Why would studying precalculus be different than studying college algebra and trignometry?

 

Why would it be different than picking up a college algebra and trigonometry book and studying them?

 

What type of material would be covered that is different than both combined?

 

How is it all different?

It was a smattering of linear algebra, analytic geometry, solid trigonometry and discrete mathematics (combinatorics) in my day.

At my university, it isn't. The only difference is that it takes two semester to take the college algebra - trig sequence, while the pre-calculus course is a one semester intensive course.

They're just names, people, they don't actually have any universal meaning. If you want to find out how two things are different just look at the syllabi, or talk to the lecturers/admin people who might know what is going on at your school.