Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

Math is the language of the universe. Just as it guides the universe in a logical manner, it can guide us in a logical manner. Math can help us to think rationally. As such, it is useful to know. Math can help us solve problems, win arguments, and be right. You may not realize it, but it can help you do your job. This is especially true if your job requires you to work with money, computers, or the human body, or if you work to help people understand concepts they don’t know.

The purpose of precalculus is to equip you with the basic math skills you need for more advanced topics like calculus and statistics. These skills are also key in other subjects that are built upon math: economics, finance, health, and computer science. In addition, they can help you balance your household budget and save for retirement. In this course, you will start with math you already know. Then, you will build upon it step-by-step as you add more math tools to your intellectual toolbox. In short, you will build up your numeracy skills!

You have likely heard of literacy. Literacy is the ability to understand letters so that you can read and write. Numeracy is the ability to understand and use numbers. You will improve your numeracy and your ability to perform four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With these operations, you will use not only whole numbers, but also integers, fractions, decimals, variables, and algebraic expressions. If those terms are not familiar to you, don’t worry! You will get to know them as you go. You will also learn to use data, functions, and graphs to analyze information and solve problems.

Like exercise, the best way to get better at math is through repetition. And you will have lots of chances to do that in this course. Once you are comfortable with the concepts, you will apply them to solve real-world problems you might face at work or at home.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • Solving Problems: The learner uses algebraic operations to solve problems.
  • Analyzing Relationships: The learner analyzes the relationship between data, functions, and graphs.
  • Exploring Functions: The learner describes the behavior and properties of linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and trigonometric functions.
  • Predicting Outcomes: The learner uses these functions to predict outcomes and solve problems.

Assessment

The assessments allow you to demonstrate the core competencies from the course. You:

  • may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. You can reach out to your Course Instructor or Student Experience Specialist to make a plan and try again.
  • are allowed to use a hand-held calculator on every assessment. A graphing calculator is strongly suggested for this course. Be sure to follow these calculator requirements.
  • will be provided with an online list of formulas for the midterm and final exams.
  • can use any notes you have taken for all quizzes.
  • can NOT use notes on the midterm or final. However, you are permitted to use a portable erasable whiteboard. Be sure to follow these whiteboard requirements.

Note: Practice assessment scores will not count toward your final grade. These results are meant only to give you feedback on how you are doing.

14 Quizzes
1 Midterm Exam
1 Final Exam
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Algebraic Expressions
  • Perform math operations on polynomials.
  • Find principal square roots.
  • Use rational exponents to solve problems.
Solving Equations
  • Translate words into algebraic expressions to solve problems.
  • Perform operations using rational exponents.
  • Solve equations.
Functions, Part 1
  • Define a function.
  • Explain the relationship between data, functions, and graphs.
  • Evaluate functions.
  • Compose functions.
Functions, Part 2
  • Define inverse functions.
  • Find the inverse of a function.
  • Use symmetry to graph inverse functions.
Linear Functions
  • Write linear functions to model applications.
  • Graph linear functions to predict outcomes.
  • Solve linear equations.
  • Solve systems of linear equations.
Quadratic Functions
  • Describe the characteristics of a quadratic function.
  • Factor quadratic functions.
  • Solve quadratic equations.
  • Graph quadratic functions.
Transformations
  • Identify transformations.
  • Apply transformations to graphs.
  • Identify the domain and range of a transformed function.
Exponential Functions
  • Define exponential functions.
  • Graph exponential functions.
  • Evaluate exponential functions.
Logarithmic Functions
  • Define logarithmic functions.
  • Graph logarithmic functions.
  • Evaluate logarithmic functions.
Sequences and Series
  • Identify and use arithmetic sequences and series to solve problems.
  • Identify and use geometric sequences and series to solve problems.
Preparing for Trigonometry
  • Convert between degrees and radians.
  • Identify types of angles.
  • Calculate the perimeter and area of circular sectors.
Trigonometry
  • Define the six trigonometric functions.
  • Define trigonometric identities.
  • Find inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Solve equations involving trigonometric functions.
Graphing Trigonometric Functions
  • Graph trigonometric functions.
  • Transform the graphs of trigonometric functions.
  • Identify the domain and range of trigonometric functions.
Applications of Trigonometry
  • Solve triangles using trigonometric functions.
  • Apply the Law of Sines.
  • Apply the Law of Cosines.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

You are allowed to use a hand-held calculator on every assessment. Be sure to follow these calculator requirements.

For other details about the technology you'll need, review the Computer System and Technology Requirements. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

Key Contacts

Course Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu or call (888) 320-0540.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.