Welcome

This book is designed as a concise companion and study guide for students using Stewart’s Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus. It summarizes the main concepts and skills in student-friendly language, provides additional examples and practice, and highlights the ideas students should understand before moving forward.

Precalculus connects algebra, functions, geometry, and trigonometry to the mathematical ideas used in calculus and other post-secondary courses. It also provides tools for describing and solving problems in many applied fields.

In science, precalculus is used to model motion, waves, population growth, radioactive decay, and changing temperatures. In engineering, it supports the analysis of forces, electrical systems, structures, signals, and rotating objects. Business applications include compound interest, revenue, cost, profit, growth, and optimization. In data analytics, functions and graphs help describe relationships, identify trends, compare rates of change, and interpret mathematical models.

Each section includes:

  • learning objectives;
  • clear explanations of key concepts and procedures;
  • worked examples followed by short practice exercises;
  • collapsible answers for embedded exercises;
  • conceptual takeaways;
  • a list of skills you should be able to demonstrate; and
  • practice problems with answers.

The problems progress from foundational skills to more challenging applications. Graphing activities use Desmos to help you connect equations, tables, and graphs. Use this book to review lessons, strengthen important skills, prepare for assessments, and identify topics that require additional practice.

NOTE: This text is not intended to replace the full textbook, classroom instruction, or guidance from your instructor. This independently prepared resource is not affiliated with or endorsed by the textbook’s authors or publisher.