Precalculus from edX

This course is part of Global Freshman Academy (GFA), which means you can earn transferable ASU credit toward your college degree.

In this college-level Precalculus course, you will prepare for calculus by focusing on quantitative reasoning and functions. You’ll develop the skills to describe the behavior and properties of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions.

Content in this course will be adaptive, allowing you to achieve mastery in a certain concept before moving on to the next. Utilizing the ALEKS learning system, students in this personalized, self-paced course will be instructed on the topics they are most ready to learn while also providing individualized coaching as you move through each topic.

Before taking this course, you should already have a strong understanding of algebraic skills such as factoring, basic equation solving, and the rules of exponents and radicals.

This 3 credit hour course satisfies the Mathematical Studies (MA) general studies requirement at Arizona State University. The cost to convert to credit is $600. This course may satisfy a general education requirement at other institutions; however, it is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring the credit.

What you'll learn

How to describe the behavior and properties of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions
How to apply your understanding of these functions to real-world problems
Skills required for success in future studies in calculus

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to describe the behavior and properties of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions
How to apply your understanding of these functions to real-world problems

Skills required for success in future studies in calculus

How to describe the behavior and properties of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions
How to apply your understanding of these functions to real-world problems
Skills required for success in future studies in calculus

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for beginners in Precalculus and serves as a prerequisite for future studies in Calculus

Emphasizes quantitative reasoning and functions, developing essential skills for various fields that utilize mathematics

Incorporates adaptive learning through the ALEKS system, allowing for personalized instruction tailored to each student's pace and understanding

May not be suitable for those lacking a strong foundation in algebraic skills, such as factoring, basic equation solving, and exponent and radical rules

Satisfies the Mathematical Studies (MA) general studies requirement at Arizona State University, potentially making it a good option for students pursuing degrees at that institution

May require additional resources or support for students who struggle with quantitative reasoning or functions

Reviews summary

Solid precalculus prep

Learners say this precalculus course is a great prep course for college algebra and calculus, thanks to its thorough quizzes and ALEKS software.

This course is a great way to prepare for college-level math.

"I took this precalculus course as a free prep for my upcoming university college algebra and calculus courses."

Frequent quizzes help reinforce understanding of the material.

"Passing the quizzes means you are really understanding all of the material up to that point."

ALEKS provides an interactive and helpful learning experience.

"This course allows access to Alex software."

"You can also watch videos on the topics and solve problems using Alex."

"I think the best part of this course is that the frequent quizzes include review problems from previous chapters."

ALEKS may not provide a comprehensive review of all necessary topics.

"I really needed to review, especially the trig topics."

"In around five hours or so I went through 50 topics of the same basic algebra (mainly Algebra I) over and over with tiny variations."

Career center

Learners who complete Precalculus will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical skills to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in various industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and statistical skills needed to succeed as an Actuary. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use mathematical and analytical skills to evaluate investments and make recommendations to clients. They work in various industries, including banking, investment management, and insurance. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Financial Analyst. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use mathematical and statistical skills to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. They work in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and retail. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and statistical skills needed to succeed as a Data Analyst. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical skills to solve complex problems in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as an Operations Research Analyst. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Statistician

Statisticians use mathematical and statistical skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work in various industries, including research, government, and healthcare. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and statistical skills needed to succeed as a Statistician. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers use mathematical and analytical skills to design, develop, and test software systems. They work in various industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Software Engineer. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists use mathematical and analytical skills to design, develop, and test computer systems. They work in various industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Computer Scientist. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians use mathematical skills to solve problems in various fields, including science, engineering, and finance. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical skills needed to succeed as a Mathematician. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Physicist

Physicists use mathematical and analytical skills to study the laws of nature. They work in various fields, including research, education, and industry. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Physicist. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Engineer

Engineers use mathematical and analytical skills to design, build, and test products and systems. They work in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as an Engineer. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Economist

Economists use mathematical and analytical skills to study the economy and make predictions about its future. They work in various industries, including government, finance, and research. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as an Economist. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Accountant

Accountants use mathematical and analytical skills to prepare and analyze financial statements. They work in various industries, including accounting, finance, and government. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as an Accountant. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Teacher

Teachers use mathematical and analytical skills to teach mathematics to students. They work in various settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Teacher. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts use mathematical and analytical skills to solve business problems and make recommendations to management. They work in various industries, including consulting, finance, and technology. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Business Analyst. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Consultant

Consultants use mathematical and analytical skills to solve problems and make recommendations to clients. They work in various industries, including management consulting, technology consulting, and financial consulting. This Precalculus course may help build a foundation for the mathematical and analytical skills needed to succeed as a Consultant. The course's focus on quantitative reasoning and functions is particularly relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

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Precalculus

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Reviews summary

Solid precalculus prep

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