CONTEMPORARY PRECALCULUS THROUGH APPLICATIONS

Goals and Themes

Contemporary Precalculus Through Applications provides students with an applications-oriented, investigative mathematics curriculum in which they use technology to solve problems and to enhance their understanding of mathematics. The topics presented lay a foundation to support future course work in mathematics including calculus, finite mathematics, discrete mathematics, and statistics. Whenever possible, new material is presented in the context of real-world applications.

The fabric of Contemporary Precalculus Through Applications is woven of six spiraling themes:

1. Mathematical Modeling
2. Computers and Calculators as Tools
3. Applications of Functions
4. Data Analysis
5. Discrete Phenomena
6. Numerical Algorithms

The goals of Contemporary Precalculus Through Applications parallel those of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards, and address student needs such as:

• development of mathematical power
• exposure to real-world applications in a wide variety of disciplines so that students can learn to value mathematics
• preparation for future course work in mathematics
• development of the self-confidence necessary to undertake future study
• opportunities to use modern technology to enhance understanding and to solve problems

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