Mathematics 265 Introduction to Calculus I

Study Guide :: Unit 1

Brief Review of Algebra and Trigonometry for Calculus

Objectives

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to

  1. perform basic algebraic operations and factorizations.
  2. define all trigonometric functions.
  3. find exact values of trigonometric functions.

Learning calculus requires a knowledge of basic geometry, algebra and trigonometry. Throughout Mathematics 265, you will be informed about the background concepts needed in each section. However, to start the course, you must make sure that you have the minimal basic background to succeed. The time you spend in reviewing the prerequisite material is an investment. In most cases, frustrations and disappointments in learning calculus result from deficiencies in algebra and trigonometry.

In this unit, we help you by briefly reviewing some basic algebra and trigonometry. We present a series of exercises, and recommend that you submit the first assignment before starting Unit 2. The textbook presents some necessary material on geometry, algebra and trigonometry in the “Reference Pages” section (pp. 1-6) and on pages 336-367.

You may wish to consult one or more of the references listed below. The first three are available in the Athabasca University Library. See the “Library Services” section of the Student Manual for instructions for making a loan request.

Drooyan, Irving, and William Wooton. Elementary Algebra with Geometry, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, 1984.

Steffensen, A., and M. L. Johnson. Introductory Algebra, 2nd ed. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman, 1981.

Swokowski, E. W. A Precalculus Course in Algebra and Trigonometry. Boston: Prindle, Weber & Schmidt, 1973.

Blitzer, R. F. Precalculus Essentials, 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004.

Connally, E., D. Hughes-Hallett, A. M. Gleason, P. Cheifetz, D. E. Flath, P. Frazer Lock, K. Rhea, C. Swenson, F. Avenoso, A. Davidian, B. Lahme, J. Morris, P. Shure, K. Yoshiwara, and E. J. Marks. Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, 2004.

Slavin, S., and G. Crisonino, Precalculus: A Self-teaching Guide. Mississauga, ON: Wiley Canada, 2004.

In general, any precalculus textbook will do. If you are not sure about the quality of a precalculus textbook, consult your tutor.

You may also wish to consult the websites below.

College-level Geometry. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from website of The Math Forum@Drexel: http://mathforum.org/geometry/coll.geometry.html

Kreider, Donald, and Dwight Lahr. Principles of Calculus Modeling: An Interactive Approach. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from http://www.math.dartmouth.edu/~calcsite/video1.html

This site presents a series of videos with brief explanation of key concepts.

Stewart Calculus Home Page. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://www.stewartcalculus.com/media/11_home.php

This website accompanies your textbook. Bookmark the page, and be prepared to refer to it often—it contains many useful links and other features. At this point, pay special attention to the PDF document titled “Review of Algebra,” which is available through the “Algebra Review” tab on the right-hand side of the Stewart Calculus home page.