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Precalculus With Limits (2007)
Chapter 1: Functions and Their Graphs
1.1. Rectangular Coordinates
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Points in the Coordinate Plane
Identify the coordinates of a point in the coordinate plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview
1.2.Graphs of Equations
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Points, Lines, and Equations
Compare the graph of a linear function to its rule and to a table of its values. Change the function by dragging two points on the line. Examine how the rule and table change. 5 Minute Preview
1.3.Linear Equations in Two Variables
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Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Compare the slope-intercept form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Point-Slope Form of a Line
Compare the point-slope form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Standard Form of a Line
Compare the standard form of a linear equation to its graph. Vary the coefficients and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
1.4. Functions
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Linear Functions
Determine if a relation is a function from the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or graph. Use the graph to determine if it is linear. 5 Minute Preview
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Introduction to Functions
Determine if a relation is a function using the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or the graph of the relation. Drag arrows from the domain to the range, type in ordered pairs, or drag points to the graph to add inputs and outputs to the relation. 5 Minute Preview
1.5. Analyzing Graphs of Functions
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Linear Functions
Determine if a relation is a function from the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or graph. Use the graph to determine if it is linear. 5 Minute Preview
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Introduction to Functions
Determine if a relation is a function using the mapping diagram, ordered pairs, or the graph of the relation. Drag arrows from the domain to the range, type in ordered pairs, or drag points to the graph to add inputs and outputs to the relation. 5 Minute Preview
1.6. A Library of Parent Functions
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
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Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Radical Functions
Compare the graph of a radical function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation. Explore how the graph is translated and stretched by the changes to the equation. 5 Minute Preview
1.7. Transformations of Functions
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Rotations, Reflections, and Translations
Rotate, reflect, and translate a figure in the plane. Compare the translated figure to the original figure. 5 Minute Preview
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Translating and Scaling Functions
Vary the coefficients in the equation of a function and examine how the graph of the function is translated or scaled. Select different functions to translate and scale, and determine what they have in common. 5 Minute Preview
1.8. Combinations of Functions: Composite Functions
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Function Machines 1 (Functions and Tables)
Drop a number into a function machine, and see what number comes out! You can use one of the six pre-set function machines, or program your own function rule into one of the blank machines. Stack up to three function machines together. Input and output can be recorded in a table and on a graph. 5 Minute Preview
1.6. Inverse Functions
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Function Machines 3 (Functions and Problem Solving)
Drop a number into a function machine, and see what number comes out! You can use one of the six pre-set function machines, or program your own function rule into one of the blank machines. Stack up to three function machines together. Input and output can be recorded in a table and on a graph. 5 Minute Preview
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Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
1.7. Linear Models and Scatter Plots
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Determining a Spring Constant
Place a pan on the end of a hanging spring. Measure how much the spring stretches when various masses are added to the pan. Create a graph of displacement vs. mass to determine the spring constant of the spring. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 2: Polynomial and Rational Functions
2.1. Quadratic Functions and Models
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Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Quadratics in Polynomial Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in polynomial form. Vary the coefficients of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Quadratics in Factored Form
Investigate the factors of a quadratic through its graph and through its equation. Vary the roots of the quadratic and examine how the graph and the equation change in response. 5 Minute Preview
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Roots of a Quadratic
Find the root of a quadratic using its graph or the quadratic formula. Explore the graph of the roots and the point of symmetry in the complex plane. Compare the axis of symmetry and graph of the quadratic in the real plane. 5 Minute Preview
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Quadratics in Vertex Form
Compare the graph of a quadratic to its equation in vertex form. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
2.2. Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
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Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Study the graphs of polynomials up to the fourth degree. Vary the coefficients of the equation and investigate how the graph changes in response. Explore things like intercepts, end behavior, and even near-zero behavior. 5 Minute Preview
2.3. Polynomials and Synthetic Division
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Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division
Divide a polynomial by dragging the correct numbers into the correct positions for synthetic division. Compare the interpreted polynomial division to the synthetic division. 5 Minute Preview
2.4. Complex Numbers
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Points in the Complex Plane
Identify the imaginary and real coordinates of a point in the complex plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview
2.5. Zeros of Polynomial Functions
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Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division
Divide a polynomial by dragging the correct numbers into the correct positions for synthetic division. Compare the interpreted polynomial division to the synthetic division. 5 Minute Preview
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Polynomials and Linear Factors
Create a polynomial as a product of linear factors. Vary the values in the linear factors to see how their connection to the roots of the function. 5 Minute Preview
2.6. Rational Functions
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Rational Functions
Compare the graph of a rational function to its equation. Vary the terms of the equation and explore how the graph is translated and stretched as a result. Examine the domain on a number line and compare it to the graph of the equation. 5 Minute Preview
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General Form of a Rational Function
Compare the equation of a rational function to its graph. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by linear factors and explore how the graph changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
2.7. Nonlinear Inequalities
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Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Solve an inequality involving absolute values using a graph of the absolute-value function. Vary the terms of the absolute-value function and vary the value that you are comparing it to. Then explore how the graph and solution set change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
3.1. Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
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Exponential Functions
Explore the graph of an exponential function. Vary the coefficient and base of the function and investigate the changes to the graph of the function. 5 Minute Preview
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Exponential Growth and Decay
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or decay function. Vary the initial amount and the rate of growth or decay and investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
3.2. Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
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Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
3.3. Properties of Logarithms
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Logarithmic Functions
Compare the equation of a logarithmic function to its graph. Change the base of the logarithmic function and examine how the graph changes in response. Use the line y = x to compare the associated exponential function. 5 Minute Preview
3.5. Exponential and Logarithmic Models
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Exponential Growth and Decay
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or decay function. Vary the initial amount and the rate of growth or decay and investigate the changes to the graph. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 4: Trigonometry
4.2. Trigonometric Functions: The Unit Circle
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Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
4.3. Right Triangle Trigonometry
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Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Ratios
Reshape and resize a right triangle and examine how the sine of angle A, the cosine of angle A, and the tangent of angle A change. 5 Minute Preview
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Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Ratios
Reshape and resize a right triangle and examine how the sine of angle A, the cosine of angle A, and the tangent of angle A change. 5 Minute Preview
4.4. Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle
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Cosine Function
Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
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Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
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Tangent Function
Compare the graph of the tangent function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the tangent curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
4.5. Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions
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Cosine Function
Compare the graph of the cosine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the cosine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
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Sine Function
Compare the graph of the sine function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the sine curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
4.6. Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions
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Tangent Function
Compare the graph of the tangent function with the graph of the angle on the unit circle. Drag a point along the tangent curve and see the corresponding angle on the unit circle. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 5: Analytic Trigonometry
5.2. Verifying Trigonometric Identities
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Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions
Choose the correct steps to simplify a trigonometric function. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
5.4. Sum and Difference Formulas
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Sum and Difference Identities for Sine and Cosine
Choose the correct steps to evaluate a trigonometric expression using sum and difference identities. Use step-by-step feedback to diagnose incorrect steps. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 6: Additional Topics in Trigonometry
6.3. Vectors in the Plane
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Adding Vectors
Move, rotate, and resize two vectors in a plane. Find their resultant, both graphically and by direct computation. 5 Minute Preview
6.4. Vectors and Dot Products
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Vectors
Manipulate the magnitudes and directions of two vectors to generate a sum and learn vector addition. The x and y components can be displayed, along with the dot product of the two vectors. 5 Minute Preview
6.5. Trigonometric Form of a Complex Number
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Points in the Complex Plane
Identify the imaginary and real coordinates of a point in the complex plane. Drag the point in the plane and investigate how the coordinates change in response. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 7:Systems of Equations and Inequalities
7.1. Linear and Nonlinear Systems of Equations
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Cat and Mouse (Modeling with Linear Systems)
Experiment with a system of two lines representing a cat-and-mouse chase. Adjust the speeds of the cat and mouse and the head start of the mouse, and immediately see the effects on the graph and on the chase. Connect real-world meaning to slope, y-intercept, and the intersection of lines. 5 Minute Preview
7.2. Two Variable Linear System
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Solving Linear Systems (Matrices and Special Solutions)
Explore systems of linear equations, and how many solutions a system can have. Express systems in matrix form. See how the determinant of the coefficient matrix reveals how many solutions a system of equations has. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means for an (x, y) point to be a solution of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview
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Solving Linear Systems (Slope-Intercept Form)
Solve systems of linear equations, given in slope-intercept form, both graphically and algebraically. Use a draggable green point to examine what it means for an
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Solving Linear Systems (Standard Form)
Solve systems of linear equations, written in standard form. Explore what it means to solve systems algebraically (with substitution or elimination) and graphically. Also, use a draggable green point to see what it means when (x, y) values are solutions of an equation, or of a system of equations. 5 Minute Preview
7.6. Linear Programming
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Linear Programming
Use the graph of the feasible region to find the maximum or minimum value of the objective function. Vary the coefficients of the objective function and vary the constraints. Explore how the graph of the feasible region changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 9: Sequences, Series, and Probability
9.2. Arithmetic Sequences and Partial Sums
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Arithmetic Sequences
Find the value of individual terms in arithmetic sequences using graphs of the sequences and direct computation. Vary the common difference and examine how the sequences change in response. 5 Minute Preview
9.3. Geometric Sequences and Series
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Geometric Sequences
Explore geometric sequences by varying the initial term and the common ratio and examining the graph. Compute specific terms in the sequence using the explicit and recursive formulas. 5 Minute Preview
9.6. Counting Principles
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Permutations and Combinations
Experiment with permutations and combinations of a number of letters represented by letter tiles selected at random from a box. Count the permutations and combinations using a dynamic tree diagram, a dynamic list of permutations, and a dynamic computation by the counting principle. 5 Minute Preview
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Permutations and Combinations
Experiment with permutations and combinations of a number of letters represented by letter tiles selected at random from a box. Count the permutations and combinations using a dynamic tree diagram, a dynamic list of permutations, and a dynamic computation by the counting principle. 5 Minute Preview
9.7. Probability
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Probability Simulations
Experiment with spinners and compare the experimental probability of particular outcomes to the theoretical probability. Select the number of spinners, the number of sections on a spinner, and a favorable outcome of a spin. Then tally the number of favorable outcomes. 5 Minute Preview
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Geometric Probability
Randomly throw darts at a target and see what percent are "hits." Vary the size of the target and repeat the experiment. Study the relationship between the area of the target and the percent of darts that strike it 5 Minute Preview
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Theoretical and Experimental Probability
Experiment with spinners and compare the experimental probability of a particular outcome to the theoretical probability. Select the number of spinners, the number of sections on a spinner, and a favorable outcome of a spin. Then tally the number of favorable outcomes. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 10: Topics in Analytic Geometry
10.2. Introduction to Conics: Parabolas
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Parabolas
Explore parabolas in a conic section context. Find the relationship among the vertex, focus, and directrix of a parabola, and how that relates to its equation. 5 Minute Preview
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Parabolas
Explore parabolas in a conic section context. Find the relationship among the vertex, focus, and directrix of a parabola, and how that relates to its equation. 5 Minute Preview
10.3. Ellipses
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Ellipses
Compare the equation of an ellipse to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the ellipse and examine how the graph changes in response. Drag the vertices and foci, explore their Pythagorean relationship, and discover the string property. 5 Minute Preview
10.4. Hyperbolas
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Hyperbolas
Compare the equation of a hyperbola to its graph. Vary the terms of the equation of the hyperbola. Examine how the graph of the hyperbola and its asymptotes changes in response. 5 Minute Preview
10.7 Polar Coordinates
Chapter 10: Analytic Geometry in Three Dimensions
10.4. Lines and Planes in Space
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Parallel, Intersecting, and Skew Lines
Explore the properties of intersecting, parallel, and skew lines as well as lines in the plane. Rotate the plane and lines in three-dimensional space to ensure a full understanding of these objects. 5 Minute Preview
Chapter 12: Limits and an Introduction to Calculus
11.5. The Area Problem
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Riemann Sum
Approximate the area under a curve in an interval using rectangles. Compare the results of left-hand summation to the results of right-hand summation. Vary the interval and the number of rectangles and explore how the graph of the rectangles and curve change in response. 5 Minute Preview
How Free Gizmos Work
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Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.
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Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.
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All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.
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Free Gizmos change each semester. The new collection will be available January 1 and July 1.
About STEM Cases
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
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Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
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STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
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Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
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Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
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Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
Find Your Solution
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