Precalculus Bootcamp and Calculus Readiness Resources
This page collects free resources for students preparing for Calculus I, Calculus II, or Calculus III, including the Precalculus Bootcamp and the online WebAssign Bootcamp.
Students preparing for Calculus I should begin with the Precalculus Bootcamp. Students preparing for Calculus I, II, or III may also use the free online WebAssign Bootcamp.
Quick Links
- Precalculus Bootcamp
- Topics Covered
- Bootcamp Materials
- In-Person Help
- Free WebAssign Bootcamp
- Frequently Asked Questions
Precalculus Bootcamp for Calculus I Readiness
The Precalculus Bootcamp is designed for students preparing for Calculus I. It focuses on the algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, exponentials and logarithms, and trigonometry that Calculus I assumes.
The Precalculus Bootcamp is not a substitute for a full precalculus course.
If many of the topics feel unfamiliar, a full precalculus course may be better preparation before Calculus I.
Bootcamp materials, schedules, and registration information are available on the Precalculus Bootcamp CourseWorks page.
Access note: The Precalculus Bootcamp CourseWorks page becomes visible to students each year on August 1.
Topics Covered
The bootcamp focuses on the prerequisite material that students are expected to know before beginning Calculus I.
| Topic Area | What to Review |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Factoring, expanding, simplifying expressions, solving equations, and working with inequalities. |
| Rational Expressions and Radicals | Fractions involving variables, rational functions, square roots, radicals, and simplification rules. |
| Exponents and Logarithms | Exponent rules, logarithm rules, exponential equations, logarithmic equations, and changes of scale. |
| Functions and Graphs | Function notation, domains, ranges, transformations, composition, inverse functions, and interpreting graphs. |
| Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | Growth and decay, natural exponential and logarithmic functions, and modeling with exponential functions. |
| Trigonometry | Unit circle values, trigonometric functions, identities, inverse trigonometric functions, and graphing trigonometric functions. |
Bootcamp Materials
The Precalculus Bootcamp includes review notes and focused worksheets. These materials are designed to help students identify which topics are familiar and which topics need more practice before Calculus I.
| Review Notes | Explanations, worked examples, formulas, exercises, and reminders about important precalculus techniques. |
|---|---|
| Worksheets | Six focused worksheets covering algebra, rational expressions and radicals, exponents and logarithms, functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometry. |
| In-Person Help | Drop-in help rooms during the shopping period, with TAs assigned to specific worksheets and topics. |
In-Person Help
During the shopping period, the department may offer in-person drop-in help sessions connected to the Precalculus Bootcamp. These sessions are intended for students who are reviewing the bootcamp worksheets and want help with specific topics or problems.
Current schedules and participation details are available on the Precalculus Bootcamp CourseWorks page.
Free WebAssign Bootcamp
The department also offers a free online WebAssign Bootcamp with self-paced review for students preparing for:
- the Precalculus Bootcamp
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Calculus III.
Access dates, class keys, enrollment instructions, and additional WebAssign information are available on the department’s WebAssign page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should use the Precalculus Bootcamp?
The Precalculus Bootcamp is intended for students preparing for Calculus I who want to review the prerequisite algebra, functions, exponential and logarithmic skills, and trigonometry used in the course.
Is the Precalculus Bootcamp required?
No. It is a free readiness resource. Students who are unsure about their preparation for Calculus I are encouraged to use it.
Is the Precalculus Bootcamp a substitute for a full precalculus course?
No. The bootcamp is a review resource. If many of the topics feel unfamiliar, a full precalculus course may be better preparation before Calculus I.
What is included in the bootcamp?
The bootcamp includes review notes, worked examples, formulas, exercises, and six focused worksheets. When offered, in-person help sessions provide additional support during the shopping period.
Can I use the bootcamp to decide whether to take Calculus I?
Yes. The bootcamp can help you identify whether the prerequisite topics for Calculus I feel familiar. If the algebra, functions, logarithms, exponentials, or trigonometry in the bootcamp are mostly unfamiliar, you may benefit from taking a full precalculus course before Calculus I.
What is the WebAssign Bootcamp?
The WebAssign Bootcamp is a free online, self-paced review resource. It includes review for students preparing for the Precalculus Bootcamp, Calculus I, Calculus II, and Calculus III.
Where can I find access information?
Precalculus Bootcamp materials and schedules are available on the Precalculus Bootcamp CourseWorks page. WebAssign Bootcamp access information is available on the department’s WebAssign page.
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