Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
precalculus

precalculus

1 7.3
A high school or college math course that prepares students for calculus
  • noun
  • /ˌpriːˈkæl.kjʊ.ləs/
  • US
: precalculo
  • Basically, I got an 89.9% in PreCalculus, and my teacher won't round up.
  • precalculus course

Still hard, but easier than like precalculus and, and trig.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Really endeavor to use group work (and part and parcel of this, whiteboarding) in precalculus, and be sure to give feedback to groups at least once every two weeks so they have a record of their strengths and places they can improve.

    Blog text (26)

  • His understanding of trigonometry greatly improved after taking precalculus last semester.

  • Teaching a class that is new to me (advanced precalculus) with very little supporting material.

    Blog text (26)

  • From Precalculus for Christian Schools, a textbook published by Bob Jones University.

    Blog text (15)

  • Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have one more formal training to go for precalculus that'll be happening next week.

  • In the morning, he taught Precalculus and Algebra II; his day ended with another section of Algebra II and Geometry.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • So I wanted to make a quick little video for you on what you need to know in preparation for our first chapter in precalculus functions.

  • Already this week, precalculus, calculus, differential equations, and statistics classes have reserved time to use the computer area as a classroom.

    Academic text (1994)

  • In addition, student performance in Precalculus Mathematics and Algebra I Survey is discussed with an analysis of the substantial gains demonstrated after these Special Programs courses.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Deborah is responsible for the coordination of the development of computer modules for use in the precalculus courses and is finishing her second year in the center.

    Academic text (1994)

Synonyms

precalc
vsprecalculus
  • Informal
7.9

A college math course that prepares students for calculus

includes those areas plus additional topics beyond algebra and trigonometry

How Advanced

multivariable
  • Informal
7.0
calculus
  • Specialized
66 8.0
precalculus
  • US
1 7.3
algebra
  • Specialized
75 4.0
arithmetic
  • Specialized
3 3.2

Surface Forms

precalculus singular
precalculus plural

Morphology

precalculus = calculus (transparent) = pre + calculus

The prefix 'pre-' clearly means 'before', so 'precalculus' is straightforwardly understood as study or coursework that comes before calculus.

Etymology

The word precalculus is made of pre- meaning 'before' and calculus, a Latin word that originally meant 'small stone' used for counting and is the same root as in calculate. So, precalculus is the class that comes 'before' calculus and gives the math skills you need for it.