MA 3297: AP Precalculus

Subject Area
Credits 1
Years
1
Level
High School
Grades
10,
11,
12

This rigorous course extends concepts of intermediate algebra while introducing various topics of college algebra. Topics include functions, conic sections, theory of equations, matrices, sequences and series, polar coordinates, exponential and logarithmic functions and limits. Topics of trigonometry are extended.

Prerequisites

Algebra II/Trigonometry (MA 3137) or Algebra II (MA 3135) and Trigonometry (MA 3150)

Storyboard

AP Pre-Calculus

Essential Questions: How do I become a mathematical problem solver to better understand the world around me?  In what ways can I communicate and represent my mathematical thinking?

Title

Looking for Clues

2

Modeling for Decision Making

3

Cycles of Change

2

Math in Motion

3

Focus of the Story

How can we use characteristics of functions to investigate the mysteries of the world? We start our story by examining key features of polynomial and rational functions in real world contexts such as predicting stock market values and speeds of falling objects.

How can we predict future events through modeling? Next, we develop a deeper understanding by making connections between exponential and logarithmic functions. Learners will explore inverse relationships to better understand real situations such as population growth and radioactive decay.

How can we model periodic events? As we continue to make sense of the world around us, learners will  use trigonometry and polar functions to investigate phenomena that repeat periodically such as the phases of the  moon and changes in the tides. 

How can we put our knowledge into motion? To wrap up our story, we will explore dynamic mathematics  through various topics. We will utilize what has been learned to analyze motion of planes and hurricanes to deepen their conceptual understanding in preparation for Calculus.

Transfer Goals

Explore: Make sense of the world mathematically by asking questions and making connections through inquiry.

Explain: Communicate mathematical thinking by justifying solutions using multiple representations while attending to precision. 

Apply: Utilize effective strategies, processes, and tools to model new situations and/or real-world experiences.

Analyze: Investigate, formulate, and construct viable arguments by taking risks, persevering, and thinking flexibly.

Learning Targets

  • I can analyze different mathematical representations to solve problems or construct models.
  • I can describe the characteristics of a function presented in a variety of ways.
  • I can utilize functions in their different forms to communicate different key features.
  • I can rewrite  expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems previously impossible.
  • I can construct new functions, using transformations, compositions, inverses, or regressions.
  • I can solve equations and inequalities represented analytically.
  • I can apply numerical results in a given mathematical or applied context.
  • I can describe the characteristics of a function presented in a variety of ways.
  • I can support conclusions or choices with a logical rationale or appropriate data.
  • I can construct analytical and graphical representations of the inverse of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions.
  • I can model real-world situations given graphical, numerical, or analytical representations.
  • I can construct a graph or table of values for a parametric function represented analytically.
  • I can support conclusions or choices with a logical rationale or appropriate data.
  • I can apply numerical results in a given mathematical or applied context.
  • I can express motion and make predictions using parametric equations.

AP Pre-Calculus: Assessment Matrix

Title

Unit

Rich Tasks:

Learning Target

 

Unit 1A - Polynomial Functions

How fast does a penny fall?

  • I can identify information from a variety of representations to solve problems or construct models.

Can we predict stock values?

  • I can describe the characteristics of a function presented in a variety of ways.

Unit 1B - Polynomial and Rational Functions

Changing Forms

Equivalent Representations

  • I can write functions in different forms based on the specific information I am seeking.

 

Unit 2A - Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Little Red’s Crumby Day - Change in Geo, Sequences

  • I can write  functions, equations, or expressions in equivalent forms as a strategy for solving equations.

Constructing Exponential Models

  • I can construct new functions, using transformations, compositions, inverses, or regressions.

Unit 2B - Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Solving Exp. & Log. Equations

  • I can solve equations and inequalities represented analytically.

Modeling  Logarithmics

  • I can apply numerical results in a given mathematical or applied context.

 

Unit 3A - Trigonometric and Polar Functions

Periodic Phenomena

  • I can describe the characteristics of a function presented in a variety of ways.

Cyclic Behavior in Our World

  • I can support conclusions or choices with a logical rationale or appropriate data.

Unit 3B - Trigonometric and Polar Functions

Caution: Restricted Area - Inverse Trig.

  • I can construct analytical and graphical representations of the inverse of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions.

Supervising the Sky - Polar Coordinates

  • I can model real-world situations given graphical, numerical, or analytical representations.

 

Unit 4A - Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices

Itsy Bitsy Spider - Parametric Equations

  • I can construct a graph or table of values for a parametric function represented analytically.

A Ferris Wheel Frenzy - Parametric Equations

  • I can support conclusions or choices with a logical rationale or appropriate data.

Unit 4B - Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices

Pigeons in Politics - Vectors

  • I can apply numerical results in a given mathematical or applied context.

Investigating Hurricane Lilli’s Position 

  • I can express motion and make predictions using parametric equations.