AP Precalculus

About the Course

Taking AP Precalculus prepares you for other college-level mathematics and science courses. During the course, you’ll explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses. You’ll also develop an understanding of modeling and functions and examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework outlines content and skills needed for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. 

Skills You’ll Learn

• Algebraically manipulating functions, equations, and expressions.
• Translating mathematical information between representations.
• Communicating with preciselanguage andproviding rationales for conclusions.

Equivalency and Prerequisites

College Course Equivalent

A college precalculus course or a college algebra with trigonometry course.

Recommended Prerequisites

You should have successfully completed introductory algebra and geometry courses. In particular, you should be able to demonstrate proficiency with linear functions, polynomial addition and multiplication, factoring quadratic trinomials, using the quadratic formula, solving right triangle problems involving trigonometry, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, algebraic manipulation of linear equations and expressions, and solving systems of equations in two and three variables. You should also be familiar with piecewise-defined functions, exponential functions and rules for exponents, radicals (e.g., square roots, cube roots), and complex numbers.

Course Content

The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.

Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions

You’ll expand your understanding of polynomial and rational functions through the lenses of modeling and various rates of change.

Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

You’ll deepen your understanding of inverses by exploring the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions.

Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions

You’ll model and explore periodic phenomena using transformations of trigonometric functions.

Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices

You’ll expand your understanding of the function concept by exploring a variety of new function types.