
Students learn that a single mathematical object can have different analytical representations depending on the function type or coordinate system, and that the different analytical representations reveal different attributes of the mathematical object. Mastering Symbolic Manipulation: Students will develop rigorous symbolic manipulation skills needed for future mathematics courses. Students will gain a deeper understanding of functions by examining them graphically, numerically, verbally, and analytically. By examining scenarios, conditions, and data sets and determining and validating an appropriate function model, students gain a deeper understanding of the nature and behavior of each function type.Įxploring Multiple Representations: Students will examine functions through multiple representations. Modeling Real-World Data: Students will apply the mathematical tools they acquire in real-world modeling situations.


Michael Boardman, Chief Reader What Will Students Experience in AP Precalculus? These together with an emphasis on rates of change and applications provide students the mathematical knowledge and skills that will prove tremendously beneficial in biology, chemistry, environmental science, kinesiology, and other sciences. The curriculum, while remaining true to traditional precalculus topics such as logarithmic and trigonometric functions, includes additional tools and skills such as the use of logarithmic scales, and modeling discrete dynamical systems with matrices. The course provides an excellent foundation for calculus but also serves as an appropriate capstone mathematics course that will open pathways to success in STEM fields. "AP Precalculus has the potential to change the landscape of high school mathematics and the transition to college. Note: This course is not a prerequisite for and does not have to be followed by AP Calculus AB or BC. See how AP Precalculus fits into students' mathematics pathways. The framework delineates content and skills common to college precalculus courses that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. They will learn how to observe, explore, and build mathematical meaning from dynamic systems, an important practice for thriving in an ever-changing world.ĪP Precalculus prepares students for other college-level mathematics and science courses.


Through regular practice, students build deep mastery of modeling and functions, and they examine scenarios through multiple representations. In AP Precalculus, students explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses.
