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Northstar Academy

A fully accredited private online
Christian school for grades 4-12

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AP® PreCalculus

  • Name:

    AP® Pre-Calculus Honors (MATH480)

  • Department:

    Math

  • Credits:

    1.0 (yearlong course)

  • Prerequisites:

    Geometry (MATH200) or Geometry Honors (MATH250) and Algebra 2 (MATH 300) or Algebra 2 Honors (MATH350)

    A grade of an 85% or higher in the subject area course taken the previous year.

AP® PreCalculus

Previously known as Pre-Calculus Honors (MATH450).

Description:

In this AP® course, students will cover three units: Polynomials and Rational Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, and Trigonometric and Polar Functions. Through videos, interactive lessons, and lesson explanations, the students will solidify their problem-solving skills and be able to apply their results in context. Throughout the course, they will learn to describe function characteristics, support their conclusions, and find equivalent forms. The course also includes a brief look at vectors and parameters that is not included on the AP® exam. AP® PreCalculus is a good capstone course to solidify previous mathematical learning and a good bridge for those planning to take Calculus or math classes in college. Most importantly, this class will prepare you to take the AP® PreCalculus exam in the Spring.

Special Notes:

If you are planning to take the AP® exam associated with this course, then be aware that the College Board requires that all students register in October of each school year to take the exam which is held in early May. You must make your decision early. There are penalties associated with late registration and with registering and then deciding not to take the exam at a later date. Please plan accordingly. For more information or if you have more questions, please visit https://apcentral.collegeboard.org. Once on the site, search Home-Schooled Students to find information on locating testing locations near you.

As an online school, NorthStar Academy is not a testing center. We are a certified AP® course provider. Students must locate a face to face school in their local area that will allow them to sit the exam with their students.

This version of the course is not Dual Credit eligible. To receive Dual Credit, you must register for the DC version of this course, if available.

FROM THE TEACHER

AP® Precalculus is a great course to get started on your math AP® or DC credits for college. You will get a college-level course with plenty of support and feedback. Together we will build on your previous mathematical knowledge but then add in new material as we go.

Do you learn by exploration? Many lessons will start with an activity where we explore a problem and then what it means mathematically. For example, how does a doctor know how much medicine to give a patient? Or the exploration might be walking you through the concepts in an interactive manner. Do you learn by watching videos? You will have videos to guide you through the examples followed by opportunities for you to practice what you have learned. Videos are part of the lesson but are also there for your reference after you do practice problems. Throughout the lesson, I will highlight key ideas and give you pointers of what to remember as you work toward taking your AP® exam in the Spring.

Does the thought of taking an AP® math course scare you? I am here to help you if you have questions and guide you when you get stuck. The course was designed for students who might struggle with the concepts with extra hints and things to avoid mixed in with the content. Each lesson has a review section to remind you of material from previous math classes and even previous lessons. I look forward to helping you be a better mathematician by the end of AP® Precalculus.

If there are books and materials for this course, they can be purchased from our Online Bookstore.

Visit the Bookstore