Precalculus – Online Higher Education Course
This 100% online precalculus course bridges algebra to trigonometry, helping students master the building blocks of Calculus. Students develop their mathematical intuition and learn how to solve problems.
A New Way to Learn Precalculus
In this course, students will:
- Solve linear, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations using a variety of algebraic techniques
- Analyze, manipulate, and describe the properties of linear, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions
- Connect the algebraic properties of equations and functions to the geometric properties of their plots and graphs
- Analyze circular and triangular geometry and manipulate periodic functions using trigonometric techniques
- Solve applied mathematical word problems using problem-solving skills developed throughout the course
Gen Ed That Simply Works
Turnkey Courses
With online, asynchronous courses that are ready to run, you can deliver high-quality learning and outcomes predictably and affordably.
Curriculum You Can Trust
Every course is recommended by the American Council on Education. So you can trust the curriculum meets rigorous academic standards.
Captivating Student Experience
Students enjoy cinematic lectures from experts in the field and interactive, mastery-based learning—all in a flexible, 14-week course that fits their schedules.
Unlimited Enrollment
With no minimum or maximum enrollment, students get the courses they need when they need them, so they stay on track in their degree program.
Discover the magic of learning with Precalculus
Watch the Trailer
Prepare your students for more advanced mathematics
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Key Concepts
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Learning Outcomes
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Assessments
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Educator Support
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World-Class Instructors
Key Concepts Covered
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Numbers, Functions, and Graphs
- Real numbers
- Exponents and scientific notation
- Roots and complex numbers
- The rectangular coordinate system
- Functions
- Rates of change
- Domain and range
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Equations, Inequality, and Manipulating Functions
- Linear, polynomial, and quadratic equations
- Other equations
- Inequalities
- Manipulation, transformation and composition of functions
- Inverse functions
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Graphing Functions
- Linear, polynomial, and rational functions
- Systems of linear functions
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Exponential Functions
- Exponential growth and decay
- Base e
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
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Circular Geometry and Trigonometry Angles
- The unit circle
- Graphing sine and cosine functions
- Right triangle trigonometry
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Trigonometric equations and identities
- Polar coordinates and conic sections
- Introduction to conics
Course Learning Outcomes
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Course Learning Outcomes
- Solve linear, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations using a variety of algebraic techniques
- Analyze, manipulate, and describe the properties of linear, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions
- Connect the algebraic properties of equations and functions to the geometric properties of their plots and graphs
- Analyze circular and triangular geometry and manipulate periodic functions using trigonometric techniques
- Solve applied mathematical word problems using problem-solving skills developed throughout the course
Assessments
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Quizzes and Exams
- Course quizzes and exams consist of multiple choice, true/false, select all that apply, matching, and open-response questions. All are autograded by the LMS, so educators can spend more time with students and less time grading.
Educator Support & Dashboard
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Access All Course MaterialEducators and administrators have full access to the Partner Dashboard and all course material from Day 1.
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View Course MilestonesEasy-to-use tools show milestone dates and deadlines for the cohort, as well as the full weekly course schedule.
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Monitor Student Progress in Real TimeShort answer assignments are included at the end of each module, providing an opportunity for students to analyze and apply their learning to a real-world situation. Students are supplied with a detailed assignment rubric, with clear expectations.
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Download Student Grades & ProgressEducators and administrators can download student grades and full progress report details in CSV format.
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Review Student Submissions for Graded AssessmentsEducators and administrators can view student-submitted answers to assignments, quizzes, and exams.
World-Class Instructors
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World-Class Instructors
We selected these instructors for their infectious passion for numbers and their uncanny ability to bring big mathematical concepts to life.
- Kelsey Houston-Edwards, Ph.D., is renowned for her ability to clearly communicate complicated concepts, including for shows like PBS' Infinite Series.
- Po Shen Loh, Ph.D., is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and a popular math YouTuber who connects math with everyday life in the most unexpected ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Precalculus
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How are Outlier courses structured?
Outlier courses are divided into a series of chapters and sections. Each section contains cinematic video lectures and active learning (our interactive digital textbook) that help students learn the course content.
Students also get tons of practice with interactive question sets and mastery-based quizzes.
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Are there any course prerequisites?No. However, students cannot get credit for both College Algebra and Precalculus. Students should carefully consider which course better suits their educational and transfer credit needs, and choose accordingly.
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Are there any student eligibility requirements?Students must be at least 13 years old. Students who enroll in an Outlier course should be ready for the academic rigor of college-level coursework and carefully consider their existing responsibilities and dedication.
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What technology does my school need to take Outlier courses?
Each student must have access to technology that meets the technical requirements noted in this Help Center article.
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What is the minimum/maximum enrollment?
All Outlier courses have unlimited enrollment, with no minimum or maximum. So they easily adapt to your scheduling and staffing needs.
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What support is available for educators?
Your educators get complete visibility into student progress in the Partner Dashboard, including:
- Progress monitoring based on the course syllabus and schedule
- Grade pacing and forecasting based on students’ performance
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Is the Precalculus course completely online?Yes, Outlier courses are 100% online and asynchronous. Your students can learn during any class period—anywhere in the universe with Wi-Fi and a laptop or desktop computer.