Question

I'm going into Pre-Calculus next year, and although I'm psyched to start a new level of math, what should I expect and how hard is it?

Answer 1

what i can say about it is...it's very long =_=

Answer 2

nothing to get discouraged about though

Answer 3

it's got its +

Answer 4

What do you mean? It's just boring and long?

Answer 5

for example...derivative of x -> one step answer in differential calculus

in pre-calculus it becomes \(\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}\)
^that is around 4-5 long steps

Answer 6

the rest are nice...

Answer 7

Oh ok. I get it. Do you have any tips?

Answer 8

you can try and learn some basic derivatives so you have a guide on operating those long steps...it just becomes very long that you will get confused...knowing the answer beforehand can help

Answer 9

Alright Thank you!

Answer 10

Pre-Cal is just a mix of algebra 2, analytic geometry, trig, graphing functions, sequences and series, a little with matrices, and an intro to limits.

Answer 11

My tips: Know your basic algebra skills and geometry theorems very well. Know the basics of trigonometry on an intuitive level, and be able to recognize the equation of a function given the graph and vice-versa.

Answer 12

Well I kinda consider myself good at most of that stuff.Only thing I gave no clue on are limits. Maybe improving on the other things? Like do you have to know how to do inverse matrices? Because those are nightmares.

Answer 13

Not as much inverse matrices. @Calcmathlete, I'm in Honors PreCalculus. The key focus is Trigonometry! (Exact Values, Trig IDs, Arc/Inverse Trig, Trig Transformations - Graphing, etc.). There's other stuff too, but the main focus is Trigonometry

Answer 14

Personally, in my experience Geometry Theorems are not an emphasis

Answer 15

Oh ok. I find trig really easy now that I've got the concept. Thanks for the advice!

Answer 16

Hey, No Problem! Going on to AP Calc BC Next Year!

Answer 17

Yay! :)

Answer 18

I hope....

Answer 19

If you are taking pre-Calc because you want to take Calculus later, then definitely get familiar with finding limits soon. It is a a very important Calc concept, and some limits can be very tricky. It won't be vital for your pre-Calc class per se, but some of the techniques will help your overall algebra skill.

Answer 20

Nothing is hard/difficult/bla-bla.. It'st about your attitude, keeping cool, and a bit of practice. You gonna love it! ;)

Answer 21

That sounds like good news to me :)

Answer 22

Great! Good luck Senor!! :)