Description

Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions is a free/ open textbook covering a two-quarter pre-calculus sequence including trigonometry. The first portion of the book is an investigation of functions/ exploring the graphical behavior of/ interpretation of/ and solutions to problems involving linear/ polynomial/ rational/ exponential/ and logarithmic functions. An emphasis is placed on modeling and interpretation/ as well as the important characteristics needed in calculus. The second portion of the book introduces trigonometry. Trig is introduced through an integrated circle/triangle approach. Identities are introduced in the first chapter/ and revisited throughout. Likewise/ solving is introduced in the second chapter and revisited more extensively in the third chapter. As with the first part of the book/ an emphasis is placed on motivating the concepts and on modeling and interpretation. In addition to the paper homework sets/ algorithmetically generated online homework is available as part of a complete course shell package/ which also includes a sample syllabus/ teacher notes with lecture examples/ sample quizzes and exams/ printable classwork sheets and handouts/ and chapter review problems. If you teach in Washington State/ you can find the course shell in the WAMAP.org template course list. For those located elsewhere/ you can access the course shell at MyOpenMath.com. A self-study version of the online course exercises is also available on MyOpenMath.com for students wanting to learn the material on their own/ or who need a refresher.