Reply to Pre-calc does not prepare kids for calculus!

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The AP Calculus prerequisites are the same for AB and BC, found here:

https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-calculus-bc

Recommended Prerequisites
You should have successfully completed courses in which you studied algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. In particular, you should understand the properties of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions, as well as sequences, series, and polar equations. You should know how to graph these functions and solve equations involving them. You should also be familiar with algebraic transformations, combinations, compositions, and inverses for general functions.

I can’t really see how any precalculus class would not be an adequate preparation for AB. Instead of focusing on the title of the class, I’d try to find out what specifically is not covered in regular precalculus that makes it a poor preparation for AB. To me it just seems an arbitrary and needless tracking.

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Description of regular and honors precalculus:

https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/CourseDetails/Index/MAT2031A
https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/CourseDetails/Index/MAT2048A

Precalculus
PreCalculus courses combine the study of Trigonometry Elementary Functions Analytic Geometry and Math Analysis topics as preparation for calculus Topics typically include the study of complex numbers polynomial logarithmic exponential rational right trigonometric and circular functions and their relations inverses and graphs trigonometric identities and equations solutions of right and oblique triangles vectors the polar coordinate system conic sections Boolean algebra and symbolic logic mathematical induction matrix algebra sequences and series and limits and continuity

Honors Precalculus
Precalculus completes the formal study of the elementary functions begun in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Students focus on the use of technology, modeling, and problem solving. Functions studied include polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, radical, piece-wise, and trigonometric and circular functions and their inverses. Parametric equations, vectors, and infinite sequences and series are also studied.

The only additional topic is parametric equations, which is not a prerequisite according to College Board, and is only relevant to BC anyways. It’s worth noting that according to the description regular precalculus (but not honors) covers also limits and continuity, generally considered part of differential calculus.

Regular pre-Calc is a good enough preparation for AP Calculus AB.

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