Hey guys,
First time poster here. So I’m taking Algebra 2 Honors this year, and got a 93 for 1st sem, and currently in 2nd sem. I was made an offer by my schools AP Calc AB teacher. She said if I get a 95+ for 2nd semester, she will let me take the Trig/Precalc final and if I pass, she will enroll me to skip Trig, Precalc and Honors Math analysis and be placed into Calc AB. What I’m wondering is, do I need Pre-Calc to get an A and a 4 in Calc AB. I know trig is important, but we cover trig in the 4th quarter in Alg2H. And if it is possible, what can I do to study up on pre-calc and pass that exam? Thanks to anyone who answers!
Reposted b/c it was in wrong section. I apologize.
Precalculus gives another year to practice algebra skills and introduces more advanced trigonometry concepts, so it may be helpful (and sometimes necessary) to take it, as your foundation in mathematics is very important. However, if you really want to:
Curriculum for Precalculus (at least in my school):
Graphs
Functions and Their Graphs
Linear and Quadratic Functions
Polynomial and Rational Equations
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Trigonometric Functions
Analytic Trigonometry
Applications of Trigonometric Functions
Polar Coordinates and Vectors
Analytic Geometry (conics and rotation of conics)
Systems of Equations and Inequalities (matrices! honestly, my precalc teacher didn’t teach the chapters after this so i don’t know if you would absolutely need the following concepts.)
Sequences, Induction, Binomial Theorem
Counting and Probability
Note that you will go into more depth in Precalc compared to an Algebra 2 Honors class; however, I do not know the curriculum in your A2 class and therefore cannot make a prediction on whether you could do it or not. In addition, can one quarter of trigonometry replace a semester of trigonometry in Precalc? Only you can decide, but the things you should know about Trigonometry and stuff not covered in an A2 class.
Radians, UNIT CIRCLE (KNOW how to calculate specific trig ratios mentally e.g. cos(5pi/6))
Angular/Linear Speed
Cosine/Sine/Tangent/Cosecant/Secant/Cotangent functions and transformations
Composition of trigonometric functions.
Inverse trig functions
Trigonometric Identities
Sum and Difference Formulas
Double-angle and Half-angle formulas
Law of Sines
Law of Cosines
Triangles (area of a triangle as in Heron’s formula, right triangle applications)
Harmonic Motion
Polar Equations
De Moivre’s Theorem
Vectors
Dot Product/Cross Product
If you feel comfortable with all of these concepts (along with more advanced function analysis), you should be prepared for Calculus.
I do not know the curriculum for Precalculus at your school; therefore, the best way to prepare is to ask the Precalc teachers at your school. However, this is a pretty standard curriculum. Good luck!