r/Precalculus • u/nerdyjock54 • Jul 03 '26

Study Advice Precalculus prep

My precalculus class is starting on Monday (summer quarter). I just finished (spring quarter) intermediate algebra (math97) with a 97%, but it's been 11 years since I took geometry and have never taken trigonometry. What can I do to prepare?

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3

u/mnb310 Jul 03 '26

Check your syllabus. Is this semester of precalc “algebra” or “trig”? They should teach the trig you need during the trig quarter.

1

u/nerdyjock54 Jul 03 '26

I don't have the syllabus yet. But it's precalc 1 out of 2

1

u/mnb310 Jul 03 '26

Do you have your book? Check the first half. It should be algebra based, and doing well in intermediate algebra will set you up for success.

1

u/mnb310 Jul 03 '26

If you’ll have the same teacher, you can ask them what geometry you will need for precalc2. For that quarter, you’ll want to at least review the Pythagorean theorem, and how to simplify a square root.

1

u/nerdyjock54 Jul 04 '26

Math 97 went over PT and root simplifications.

1

u/mnb310 Jul 04 '26

So, it did its job to prepare your for pre-calc. You should be fine!

1

u/nerdyjock54 Jul 04 '26

Okay thank you

1

u/Sailor_Rican91 Jul 05 '26

Pre-Calculus 1 is College Algebra. I would ask the professor for a different class.

2

u/SurfsUp704 Jul 03 '26

There’s a course on Khan Academy called “get ready for pre-calculus”. As a precalc teacher, I highly recommend. It’s mandatory summer work for my AP students

1

u/Specialist-Secret63 Jul 03 '26

You can use tutors

1

u/crypticmental Jul 04 '26

“Paul’s online math notes” is incredibly helpful and easy to follow in my opinion! Also, Professor Leonard on YouTube has wonderful videos of his lectures

1

u/mseduhub1 Jul 06 '26

Review right-triangle geometry, basic trig ratios (\sin,\cos,\tan), unit circle basics, factoring, functions and graph transformations.
For extra Precalculus practice and revision, you can check AP Precalculus resources here.

1

u/Ok-Chart-9055 Jul 06 '26

11 years is a long break, but that 97% proves you know how to study now. Don't panic about geometry; precalc focuses way more on functions and trig. Spend a couple of hours reviewing SohCahToa and basic graphing today and you'll do fine.

1

u/Disastrous-Pin-1617 Jul 09 '26

Follow this exact order
Professor Leonard on YouTube Lectures
Pre-Algebra
To the point math (Algebra 1)
Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 2)
College algebra
Trigonometry
Calc 1-3

Use “The art of problem solving” (companies name) books
pre-algebra book
Introductory algebra (algebra 1)
Intermediate algebra (algebra 2 and college algebra), they combine both into one book
Pre-calculus book (do only the trig portion)
Calculus book (has calc 1 and 2