Requirements and Expectations



Course OverviewHonors Pre-Calculus5 creditsDescriptionStudents will be exposed to a more rigorous and challenging approach to mathematics.? Concepts that are further explored include: polynomials and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, conic sections and analytic geometry.? Topics are evaluated using graphs, tables, and algebraic manipulation.? Pre-Calculus also continues to develop students’ logic and reasoning in problem solving.? Applications in everyday situations are explored.? This course is designed for the self-motivated student of mathematics who plans to pursue additional advanced mathematics courses, including Calculus. This developmental course is designed to develop students technological and problem solving abilities in the 21st century.The Progressive Math Initiative (PMI) uses formative assessment through student responders to drive instructional decisions. PMI uses a social constructivism approach where students work together in the classroom toward a common goal and construct knowledge through group interaction. Grades are based on summative assessments, measuring the mastery of the common core standards. Instructor: John MarchPhone: 468-1445 X 2009E-mail: jmarch@Meeting InformationRoom 209MTWRF Course Goals The course goals are to factor polynomials of various forms. Perform operations on complex numbers. Solve quadratic equations with complex imaginary solutions. Recognize characteristics of as well as graph parabolas and polynomial functions. Perform operations on polynomial functions. Identify key characteristics of rational functions and their graphs. Explore exponential and logarithmic functions. Solve systems of nonlinear equations and inequalities. Explore trigonometric functions and analytic trigonometry. Investigate conic sections and analytic geometry.Course ObjectivesThe student will be able to…Factor: by grouping, the difference of squares, perfect square trinomials, the sum or difference of two cubes, algebraic expression containing fractional and negative exponentsFind the zeros of a function graphically and algebraicallySimplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressionsSimplify, add, subtract ultiply and divide complex numbersPerform operations with square roots of negative numbersSolve quadratic equations with complex imaginary solution(s)Recognize and graph characteristics of parabolasDetermine a quadratic function’s maximum or minimum value and solve problems using this informationRecognize and graph characteristics of graphs of polynomial functions Determine end behaviorIdentify zeros and their multiplicitiesUnderstand the relationship between degree and turning pointsUse long division and synthetic division to divide polynomialsSolve polynomial equationsFind the domains of rational functionsIdentify vertical and horizontal asymptotesUse transformations to graph rational functionsIdentify slant asymptotesEvaluate and graph exponential functionsEvaluate functions with base eChange from logarithmic to exponential form, and change from exponential to logarithmic formEvaluate logarithmsUse basic logarithmic functionsGraph logarithmic functionsFind the domain of logarithmic functionsUse common logarithms and natural logarithmsUse the product, quotient, and power rule of logarithmsExpand and condense logarithm expressionsUse logarithms to solve exponential equationsGraph ellipses centered at the origin as well as not centered at the originWrite equations of ellipses in standard formLocate a hyperbola’s vertices and fociWrite equations of hyperbolas in standard formGraph hyperbolas centered at the origin as well as not centered at the originWrite equations of parabolas in standard formUse the unit circle to define trigonometric functions of real numbersRecognize the domain and range of since and cosine functionsUse right triangle trigonometry to solve applied problemsUnderstand the graphs and variations of the graphs of the sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, and cosecant functionsUnderstand and use the inverse sine, cosine, and tangent functionsSolve trigonometric equationsUse the Law of Sines and CosinesRequirements and ExpectationsStudents are expected to arrive in class promptly with their binder, pencils and other required materials. Students will log into SMART Response and be seated, ready to begin, prior to the bell indicating the start of class.During class students are expected to participate and show proper respect to their teacher and classmates. Of course, students will be expected follow all rules of behavior listed in the school handbook.It is suggested that students use a three ring binder, as there will be numerous documents, which will need to be kept in an organized manner. These will include handouts, homework assignments, and graded tests and quizzes. This will be important throughout the year but will be especially important in preparing for the midterm and final exams.Students will be given homework on most nights. These assignments need to be completed by the designated time in order that the student is prepared for class. Homework answers are posted online; students should consider a HW assignment complete when they understand any differences between their answers and those posted. This is critical since frequent quizzes will assess student understanding of each HW assignment. All course materials are posted at Students can download and print any lost SMART Notebooks or HW assignments from that site. In addition, if students are absent, they should review the Notebook and HW from that day so as not to fall behind.Course Work and AssessmentStudents will be assessed based on their results on quizzes and tests. Homework will count as one point per assignment. Tests will occur at the end of each unit and are based on about 100 points. Quizzes will have a point value of up to 25 points, and may be given at any time, with or without prior notice. Students will always be given advanced notice of tests.Students can improve their grade by retaking a new version of a quiz or test; the highest score will count. There will not be any extra-credit projects to improve a student’s grade; they must show that their current understanding of a topic has improved in order for their grade to be improved.The grade for the course will be determined by computing the mathematical average of the points earned by the student divided by the number of possible points. Participation and other factors will only affect the student’s grade if he or she is on the border between two possible outcomes.Grading PolicyGrading policies are used that correlate all assessments to the End of Course Assessment for that course by using the PMI curving program and by basing all grades on the objective outcomes of work done in front of the teacher: no grades are given for participation, behavior, attendance, etc.; only for the results of assessments and homework assignments. Retakes of all major assessments are encouraged (with only the highest grade counting) so that the emphasis is on what students learn and not when they learn it and not allowing students to fail by constantly encouraging them to keep trying.There will be a midterm and a final; no retakes will be given on these assessments. Retakes will be given during scheduled lunch periods and after school. Only one retake is given for assessments unless otherwise decided by the teacher. Quizzes must be retaken before the unit test. Tests must be retaken before the next unit test. Website InformationNew Jersey Center for Teaching and LearningSupplemental MaterialsRobert Blitzer. Precalculus 4th edition. Pearson Education Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ. 2010.Course PoliciesArrive to class on time prepared to learn.Bring all supplies and assignments with you when you come to class. Listen to others and participate in class.Respect the rights of others- do not interrupt fellow students’ learning.Hats are not to be worn in class. The use of cell phones and iPods are prohibited.Always do your best and have a positive attitude.Course RequirementsStudents are required to bring the following items to class:A 3 inch binder, a sharpened pencil, graph paper, and a calculator. Calculator Requirements All students who are scheduled for math classes will need to purchase a calculator. The required model is a scientific calculator with trigonometric functions, such as the TI30X115. This model retails for about $15.00 and is available at numerous office supply/electronics stores. For students who may be taking college-level math classes in the future, our math department recommends a graphing calculator, such as the TI-83 Plus or the TI-84. These models retail for about $100.00. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download