Course Information for Pre-Calculus

Prerequisites

Before enrolling in this course, students will have satisfactorily completed MATH P101 Trigonometry (or the equivalent) with a C or higher.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for those students intending to pursue a degree in math, science, or engineering. Typically these students must complete the three-semester calculus sequence before continuing on with such courses as physics, chemistry, and/ or computer science, to name just a few. This course will also satisfy transfer requirements for the UC and CSU systems. Finally, this course will satisfy those students who find enjoyment and challenge in the study of mathematics.

Why Study Pre-calculus?

When a student begins the study of calculus at Porterville College or at any other college, certain mathematical competencies are assumed. These competencies include familiarity with the structure of the real and complex number systems, algebraic manipulative skills, elementary analytic geometry, and the characteristics and graphs of certain elementary functions. Usually lacking in typical intermediate algebra or algebra 2 courses is a thorough treatment of functions. A pre-calculus course addresses these competencies as well as others. A student successfully completing this course will be well prepared for the study of the calculus sequence. Consider also that calculus is the gateway to such areas of study as economics, chemistry, physics, and engineering therefore passing the calculus sequence successfully is quite necessary for progressing to these higher sciences. This course will address the competencies listed above and provide students with the necessary mathematical background required for the study of calculus.