Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Precalculus is the study of essential mathematics that are needed for learning Calculus. In broad description, precalculus = trigonometry + analytic geometry + advanced algebra.Back to Top
What is the difference between the two courses Trigonometry and Precalculus?
First, the course Trigonometry focuses on trigonometry only. Precalculus, on the other hand, studies trigonometric functions as a major unit, but Precalculus also studies other elementary functions such as polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, or logarithmic functions, and more. Secondly, Trigonometry as an independent course takes 12 weeks to study, but Precalculus aims to study Trigonometry in 6 weeks in order to learn other elementary functions as well. This means Precalculus has a faster pace than the Trigonometry.Back to Top
Circular functions relate to a circle in a Cartesian coordinates plane with center at the origin (0,0). They are functions that are generated by various ratios in a right triangle with the radius of a circle as hypotenuse. See the animated image that appears in the home page. You will see a moving triangle within a circle. Generated within the circle are six important functions: y = sin(x), y = cos(x), y = tan(x), y = cot(x), y = csc (x), and y = sec(x).Back to Top
What is a Cartesian coordinates plane?
It is the 2-dimensional coordinate system that is named after its inventor, Rene Descartes. (By all means, do a Google search on this brilliant mathematician and philosopher.) The coordinate system divides a plane into four quadrants,and every point in the plane has a location identified commonly by (x-coordinate, y-coordinate) or technically by (abscissa, ordinate).Back to Top