The course is designed to lead Pre-Calculus students to deeper level understanding of the subject. The challenging concepts and problems that student learn and do from the class will enable them to build up solid foundation of Pre-Calculus and succeed in their base school. 95% of the students in this previous class achieved A’s in their base schools.
Pre-Calculus covers fundamental concepts of Algebra, functions and graphs, polynomials and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, topics in trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections and analytic geometry, sequences, induction, probability, and an introduction to Calculus.
Pre-Calculus includes previous learned algebra, geometry, and mathematical functions. It focuses on mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent calculus courses.
It will also cover advanced trigonometry that enable students to handle the advanced functions necessary for understanding calculus. Reading lists and supplemental materials will be provided during the course.
Trigonometry:
- Right angle relationships and angles
- The unit circle
- Graphing trigonometric functions
- Degree and radian relationships
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Law of sines and cosines
- Addition and Subtraction Formulas
- Double-Angle, Half-Angle, and Sum-Product Identities
Advanced functions
- Parent functions and transformations
- Function behavior: symmetry, concavity, extrema, and end behavior
- Polynomial and rational functions
- Exponential and logarithmic functions
- Polar coordinates
- Graphing, transformations and applications
- Linear Algebra to three variables
- Conics
- Sequences and Series
Text book requirement: Stewart Precalculus ISBN-13: 978-0840068071; AP Calculus
Instructor: Math Professor N. has taught Math for over 26 years at all levels, from middle and high school through advanced college level. He helped establish the advanced mathematics program at the new Governor’s School at Innovation Park, serving as the Mathematics Chairperson and liaison between the School, and the University Math Department. At Governor’s School he taught Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus (AB/BC),as well as supervised student STEM projects and served as student adviser.
Professor N. is a dedicated Math teacher and delivers his Math teaching with enthusiasm: engaging students, sparking curiosity, and jump-starting motivation. He has taught at Oakton Academy summer camp for the past 6 years, and has received overwhelming praise from students and parents.
Comments from Professor N’s students:
“I really enjoyed Professor N’s Math class. He made math learning so much fun. Even if it is a difficult concept or a problem, we ended up learning and also in a fun way. He is one of the best Math teacher I have ever had.” – from a junior
Location:
- Saturday: 2705 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton/Vienna, VA
- Sunday, Westfield High School, Chantilly, VA