Precalculus Draft
MathA high school course guide for families
See it for your school: its prerequisites, what it counts toward at your school, and whether it's in your plan.
Why this course?
Precalculus pulls together algebra and trigonometry to get you ready for Calculus. It's the usual fourth-year math for students headed to STEM or business.
Selective colleges and STEM majors look for Precalculus or higher.
What you'll learn
- Analyze functions of every kind and how they change
- Use trigonometry, vectors and polar coordinates
- Model real data with the right function
- Get a first look at limits
You'll do: Problem sets, graphing technology and tests.
- AP (Advanced Placement)
- AP Precalculus covers the same ideas with a focus on modeling. College-level work with a national AP exam in May. A high enough score can earn college credit or placement, depending on the college.
What comes next
Which courses come before and after it, and what it counts toward, depend on each school. Your plan shows your school's.
College majors that build on it
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Finance
Careers it informs most
People in these jobs use what this course teaches the most. It's a starting point, not a track.
- PhysicistsPhysicists use math in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- AstronomersAstronomers use math in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- MathematiciansMathematicians use math in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- Operations Research AnalystsOperations Research Analysts use math in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticDrilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic use math in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.