Pre-Calculus A

Note: This class is offered as both a Classic course and Honors course. Honors Math is for highly engaged students who like to think deeply and challenge themselves. Honors students will engage with a weekly project, reading, problem of the week, or research topic that will help them dive deeper into the subject and think more critically. These weekly WAM also provides students with an opportunity to explain their deep thinking and push past procedural math to a more complete, conceptual understanding.

Why This Class

As a parent, you want to give your student an edge—and this course does just that. Whether your student is planning to continue their math education and pursue a career in science, engineering or math itself, or simply applying to a sought-after liberal arts program, learning pre-calculus will give them a competitive advantage.

Mentors in this course guide students through the application of trigonometry, vectors, and complex numbers to real-life situations (for example, they learn how engineers use trigonometry to design safe roofs). Along the way, students see how trigonometry can be used to solve problems in a vast range of disciplines and discover the realm of “imaginary” units. Students also complete projects and class discussions that encourage creative thinking with the help of their expanding brain power.

By completing this course, students deepen their understanding of the math concepts that will prepare them to succeed in college and beyond. More than ever, they appreciate the role of mathematics in their lives and think like mathematicians.

Overarching Questions

How can I use trigonometric functions to solve for sides and angles of right triangles?

How can I convert between component and magnitude/direction forms of vectors?

How can I use my understanding of trigonometry to solve a complex trigonometry problem?

How can I use sinusoidal functions to model real-world situations?

How can I convert between polar and rectangular forms of complex numbers?

Reading List

None

This course requires a Scientific or Graphing Calculator. Please see the book list in SIS for details.

Course Details

Recommended Grade: 12th (Senior)

Prerequisites: High School Math OR Algebra 2

Estimated Weekly Hours: 7

Format: Live, self-paced, independent

Credits: 0.5

Please contact our Customer Support Team at support@williamsburglearning.com if you have questions.
Please note that program and course descriptions, as well as reading and materials lists, are subject to change as we continuously improve our curriculum throughout the year. Book and materials lists for the upcoming school year are published in SIS mid to late June. Some courses require subscriptions e.g., Adobe software or online magazines that may not be covered by partner schools.