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Precalculus Online Course with Trigonometry for Academic Credit

Precalculus - DMAT 135 - Computational Precalculus with Trigonometry is a catch-all phrase for all of the algebra and trigonometry usually studied in high school.

Course
DMAT 135 - Computational Precalculus with Trigonometry
Credits
4 Semester Credit Hours
Delivery
Fully Online, Asynchronous, Self-Paced
The topics of any standard Precalculus course will include:
  • Solving Equations (both easy and more difficult)
  • Linear Equations
  • Quadratic Equations
  • The Quadratic Formula
  • Polynomials
  • Factoring Polynomials
  • Rational Polynomials
  • Functions
  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  • Trigonometry Concepts
  • Trigonometric Functions
  • Systems of Equations - Linear and More Complicated Equations
  • Complex Numbers
  • Equations and Inequalities
  • Conic Sections

Completion of the Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University DMAT 135 - Computational Precalculus with Trigonometry course earns 4 academic credit semester hours, earning an official academic transcript from Roger Williams University, in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, which is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), facilitating transfer of credits nationwide to other colleges and universities.



Online Precalculus Course for College Credit Introductory Video

Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University - Math 136 - Precalculus is a self-paced, asynchronous, live-lecture-free, high-tech, empirical, investigation-driven approach to the traditional topics of high-school (and lower college) Precalculus.


The Distance Calculus Approach To Precalculus

Our online Precalculus course Math 136 from Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University has the following educational assumptions and goals:

  • Adult Students
    Distance Calculus is intended for adult students (although we do have advanced High School students in the upper courses like Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Probability Theory), and our Precalculus course is designed for adult learners - especially those looking to continue into our Engineering Calculus sequence.
  • Rote Learning Should Be Left in High School
    All Distance Calculus students have already gone through high school. Repeating such a high school "rote skills" Precalculus course seems unlikely to produce success to adult learners
  • Computer Algebra and Graphing Throughout The Curriculum
    As all Distance Calculus courses are based upon curricula written in LiveMath and/or Mathematica - both powerful computer algebra and graphing systems, we extend these tools in the Precalculus course which change the nature of the curriculum, far more than just using a simple graphing calculator as an ancillary tool to a traditional "rote" curriculum
  • Empirical Learning
    Instead of a "proofs-based" Precalculus course, we use the powerful computer algebra and graphing platform LiveMath to conduct graphical, numerical, and algebraic experiments - like you would in a biology or chemistry or physics laboratory - to empirically investigate the topics of traditional high school precalculus. "Rote" learning is replaced with investigating the topics much more thoroughly using modern technical tools at a much deeper level, because the "Do these 1-99 odd factoring problems" is now replaced with "Use Factor Command" - and then we ask when we can use factoring, what it does for us, and what do we do when we cannot factor!
  • Asynchronous Studying
    This means that the course happens on your schedule, not at fixed times. You may work as intensely as you wish, take a break for a week or two, and then resume, all on your needs.
  • Mastery Learning
    The student will learn the current module of material thoroughly before moving on to the next topic. This eliminates the "slippery slope" problem of not mastering a previous topic when faced with a new topic.
  • Synchronous Communications
    The majority of communication between the student and the instructors will occur via Chat, so that problems, questions, issues, that come up are solved in real time.
  • ChalkTalk Video
    Video presentations of problems solved manually, "by hand", providing the basis of the classical study of precalculus topics - we have a balance of 80% Computer Algebra and 20% By Hand Manual Computations split of the problems. There are core problems that all students who complete a Precalculus course should be able to do by hand, which is reinforced by the Computer Algebra assignments.



Examples of Distance Calculus Unique Approach in Precalculus

Many prospective students will have completed Algebra at some level in high school, perhaps many years ago, and they are looking for a comprehensive course on Precalculus before they start the Engineering Calculus I sequence. Below we list a few topics that demonstrate the enhanced curriculum of our Precalculus course, which studies the same topics as high school Algebra and Trigonometry, but we are able to go to much deeper levels of investigation because of the usage of the computer algebra platform LiveMath.

  • Factoring A Polynomial By Graphing Analysis
    Factoring is now made rather trivial using LiveMath's Factor command:
    factoring a degree 5 polynomial
    You would never attempt to factor such a polynomial in high school algebra class by hand! After we make the standard connection to the x-axis crossings/touches for this polynomial function graphed:
    graph a factored degree 5 polynomial
    We then ask the question in reverse:
    Suppose you are given the graph of a function whose algebraic formula you do not know - can you reconstruct the algebraic formula (assuming it is a polynomial function) from just the graph?
    graph an formula-unknown polynomial function

     

  • How Complex Roots Affect A Polynomial Function Graph
    Here's what looks to be a degree 4 polynomial function - can we find its algebraic formula?
    graph of polynomial function with complex roots
    Only problem is: there are only 2 real x-axis crossings! That function wiggles, but not far enough down to actually cross the x-axis! Turns out this wiggle is the affect of complex roots at work. But we can still analyze this graphically by vertically translating the graph down to force that wiggle to cross the x-axis (and cross at nice roots, too!):
    Vertical Translation of Polynomial Function
    Vertical Translation of Polynomial Function
    Computational Precalculus
    Computational Precalculus
    From that translation we can get 4 real roots, create the factorization, and then ... don't forget ... reverse the vertical translation back up, and voila!
    determine polynomial formula of graph with complex roots

     

  • Conic Sections - Parabolas in 3D Animations
    Remember parabolas, hyperbolas, ellipses in high school algebra? Well, they never looked this cool in 3D animations on those little TI-83 calculators!
    Conic Section: Parabola from Cone Slice
    Conic Section: Parabola from Cone Slice
    In our Precalculus course, the equations and analytical geometry study of parabolas, hyperbolas, and ellipses takes on a 3D feel, where we study much harder problems: how do we convert these slicing equations into standard form, and rotate everything "just so" to get the standard equations to pop out?

Other Online Precalculus Courses vs. Distance Calculus

The Distance Calculus Precalculus online course was created as a support course for our Calculus I - Engineering Calculus sequence. Many students who need to complete Calculus I or higher in the engineering sequence are often not prepared for starting Calculus I - especially the considerably-different Calculus I online course offered via Distance Calculus.

There are many Precalculus online courses available around the internet. In almost all cases, these other Precalculus online courses are just a re-hash of the high school algebra II and trigonometry experience - more of the same - endless hand-calculation problem sets ("1-99 odd"), perhaps with usage of a graphing calculator (high school Precalculus courses now routinely include the Texas Instrument TI-83 or similar graphing calculators), and probably with a multiple choice engine where your instructor becomes an automated machine checking answers instead of a human being.

These other online Precalculus online courses all share the same process: a paper or e-paper textbook is provided to the student, and long problem sets of factoring polynomials, applying the quadratic formula, interpreting word problems into solvable equations, etc.

The Educational term for these courses is: learning by rote - doing a hand-technique over and over again, until the technical process is imprinted in your mind. Many students who go through these types of precalculus courses are so trained that when they see an equation like the following:

x2 + 5x - 8 = 0
They immediately say "Oh, I know the quadratic formula:"

\(\frac {-b\pm\sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\)

But often these students are completely stumped what to do if the equation instead looks like this:

x3 + 5x + 8 = e2x
There often is a disconnect between generally solving equations for (numerical) solutions, and applying (historical) formulas that work only in special cases (purely quadratic equations).

Many students are very successful at "rote" Precalculus courses. As almost all of the other Precalculus online courses on the internet are exactly these "rote" courses, if you are looking for such a "plug-and-chug" Precalculus online course, you have many options, and Distance Calculus is not for you.

If, on the other hand, diving back into another high-school-like Precalculus "rote" course does not sound appealing to you, then read on about our Distance Calculus Precalculus online course.


RWU Course Catalog - DMAT 135 • Computational Precalculus with Trigonometry
Course
DMAT 135
Course Title
Computational Precalculus with Trigonometry
Transcript Title
Precalculus with Trigonometry
Credits
4 Semester Credit Hours
Description
A single course on the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions via algebraic, numerical, graphical, and narrative viewpoints, preparing the student for the Calculus sequence.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of 3 years high school mathematics (C- or higher) or instructor consent.
E-Textbook
"The Primitives of Precalculus" by Robert R. Curtis, Ph.D.
Software
LiveMath

DMAT 135 - Learning Outcomes

  1. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of linear functions, including slope, intercepts, linear growth, and intersections of linear plots.
  2. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of quadratic functions, including standard form, vertices, factoring, the quadratic formula, and complex numbers.
  3. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of polynomial functions, including factoring, roots, polynomial growth, inverse functions, and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
  4. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of rational polynomial functions, including asymptotes, common roots, solving equations.
  5. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of inequalities, including solving inequalities, ranges, systems of inequalities.
  6. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of exponential and logarithmic functions, including bases, exponential and logarithmic growth, solving equations involving exponentials and logarithms, and inverse function relations.
  7. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of trigonometric functions, including trigonometric ratio definitions, the six trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, solving trigonometric equations, and applications of trigonometry.
  8. To identify, manipulate, and understand the algebraic, numerical, and graphical fundamentals of conic sections, including intersections of planes and cones, the classical conic section types, and transformation of coordinates.

DMAT 135 - Syllabus of Topics

1. Getting Started
1.1. Email and Chat
1.2. Learning About the Course
1.3. Required Computer Hardware
1.4. Software Fundamentals
2. The Big Picture
2.1. Solving (easy) equations in 1 variable.
2.2. What if you can’t solve for x?
2.3. Finding solutions numerically
2.4. Finding solutions graphically
2.5. Solving equations of more than 1 variable
3. Functions
3.1. Function notation
3.2. Data sets
3.3. Graphing functions
3.4. Data sets and smooth curves
3.5. Domain and Range
3.6. Algebraic combinations of functions
4. Linear Functions
4.1. Algebraic definition
4.2. Slope
4.3. Graphing linear functions by hand
4.4. Properties of linear functions
4.5. Linear data sets
5. Quadratic Functions
5.1. Algebraic definition
5.2. Graphing and Properties of Quadratic Functions
5.3. Solving quadratic equations algebraically:Factoring
5.4. Solving quadratic equations algebraically:Quadratic formula
5.5. Solving quadratic equations numerically and graphically
5.6. Complex Numbers
5.7. Quadratic data sets
6. Power and Polynomial Functions
6.1. Algebraic definition
6.2. Graphing and Properties of Polynomial Functions
6.3. Solving polynomial equations algebraically: factoring
6.4. Solving polynomial equations numerically and graphically
6.5. Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
6.6. Radicals and fractional exponents
7. Rational Polynomial Functions
7.1. Algebraic definition
7.2. Graphing and Properties of Rational Polynomial Functions
7.3. Solving rational polynomial equations algebraically: factoring
7.4. Solving rational polynomial equations numerically and graphically
8. Inequalities, Systems of Equations
8.1. Inequalities of 1 variable
8.2. Inequalities of 2 variables
8.3. System of Equations in 2 variables
9. Introduction to Matrices
9.1. Inverses
9.2. Determinants
9.3. Cramer’s Rule
10. Exponential Functions
10.1. Algebraic definition
10.2. Graphing and Properties of Exponential Functions
10.3. Solving exponential equations numerically and graphically
10.4. Exponential Growth and Applications
10.5. Data sets and exponential functions
11. Logarithmic Functions
11.1. Inverse Functions
11.2. Algebraic Definition
11.3. Graphing and Properties of Logarithmic Functions
11.4. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations algebraically
11.5. Solving logarithmic equations numerically and graphically
11.6. Logarithmic Growth and Applications
11.7. Data sets and logarithmic functions
12. Trigonometry
12.1. Geometry of Right Triangles
12.2. The Unit Circle
12.3. The (Circular) Trigonometric Functions
12.4. Graphing and properties of trigonometric functions: frequency, amplitude, shifting
12.5. Radians and degrees
12.6. Trigonometric identities
12.7. Inverse Trigonometric functions
12.8. Solving Trigonometric equations algebraically
12.9. Solving Trigonometric equations graphically and numerically
12.10. Applications of trigonometry
12.11. Laws of sines and cosines
12.12. DeMoivre’s Theorem
13. Analytic Geometry
13.1. The Cone
13.2. Parabolae, Hyperbolae, Ellipsi
13.3. Polar Coordinates
13.4. Parametric Equations and Graphs
14. Sequences and Series
14.1. Sequences
14.2. Summation
14.3. Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series

Legacy Course - DMAT 136 • Precalculus Mathematics

In 2023, Distance Calculus introduced a new catalog of courses. New DMAT 135 = Old DMAT 136 = Old MATH 136

Description
The focus of this course is on functions, which are of central importance in Calculus. Topics include definitions, properties, and applications of algebraic, inverse, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. (4 credits)

Precalculus Online Course Example Learning Movies

One of the ongoing themes of the Precalculus curriculum is bridging between the classical approach to Precalculus with pen/paper - or chalk on a chalkboard - and using the modern LiveMath computer algebra and graphing platform. Often the video assignments come in pairs, with the same core topic explained in both ChalkTalk format and also in LiveMath format.

Introduction to Cubic Functions

Solving Equations and Inequalities

Complex Number Multiplication and Division

Exponential and Logarithm Functions

Trigonometric Functions


Student Work Assignments

Students will complete a variety of types of homework assignments, including:

  • Written Solution Sets
    Students will complete written solution sets, take a photo with your phone, and turn them in on-line for grading. These problem sets will be from the classical side of the precalculus curriculum - the "math you need to be able to do by hand."

     

  • Computer Algebra Notebook Solution Sets
    Students will complete notebook questions in using LiveMath software dealing with more modern types of questions in Precalculus requiring technological approaches.

     

  • Video Solution Sets
    Students will complete some Video Solutions of various problems, and turn these videos in on-line for grading, expanding upon both types of solution sets with more of a "Now You Explain It".

Similar to our Distance Calculus course structure, this course is based upon heavy amounts of communication between the student and the instructional team. All assignments are based upon the mastery learning model, and turned in recursively back-and-forth between student and instructor until 100% mastery is achieved.

This is an excellent course for the computer novice. Even if checking your email is a not a "natural" activity for you, the Distance Precalculus course is an excellent way to simultaneously prepare for Calculus, and conquer whatever computer "phobia" fears you may have.

Distance Calculus Referenced Colleges & Universities (29 Years - 393+ Institutions)

Distance Calculus students have transferred course credits to these colleges and universities:

Agnes Scott College • Aiken Technical College • Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science • Alma College • American Graduate University • American Public University • American University • Andrews University • Arizona State University • Armstrong Atlantic State Univeristy • Athens State University • Auburn University • Auburn University MBA Program • Augusta State University • Austin Peay State University • Azusa Pacific University • Babson College • Baruch College • Baylor University • Belmont University • Beloit College • Bentley University • Berklee College of Music • Berry College • Bethany College • Binghamton University • Bloomsburg University • Bluefield State College • Bluegrass Community and Technical College • Borough of Manhattan Community College • Boston Conservatory • Boston University • Bryant University • Buena Vista University • California Lutheran University • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo • California state University • California State University Channel Islands • California State University, Dominguez Hills • California State University, Sacramento • Carleton College • Carnegie Mellon University • Cedarville University • Central Michigan University • Central Washington University • Champlain College • Chapman University • Charter Oak State College • Chicago State University • Clark University • Clarkson University • Clemson University • Cleveland State University • Coastal Carolina University • College of Santa Fe • College of William & Mary • Colorado Mesa University • Colorado State University • Columbia University • Columbia University School of Business • Cornell Univeristy • Cornell University • Covenant College • CUNY Medgar Evers College • Denison University • DePaul University • Drexel University • Duke University - Fuqua School of Business • Duke University School of Law • Duke University, Durham NC • Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Law School, Graduate Programs • East Stroudsburg University • Eastern Illinois University • Eastern Kentucky University • Eastern Mennonite University • Eastern Nazarene College • Elon University • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University • Embry Riddle University • Endicott College • Evangel University • Excelsior College • Fairifield University • Fairleigh Dickenson University • Ferris State University • Florida A & M University • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University • Florida Atlantic University • Florida Institute of Technology • Florida International University • Florida State College, Jacksonville • Florida State University • Fordham University • Fox Valley Technical College • Franklin University • Freed-Hardamen University • Fresno State University • Friends University • Gannon University • George Mason university • George Washington University • George Washington University School of Business • Georgetown University • Georgia Institute of Technology • Georgia State • Georgia State University • Georgia Tech • Gordon College • Governor's State University • Green Mountain College • Griffith University • Grinnell College • Grove City College • Hamline University • Hampshire College • Hampton University • Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government • Harvard University: Kennedy School of Government, Medical Schools • Hillsdale College • Hillsdale University • Hiram College • Hofstra University • Howard University • Huntingdon College • Illinois Institute for Technology • Illinois Institute of Technology • Indiana University • Iowa State University • Jacksonville State University • James Madison University • Jeff State Community College • Johns Hopkins Univerisity • Johns Hopkins University • Kalamazoo College • Kansas State University • Kaplan University • Kennesaw State University • Kentucky State University • Kettering University • Kings College, University of London • La Sierra University • Lebanon Valley College • Lee University • LeTourneau University • Liberty University • Lincoln University of Pennsylvania • Lipscomb University • Loma Linda University • London School of Economics • Loyola Marymount University • Luther College • Macon State College • Marian University • Marquette University • Mars Hill College • Marshall University • Mary Baldwin College • Massachusetts Maritime Academy • McHenry County College • Mercer University • Mercyhurst College • Meredith College • Mesa State College • Messiah College • Miami University • Michigan State University • Michigan Technological University • Middle Tennessee State University • Middlebury College • Millersville University • Missouri University of Science and Technology • Montana State University • Montana Tech • Montclair University • Morehead State University • Murray State University • Naval Post Graduate School • New Mexico Military Institute • New Mexico State University • New York University • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State Univerisity • Northeastern University • Northern Arizona University • Northern Michigan University • Northwest Nazarene University • Northwestern University • Oberlin College • Occidental College • Oglethorpe University • Oklahoma Baptist University • Old Dominion University • Olympic College • Orange Coast College • Oregon State University • Pacific Lutheran University • Penn State University • Pennsylvania State University • Pepperdine University • Pomona College • Portland State University • Princeton University • Purdue University • Quinnipiac University • Randolph-Macon College • Regent University • Regis University • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Rhode Island School of Design • Rice University • Robert Morris University • Rochester Institute of Technology • Roger Williams Univerity • Roger Williams University • Roosevelt University • Rowan University • Rutgers University • Saint Anselm College • Saint Joseph's University • Saint Louis University • Saint Michael's College • Salve Regina University • Samford University • San Diego State University • Santa Fe Community College • Shepherd University • Smith College • South Dakota School of Mines and Technology • Southern Adventist University • Southern Methodist University • St. Anselm College • St. John's College • St. Mary's College of Maryland • Stanford University • Stanford University, MBA • State University at Buffalo Law School • State University at Buffalo, Law School • State University of New York • Stevens Institute of Technology • Strayer University • SUNY Binghamton • Swarthmore College • Syracuse University • Texas A&M University • Texas A&M • Texas A&M University • Texas Tech University • The Art Institute of Atlanta • The Catholic University of America • The Citadel • The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina • The College of New Jersey • The College of St. Scholastica • The George Washington University • The Master's College • The New England Institute of Art • The Ohio State Universtity • The University of Alabama • The University of South Carolina • The University of Texas at Austin • The University of Virginia • Thomas Edison State College • Trinity University • TUI University • Tulane University • Union University • United States Air Force Academy • United States Military Academy • Univeristy of Puget Sound • University of Alabama, Huntsville • University of Arizona • University of Arkansas, Little Rock • University of Auckland, New Zealand • University of California, Berkeley • University of California, Los Angeles • University of California, Santa Barbara • University of California, Santa Cruz • University of Central Florida • University of Central Oklahoma • University of Central Texas • University of Chicago • University of Cincinnati • University of Colorado • University of Colorado, Boulder • University of Colorado,Colorado Springs • University of Connecticut • University of Dallas • University of Findlay • University of Florida • University of Georgia • University of Hartford • University of Hawai'i-Manoa • University of Illinois • University of Kentucky • University of La Verne • University of Maine • University of Maryland • University of Massachusetts • University of Massachusetts, Amherst • University of Memphis • University of Michigan • University of Michigan: MBA, Medical Schools, Graduate Programs • University of Minnesota • University of Minnesota, School of Public Health • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities • University of Minnesota-Twin Cities • University of Mississippi • University of Missouri • University of Missouri, Columbia • University of Montana • University Of Mount Union • University of Nebraska • University of Nevada • University of New Hampshire Law School • University of New Haven • University of New Orleans • University of North Carolina • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill • University of North Carolina, MBA • University of North Dakota • University of North Texas • University of Northern Iowa • University of Notre Dame • University of Oklahoma • University of Otago • University of Pennsylvania • University of Pennsylvania Architectural School • University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business • University of Phoenix • University of Pittsburgh • University of Portland • University of Redlands • University of Richmond • University of San Francisco • University of South Carolina • University of Southern California • University of Southern Indiana • University of Sussex • University of Tampa • University of Tennessee • University of Texas • University of Texas at Austin • University of Texas, Arlington • University of Texas, Austin • University of Texas, Brownsville • University of Texas, Dallas • University of Texas, Houston • University of Utah • University of Virginia • University of Warwick • University of West Alabama • University of West Florida • University of West Georgia • University of Wisconsin • University of Wisconsin, Madison • University of Wyoming • University West Florida • US Air Force Academy • Utah State University • Utah Valley University • Valdosta State University • Valley Forge Military College • Vanderbilt University • Villanova University • Virginia Military Institute • Virginia Tech • Walla Walla University • Washing State University • Washington and Lee University • Washington State University • Webster University • West Chester University • West Virginia University • West Virginia Wesleyan College • Western Governors University • Western Kentucky University • Western Michigan University • Westminster College • Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania • Wheaton College • Wheaton College (IL) • Wheaton College Illinois • Whitman College • Whittier College • Widener University • William and Mary • William Jewell College • Winthrop University • Woodbury University • Wright State University • Yale University • Yeshiva University • Yonsei University





Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

William Williams★★★★★
Posted: Jan 19, 2020
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra, Probability Theory
I have difficulty learning calculus based math, akin to dyslexia when examining the symbolic forms, equations, definitions, and problems. Mathematica based calculus courses allowed me to continue with my studies because of the option of seeing the math expressed as a programming language for which I have no difficulty in interpreting visually and the immediate feedback of graphical representations of functions, equations, or data makes a huge impact on understanding. Mathematica based calculus courses should be the default method of teaching Calculus everywhere.
Email: wf.williamster@gmail.com
Transferred Credits To: Thomas Edison State College
Emmy★★★★★
Posted: May 26, 2025
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
Distance Calculus was the perfect answer to getting ahead in math over the summer of my junior year in HS. I was able to complete the entire course over the summer. The teacher was responsive and the course was understandable. Highly recommend.
Transferred Credits To: Syracuse University
Mark Neiberg ★★★★★
Posted: Jan 12, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus I, Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus
Curriculum was high quality and allowed student to experiment with concepts which resulted in an enjoyable experience. Assignment Feedback was timely and meaningful.
M M.★★★★★
Posted: Feb 8, 2026
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.
Transferred Credits To: None yet
Tanja B.★★★★★
Posted: Jan 28, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
After two failed attempts at my university, this course helped me understand Calculus. The live maths tool along with Dr. Curtis were especially helpful, allowing me to visualize concepts and expand my understanding. The explanations were clear, the examples practical, and I could learn at my own pace, which built my confidence. Thank you.
Transferred Credits To: University of Namibia
Henry F.★★★★★
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Prerequisites for the Precalculus Course?

No, not really. The student is expected to have "High School Algebra" but nearly all U.S. college/university students have taken High School Algebra, probably Algebra II, as that is a universal requirement for college/university. We do start at the very beginning, and assume that even though you have taken High School Algebra, you may not remember much of it.

Does Precalculus Include Trigonometry?

Yes. Precalculus is often called "Precalculus With Trigonometry" to remind everyone of the trigonometry component. Essentially Precalculus is, as the name suggests, the course you take before Calculus I.

Do I Need To Take Precalculus Before Applied Calculus?

No. Precalculus is a prerequisite for the higher Calculus I STEM sequence; not for the lower Applied Calculus, single-semester course on calculus.

Is Precalculus Boring?

Well not from Distance Calculus! Our Precalculus course is quite progressive, exploring the topics of Precalculus with a laboratory-minded approach, using graphical, algebraic, and numerical tools to have a refreshing investigation (or re-investigation) of the topics of Precalculus, including Trigonometry.

Is Precalculus from Distance Calculus Accredited?

Yes, All Distance Calculus courses are offered through Roger Williams University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, which is regionally accredited (the highest accreditation) through New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

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