Precalculus
Discovery Precalculus: Preparation for Calculus
3 College Credits | UT Course Code: M 305G | TCCNS: MATH 2312 | Core Code: 020
High School Course Prerequisites: Algebra II and Geometry
Develop problem-solving and abstract thinking skills that apply far beyond the math classroom.
The OnRamps Precalculus course empowers students to become creative, independent thinkers. Each unit is a series of explorations with emphasis on unpacking mathematical definitions and making logical arguments.
This course deepens and extends students’ knowledge of functions, graphs and equations, and prepares students for a university-level calculus course. The concepts learned also apply to the future study of other disciplines, including engineering, physics and more.
Course Structure
In this Inquiry-Based Learning course, each unit consists of a series of explorations designed to engage students and build problem-solving skills. Students take the lead in collaboration with their peers to engage in each exploration.
Big Ideas
- Functions and patterns: the definition and properties of functions in a tabular, analytical and graphical manner
- Algebra and geometry: conics from their definitions, modeling with matrices, and understanding exponential functions
- Trigonometry: the conceptual transformation from right triangles to identities to circles to graphs to rotational motion
- Rates of change and limits: an introduction to differential calculus by exploring limits and rates
- Other coordinate systems: exploring motion with parametric and polar functions; making connections to vectors and complex numbers
Sequences and series: understanding and applying sequences and series to the concept of convergence, binomial theorem and induction
What Students Gain
- Deeper understanding of how and why a function works
- A firm foundation for calculus and other future college-level coursework
- Connections between precalculus and previously learned algebra and geometry concepts
What Students Say
"[OnRamps Precalculus] challenged me to go beyond the surface level of math and really dive deep to understand it.”