Define and solve inverse functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and
trigonometric functions.
Investigate exponential models and logarithmic models.
Use the unit circle to manipulate, solve, and explain symmetry and periodicity of
trigonometric functions.
Find unknown measurements in right triangles.
Examine and apply trigonometric identities.
Measure the magnitude of vectors and use vectors to represent velocity in models.
Apply vector operations of addition and multiplication to negative vectors.
Examine polar coordinates in graphs.
Perform advanced operations with complex numbers, including De Moivre’s Theorem.
Represent basic operations of complex numbers geometrically on the complex plane.
General Skills
To participate in this course, you should be able to:
Complete basic operations with word-processing software, such as Microsoft Word or
Google Docs.
Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
Communicate through email and participate in discussion boards.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses,
refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at
the beginning of this course.
Credit Value
Precalculus A is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
Notebook
Computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones
Microsoft Word or equivalent
Microsoft Excel or equivalent
Course Pacing Guide
This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you stay on schedule with
your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the
specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: Functions
Summary
In this unit, you will explore inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions. You
will also study exponential and logarithmic modeling. In the last lesson of the unit,
you will solve exponential and logarithmic functions.
Unit 2: Trigonometric Functions
Summary
In this unit, you will focus on trigonometry and its identities. You will study
trigonometric symmetry and inverse trigonometric functions. You will explore
various identities, including the sum, difference, cofunction, double-angle, half-angle,
product-sum, and sum-product identities. You will also solve problems
involving right triangles and trigonometric equations.
Unit 3: Vectors and Complex Numbers
Summary
In this unit, you will explore vectors and complex numbers. You will start with
representing vectors in a plane. You will then perform addition, subtraction, and
scalar multiplication on vectors and represent velocity by vectors in a plane. After
learning the definition of a complex number, you will perform advanced operations
with complex numbers and represent complex numbers in a plane.
