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Johns Hopkins University
Calculus through Data & Modeling: Precalculus Review
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  2. Math and Logic
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Johns Hopkins University

Calculus through Data & Modeling: Precalculus Review

This course is part of Differential Calculus through Data and Modeling Specialization

Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD

Instructor: Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD

Top Instructor

10,669 already enrolled

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5 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(114 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

5 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(114 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
  • About
  • Outcomes
  • Modules
  • Recommendations
  • Testimonials
  • Reviews

Skills you'll gain

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Calculus
  • Algebra
  • Mathematical Modeling
  • Graphing
  • Data Modeling
  • Mathematical Software
  • Geometry

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Differential Calculus through Data and Modeling Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course

This course is an applications-oriented, investigative approach to the study of the mathematical topics needed for further coursework in single and multivariable calculus. The unifying theme is the study of functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. An emphasis is placed on using these functions to model and analyze data. Graphing calculators and/or the computer will be used as an integral part of the course.

In this module, we will review some of the key concepts from Precalculus. Exponential and logarithmic functions arise often when modeling natural phenomena, and are important to Calculus. In applied settings, exponential functions model a relationship in which a constant change in the independent variable gives the same proportional change (i.e., percentage increase or decrease) in the dependent variable. This occurs widely in the natural and social sciences, as in a self-reproducing population, a fund accruing compound interest, or a growing body of manufacturing expertise. Thus, the exponential function also appears in a variety of contexts within physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematical biology, and economics.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

4 videos•Total 74 minutes
  • Exponential Functions•21 minutes•Preview module
  • Logarithmic Functions•14 minutes
  • The Natural Logarithm•16 minutes
  • Properties of Logarithms•20 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • Sample Problems: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions•30 minutes

Equally important are the trigonometric functions, some of the most well-known examples of periodic or cyclic functions. Common phenomena have an oscillatory, or periodic, behavior. This is observed through ocean waves, sound waves, or even the regular beating of your heart. All these phenomena can be modeled using equations based on the familiar sine and cosine functions. In this module, we will see how to apply and construct functions that permit us to model cyclic behavior.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

4 videos•Total 103 minutes
  • Sine and Cosine•28 minutes•Preview module
  • Tangent, Cotangent, Secant, and Cosecant•24 minutes
  • (Some) Trig Identities•25 minutes
  • (Some More) Trig Identities•24 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
  • Trigonometry Review•10 minutes
  • Sample Problems: Trigonometric Functions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
  • Trigonometric Functions•30 minutes

In classical Euclidean geometry, vectors are an equivalence class of directed segments with the same magnitude (e.g., the length of the line segment (A, B)) and same direction (e.g., the direction from A to B). Vectors are used both in abstract sense as well as for applications, particularly in physics, Euclidean vectors are used to represent physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction, but are not located at a specific place, in contrast to scalars, which have no direction. For example, velocity, forces and acceleration are represented by vectors. In this module, we will study vectors specifically in the xy-plane and in "3D" space.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

2 videos•Total 46 minutes
  • Introduction to Vectors•19 minutes•Preview module
  • Dot Product and Cross Product•27 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • Sample Problems: Vectors in Space•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
  • Vectors in Space•30 minutes

Continuing our study of multi-dimensional analytic geometry, vectors are now applied to create algebraic equations to describe common objects like lines and planes in space. This module will test your ability to visualize algebraic equations and to create movement and thus control of these objects in space by performing algebraic manipulations. This will create a solid foundation for our study of multivariable calculus on these higher dimensional objects.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

2 videos•Total 52 minutes
  • Equations of Lines in Space•24 minutes•Preview module
  • Equations of Planes in Space•28 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • Sample Problems: Equations of Lines and Planes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
  • Equations of Lines and Planes•30 minutes

The assessment below will help to identify strengths as weaknesses in your foundational material in order to be successful in single and multivariable differentiable calculus. Use the assessment below as a guide as to where to follow up and seek out more resources and examples.

What's included

1 assignment

1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
  • Precalculus Review Final Exam•30 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

Instructor ratings

We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

4.9 (31 ratings)
Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD

Top Instructor

Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD
Johns Hopkins University
24 Courses•645,103 learners

Offered by

Johns Hopkins University

Offered by

Johns Hopkins University

The mission of The Johns Hopkins University is to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for life-long learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.

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Learner reviews

4.8

114 reviews

  • 5 stars

    87.71%

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    10.52%

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Showing 3 of 114

C
CM
5

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

Quite the challenging class! I definitely learned a lot!

L
LA
4

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2022

Great way to refresh pre-calculus skills. Would give 5 stars but I found that the discussion forum was not active.

A
AN
5

Reviewed on May 5, 2021

A solid foundation for single and multivariable calculus courses, and one that can be completed in relatively little time as well!

View more reviews
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