PreCalculus

Introduction

This page contains resources that may be of interest to students studying Pre-Calculus. The number of resources on this page will grow as additional items are developed. If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Earl at mathguy.us@gmail.com.

Handbooks

The Algebra Handbook covers numerous areas of study in Pre-Calculus.

• Algebra and PreCalculus Handbook version 3.2 – Covers two years of Algebra and one year of Pre-Calculus.
• Trigonometry Handbook version 2.2 – Covers High School Trigonometry.
  
  For more information on the handbooks, , including download instructions, go to the Math Handbook page.

PC Apps

• Algebra (Main) App version 0.8c – Covers topics in Algebra up to and including Pre-Calculus.
• Trigonometry App version 0.7g – Covers topics in Trigonometry.
• Probability and Statistics App version 0.7p3 – Covers topics in Probability and Statistics.
  
  For more information on the PC Apps, including download instructions, go to the PC Apps page.

Miscellaneous Topics

• Reflection Property of a Parabola – A 2-page description and proof that lines perpendicular to the directrix of a parabola reflect off the surface of the parabola and meet at its focus.

Sample Tests and Solutions

The value of reviewing these sample problems and solutions is twofold. The more obvious benefit relates to problems that a student has difficulty solving themselves; a solution is provided. Less obvious is the set of techniques used in our solutions; some of the techniques used on the sample problems may not be taught in the classroom. We concentrate on efficient solutions and shortcuts; so a review of the solved problems may present new techniques that enable a student to be more efficient in their approach to solving problems.

• 2012-13 Chapter 2 Sample Test - Problems and Solutions – 2013 practice test and step-by-step solutions for Quadratics, Zeros of Polynomials, and Graphing Polynomials. Includes a generalization of asymptotic curves of rational functions.
• 2012-13 Chapter 3 Sample Test - Problems and Solutions – 2013 practice test and step-by-step solutions for Exponents and Logarithms.
• 2012-13 Chapter 7 Sample Test - Problems and Solutions – 2013 Practice test and step-by-step solutions for Systems of Non-Linear Equations and Partial Fraction Decomposition.
• 2012-13 Chapter 9 Sample Test - Problems and Solutions – 2013 Practice test and step-by-step solutions for Conic Sections.
• 2012-13 Chapter 9 Companion – a subset of the Algebra Handbook that deals with Conic Sections - includes some very useful charts.