Precalculus

Course code MATH 1020

Credit 3.0

Length 60.0 hours

Course outline View

Math 1020 is intended to prepare students to take calculus for science, engineering, business, commerce and social programs. Emphasis is placed on the extensive study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions and their inverses.

Prerequisites

Pre-calculus Mathematics 12 with a 'C-'; or VCC MATH 0983 and MATH 0993 both with a 'C-'; or Precalculus Mathematics 11 with a 'B'; or Foundations Mathematics 11 with a 'B'; or VCC MATH 0861 and MATH 0871 both with a 'B'; or VCC Math Precalculus Assessment test with a 60%.

Missing prerequisites?

Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

What you will learn

  • Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (review)

    Graph, Functions and Models:
    graphs and graphing utilities; lines and slopes; distance and midpoint formulas; circles; basics of functions; graphs of functions; transformations of functions; combinations of functions; composite functions; inverse functions.

    Polynomial and Rational Functions:
    quadratic functions, polynomial functions and their graphs; dividing polynomials; remainder and factor theorems; rational functions and their graphs; polynomial and rational inequalities.

    Exponential and Logarithmic Functions:
    exponential functions, logarithmic functions, properties of logs; exponential and logarithmic equations.

    Trigonometry:
    angles and their measures; the unit circle; right triangle trigonometry; trigonometric functions of any angle; graphs of sine and cosine functions; graphs of other trigonometric functions; inverse trigonometric functions; verifying trigonometric identities; sum and difference formulas; double angle and half-angle formulas; trigonometric equations; law of sines and cosines.

How to register

This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.

Course schedules

Select your program to see the available course schedules.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
41634 January 5, 2026
to April 22, 2026
Online Online See full schedule

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
61002 May 4, 2026
to August 21, 2026
Online
Lecture
Varies See full schedule Register

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.

Contact us

If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.

† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.