Math: Introduction to Calculus

Instructor: Yibing Zhao (current math group leader, 8th grade math teacher)

This is a newly-opened math class in NCLS math program, consisting of two sections: pre-calculus and calculus. This course is not a replacement of either pre-calculus or calculus course given at high school. The purpose of this course is to provide a basic foundation of pre-calculus and basic topics of AP level calculus to students who prepare to take both or either of the courses at high school. In the class, student will extend their learning from advanced algebra 2 including trigonometry and coordinate geometry and geometry to the fundamental calculus. The prerequisites for this course are Algebra 2 (including Trigonometry) and basic geometry, or NCLS Singapore math. In pre-calculus section, students will concentrate on the various functions that are important to the study of the calculus, understanding the properties of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. In addition, students will learn to work with various types of functions in symbolic, graphical, numerical and verbal form. In calculus section, students will learn three major concepts in calculus: limits, derivatives, and integrals. Students will extend their understanding of the fundamental s and using the concepts and theorems to solve a variety of problems. Because this is a new course in NCLS math program, the time allocation to pre-calculus and calculus could be varying based on the student comprehensions in reality. If necessary, this course may be split into two courses based on the requirements in the future.