TELEVISION

Mathematics Describing the Real World: Precalculus and Trigonometry

Series: Mathematics Describing the Real World: Precalculus and Trigonometry
4.9
(55)
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Episodes
36
Rating
TVPG
Year
2008
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

Finally make sense of the mysteries of precalculus and trigonometry in the company of master educator and award-winning professor Bruce Edwards. In 36 intensively illustrated episodes, he takes you through all the major topics of a typical precalculus course taught in high school or college. You'll gain new insights into functions, complex numbers, matrices, and much more.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1 to 3 of 36

1. An Introduction to Precalculus - Functions

31m

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Precalculus is important preparation for calculus, but it's also a useful set of skills in its own right, drawing on algebra, trigonometry, and other topics. As an introduction, review the essential concept of the function, try your hand at simple problems, and hear Professor Edwards's recommendations for approaching the series.

2. Polynomial Functions and Zeros

31m

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The most common type of algebraic function is a polynomial function. As examples, investigate linear and quadratic functions, probing different techniques for finding roots, or "zeros." A valuable tool in this search is the intermediate value theorem, which identifies real-number roots for polynomial functions.

3. Complex Numbers

31m

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Step into the strange and fascinating world of complex numbers, also known as imaginary numbers, where i is defined as the square root of -1. Learn how to calculate and find roots of polynomials using complex numbers, and how certain complex expressions produce beautiful fractal patterns when graphed.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

The Great Coursesdirector
The Great Coursesproducer
Bruce H. Edwardsactor