Precalculus 2: polynomials and rational functions

A total of 42 hours of lectures

Due to the size of precalculus, it is divided into four parts. This page describes the second of those four parts.

Icon Precalculus 2

Prerequisites

High-school maths, mainly arithmetics. Precalculus 1: Basic notions (mainly the concept of function and related concepts; sets; logic).

Curriculum

Make sure that you check with your professor what parts of the course you will need for your exam. Such things vary from country to country, from university to university, and they can even vary from year to year at the same university.

Precalculus: polynomials and rational functions

h

Get the outline

A detailed list of all the lectures in part 2 of the course, including which theorems will be discussed and which problems will be solved. If you are looking for a particular kind of problem or a particular concept, this is where you should look first.

Get Precalculus 2: polynomials and rational functions on Udemy

When you buy the course on Udemy, you get access to it for life. There is just a one-time fee. The prices do vary a lot on Udemy, but if you use our link by clicking on this panel, you will get the best current price. See also our page on “coupon codes” in the menu (the current code is TPOT_OCT26).

Course Objectives & Outcomes

Z
How to solve problems concerning polynomials or rational functions (illustrated with 160 solved problems) and why these methods work.
Z
Definition and basic terminology for polynomials: variable, coefficient, degree; a brief repetition about powers with rational exponents, and main power rules.
Z
Arithmetical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication) on polynomials; the polynomial ring R[x].
Z
Completing the square for solving second degree equations and plotting parabolas; derivation of the quadratic formula.
Z
Polynomial division: quotient and remainder; three methods for performing the division: factoring out the dividend, long division, undetermined coefficients.
Z
Vieta’s formulas for quadratic and cubic polynomials; Binomial Theorem (proof will be given in Precalculus 4) as a special case of Vieta’s formulas.
Z
The Remainder Theorem and The Factor Theorem with many applications; the proofs, based on the Division Theorem (proven in an article), are presented.
Z
Ruffini-Horner Scheme for division by monic binomials of degree one, with many examples of applications; the derivation of the method is presented.
Z
Factoring polynomials, its applications for solving polynomial equations and inequalities, and its importance for Calculus.
Z
Polynomials as functions: their domain, range, zeros, intervals of monotonicity, and graphs (just rough sketches).
Z
Behaviour of polynomials near to zero and in both infinities, and why it is important to understand these topics (Taylor polynomials); limits in the infinities.
Z
Rational functions: their definition, domain, zeros, (y-intercept), intervals of monotonicity, asymptotes (infinite limits), and graphs (just rough sketches).
Z
Application of factoring polynomials for solving *rational* equations and inequalities, and its importance for Calculus.
Z
Partial fraction decomposition and its importance for Integral Calculus; some simple examples of integration.
Z
Derivatives and antiderivatives of polynomials are polynomials; a brief introduction to derivatives.
Z
Derivatives of rational functions are rational functions; antiderivatives can also involve inverse tangent (arctan) and logarithm.
Maja K.
Udemy student
This course is amazing. I really appreciate the part about partial fraction decomposition.
Debbie C.
Udemy student
Great Explanations. Hania is the most thorough instructor I have experienced on Udemy. Highly recommended.
Bradley M.
Udemy student
I took the first course in the series and enjoyed it very much. Hania is a great teacher and explains the matterial well. So, far I'm reviewing information that I learned some 40 plus years ago. I'm looking forward to taking the higher level courses.
Carlos S.
Udemy student
I learned a lot of mathematics with Hania. Thank God I found this course. I’m preparing myself to a master degree, and for those which plan to take calculus classes, I’d strongly recommend taking the pre calculus classes before.
Jacob L.
Udemy student
Above excellent if not defined yet.
Anonymized User
Udemy student
excellent content
vishnuramanR
Udemy student
I truly appreciate the way you deliver this course. Your teaching is excellent, and every session is informative, engaging, and easy to follow. You explain even complex concepts in a simple and detailed manner, making learning enjoyable and effective. Your patience in answering questions and clearing doubts is especially commendable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so effectively and creating such a positive learning experience. I look forward to learning many more new concepts from you!
Felipe V.
Udemy student
Thank you, professor. As with all your courses, this one is also pure gold
Miguel G.
Udemy student
Hania really has the ability to state everything she explains with absolute precision. In my opinion she is the best math teacher I have found on the internet for all these years. Thank you very much, I look forward to the next courses of this magnificent teacher. (sorry for may English)
József L.
Udemy student
Amazing teacher, with outstanding dedication.