Pre-Calculus SyllabusMrs. C. Cook

Course Objectives Students will master the concepts of manipulating and solving linear, quadratic,

and polynomial functions. They will be able to factor quadratic and polynomial functions with ease.

Students will be able to recognize and graph polynomial, rational, algebraic, and absolute value functions; understand the concepts of domain, range, zeros, asymptotes, and discontinuity; and define and find inverse functions.

Students will be able to manipulate and solve problems (including word problems) involving logarithmic and exponential functions.

Students will fully understand how trigonometry relates to all types of triangles, be able to solve various types of problems using trigonometry, and be able to model real life applications using trigonometry.

Students will be able to use trigonometric identities to simplify and solve equations.

Students will be able to define and use polar coordinates and complex numbers. Students will be able to prove and use the formulas for sums of arithmetic and

geometric sequences, fully understanding the concept of summation notation. Students will be able to apply basic and advanced problem solving techniques to

solve word problems, explain reasoning, and prove results.

Course Themes Advanced Algebra Functions and Their Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Logarithms Trigonometric Functions Analytical Trigonometry/Using Trigonometric Identities Sequences, Series, and Probability Conic Sections and Analytical Geometry Reasoning and Problem Solving Limits

Course Organization

Grades will be determined by the following: Chapter Tests - 35 %

Homework Completion - 25 % Weekly Quizzes - 20 % Course Notebook - 10% Participation and Preparation - 10%

Chapter TestsTests will be administered at the end of each chapter with the exception of two times when multiple chapters will be combined for the test. Tests can be anticipated roughly every two to three weeks.

Homework PolicyHomework assignments will be assigned daily with the exception of Friday. Late assignments will be accepted one day after the due date for 75% credit and two days after the due date for 50% credit. After that, the student will receive no credit for the assignment. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to obtain the missed assignments and notes. I will not track a student down to make sure that he/she knows what the missing assignment was.

Homework will be graded based on timely completion with reasonable answers. This means, if you do the work and it makes some sense, you will get full credit for that assignment. Students are required to complete homework in the format presented at the beginning of the course. Homework completed in any other format WILL NOT be accepted.

Weekly QuizzesQuizzes will be administered at the beginning of class every Friday in which a test is not given. Quizzes will cover all the material that was covered in the homework that week. The purpose of the weekly quizzes is to ensure that students understand the material and that homework is being completely accurately and students are seeking out help when needed.

Course NotebookEach student will be required to keep an up-to-date, organized course notebook consisting of all class notes, homework, quizzes, tests, and projects. The notebook will be checked on Friday during the weekly quiz.

ParticipationParticipation includes class preparation, completion of the daily questions, and participation in guided practice during lessons. This also includes student accountability to seek out assignments, notes, quizzes and tests missed due to illnesses.

Course Materials Textbook:

Larson, Ron and Hostetler, Robert. PreCalculus with Limits. Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Company. 2007.

Calculator:Each student is required to purchase a scientific calculator (similar to a TI-30). Students may wish to purchase a graphing calculator (TI – 83 or higher). These are not required for this course but may prove to be helpful.

Helpful Websites:Textbook Site - http://college.hmco.com/mathematics/larson/precalculus_

limits/1e/student_home.html

Quia Site – http://www.quia.com/pages/cookprecalculus.htmlOther Helpful Sites - www.mathgraphs.com

ExpectationsI expect all of my students to come to class on time and prepared with your book, your notebook, a pencil, and a calculator. I will not tolerate lack of preparation including missing assignments. I expect each student to be accountable for his/her own academics including seeking out help when needed. I expect students to come to me with questions; I should not have to come to you! I expect students to respect each person in the classroom and his/her right to learn. I expect that each student will maintain a willingness to learn and will have fun while doing so. I expect a great year!

Content OutlineAttached you will find a week-by-week breakdown of the content to be taught this school year. This outline is tentative and may need to be adjusted slightly throughout the year. Any major adjustments to this outline (elimination of an entire chapter or subject) will be presented to the students and sent home for parents to review. We have a lot to cover this school year and we will be hitting the ground running.

NOTE – The first four weeks of the course are an extensive review of Algebra. Due to the need for mastery of these topics, the organization of the course for this review period will slightly differ from what is outlined above.

PreCalculus Content OutlineSEMESTER 1

Week Subject Content Chapter1 Advanced Algebra Rules of Algebra

Properties of FractionsProperties of Exponents

Scientific NotationProperties of Roots

A.1 – A.2

2 Advanced Algebra PolynomialsFactoring

Simplifying, Multiplying, and Dividing Rational Expressions

A.3 – A.4

3 Advanced Algebra No School MondayAdding Rational Expressions

Solving Linear EquationsInequalities

A.4 – A.6

4 Advanced Algebra Solving Quadratic EquationsCommon Errors

The Algebra of CalculusReview Advanced Algebra

Test Advanced Algebra

A.5, A.7

5 Functions and Their Graphs

InterceptsSymmetry

Equations for lines, circlesParallel and Perpendicular Line

Properties

1.1 – 1.3

6 Functions and Their Graphs

Functions, Domain, and RangeEvaluating FunctionsPiecewise FunctionsDifference Quotients

Analyzing Graphs of Functions (even, odd functions; maxima,

minima)

1.4 – 1. 5

7 Functions and Their Graphs

Parent FunctionsTransformations of Functions

Composition of FunctionsInverse Functions

1.6 – 1.9

8 Functions and Their Graphs

Review Chapter 1

No School FridayMathematical Modeling and

VariationChapter 1 Review

Chapter 1 test

1.10

9 Catch Up No Class WednesdayGrades Close Friday

Catch Up Week

10 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Quadratic Functions and GraphsPolynomial Functions

ZerosComplex Numbers

2.1 – 2.4

11 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Early Release FridayZeros of Polynomial Functions

Rational FunctionsNon-Linear Inequalities

2.5 – 2.7

12 Review Chapter 2Logarithms

Review Chapter 2Test Chapter 2

Exponential FunctionsLogarithmic Functions

Properties of Logs

4.1 – 4.2

13 LogarithmsReview Chapter 3

Expanding and CondensingSolving Log Equations

Chapter 3 ReviewChapter 3 Test

4.3 – 4.4, 4.8

14 Trigonometric Functions

Thanksgiving No School Wednesday - FridayRadians and Degrees

The Unit Circle and Evaluating Trig Functions

4.1 – 4.2

15 Right Triangle Trigonometry

Sine and Cosine GraphsOther Trig Graphs Right

Triangle TrigTrig Functions at Any Angle

Inverse Trig Functions

4.3 – 4.7

16 All TriangleTrigonometry

Law of SinesLaw of Cosines

Trig Applications and Models

4.8; 6.1 – 6.2

17 Chapter 4, 6 Review Trig Form of Complex NumbersReview Chapter 4, 6

Test Chapter 4, 6

6.5

18 Catch Up Winter Break Starts FridayCatch Up/Trig Project

19 Review Review Week20 Midterm Exams

Semester 2Week Subject Content Chapter

1 Analytical Trig/ Using Trig Identities

No School MondayFundamental Identities

Verifying Trig Identities

5.1 – 5.2

2 Analytical Trig/ Using Trig Identities

Sum and Difference FormulasDouble and Half Angle

Formulas

5.4- 5.5

3 Analytical Trig/ Using Trig Identities

Solving Trigonometric Equations

5.3

4 Review Chapter 5Sequences and Series

Early Release FridayChapter 5 Review

Chapter 5 TestSequences

Summation NotationArithmetic Sequences

9.1 – 9.2

5 Sequences and Series No School MondayGeometric Sequences

Binomial TheoremCounting Principles

9.3, 9.5 – 9.6

6 ProbabilityReview Chapter 9

IndependenceProbability of an Event

Chapter 9 ReviewChapter 9 Test

9.7

7 Conic Sections LinesConicsCircles

ParabolasEllipses

10.1 – 10.3

8 Conic SectionsReview Chapter 10

HyperbolasChapter 10 Review

Chapter 10 Test

10.4

Spring Break9 Polar Coordinates Grades Close Friday

Polar CoordinatesCoordinate Conversion

Graphs of Polar CoordinatesPolar Equations of Conics

10.5 – 10.9

10 Reasoning and Problem Solving

Problem Solving StrategiesDrawing diagramsGuess and Check

Solving a Simpler ProblemWorking Backwards

Solution Reasonability

Handouts/Notes

11 Reasoning and Problem Solving

No School FridayTruth Statements

Justifying Algebraic StepsSolutions Sets

Proof by Contradiction

Handouts/Notes

12 Reasoning and Problem Solving

Problem Solving ReviewProblem Solving Test

Final Project13 Reasoning and

Problem Solving Final Project

14 Senior Final ReviewCalculus Introduction

Senior Final ReviewIntroduction to Calculus

Limits

12.1 – 12.2

15 Senior FinalCalculus Introduction

Senior Final Exam WeekLimits

The Area ProblemThe Tangent Line Problem

12.3 – 12.5

16 Class Trips17 Review Final Exam Review Chapter A–2, 4-6,

9, 10, 12 18 Final Exam

Homework Assignment Outline

Every homework assignment will be completed in the following format. Assignments completed in any other format WILL NOT be accepted for credit. Absolutely NO assignments will be accepted if the holes are torn and not reinforced.

Student Name Assignment Due Date

Assignment (page number and problem numbers)Problem Number 1

Question

Solution (MUST write out the word solution)Worked out solution

Answer is circled with line to right margin with the work answer written

A line is drawn before beginning the next problemProblem Number 2

Question

Solution (MUST write out the word solution)Worked out solution

Answer is circled with line to right margin with the work answer written

A line is drawn before beginning the next problem