Precalculus

Precalculus

“It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.”
Rene Descartes

2008-2009

Room 18

Instructor: Mrs. Shari Gonzales shgonzales@mcfarland.k12.ca.us (661)792-3126 x228

Office Hours: 3:15 – 3:30 by appointment

Grading: A: 90 – 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: 0 – 59

I. Rationale:

Precalculus brings math to life with many real-life applications. All students are encouraged to make connections between the mathematics and the world through exploration of the key aspects of Precalculus – functions, trigonometry and the use of a graphing calculator.

II. Course Aims and Objectives:

The mathematics studied in Precalculus is used in numerous careers. Along with learning the content of the course, an emphasis is placed on increasing the student’s awareness of its many uses.

By the end of this course, students will have a complete understanding of functions – linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic. They will have a firm grasp of trigonometry from the two perspectives, right triangle and unit circle, as well as the numerous identities, formulas and laws associated with trig.

III. Format and Procedures:

Each class will emphasize the importance of vocabulary development, practicality to the real world, and an understanding of how to approach the problems. These will be brought about through lecture, hands-on activities, group work and presentations. Each chapter will consist of a test, a minimum of one quiz, warm-ups, class work, homework and homework quizzes.

IV. My Assumptions

Precalculus begins with a complete review of Algebra 2 followed by the study of trigonometry. Although trigonometry was briefly introduced in geometry, in this class we will do an in-depth study which is needed for calculus.

V. Course Requirements:

1. Participation points

3 points per day – 1 point: warm-up, 2 points: completed homework

2. Class notes – 5 points/section

3. Homework Quizzes – 3 points/problem

4. Tests – 100 points – Quizzes – 40 points

5. Benchmarks and Finals – 10% of grade

VI. Academic Integrity

Each student in this course is expected to abide by the rules of McFarland High School. Any work submitted by a student in this course for academic credit will be the student's own work. Collaboration will be allowed on any group projects; however, all participants must receive the appropriate recognition.

Should copying occur, both the student who copied work from another student and the student who gave material to be copied will both automatically receive a zero for the assignment.

During examinations, you must do your own work. Talking or discussion is not permitted during the examinations, nor can you compare papers, copy from others, or collaborate in any way. Any collaborative behavior during the examinations will result in failure of the exam, and may lead to failure of the course and disciplinary action.

VII. Tentative Course Schedule: (May change to accommodate schedules & student needs)

Quarter 1	Chapter P Chapter 1	Sections P.1 – P. 9 Sections 1.1 – 1.10
Quarter 2	Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 7	Sections 2.1 – 2.8 Sections 3.1 – 3.5 Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5
Quarter 3	Chapter 8 Chapter 4 Chapter 5	Sections 8.1 – 8.5 Sections 4.1 – 4.8 Sections 5.1 – 5.5
Quarter 4	Chapter 6 Chapter 9 Chapter 10	Sections 6.1 – 6.7 Sections 9.1 – 9.6 Sections 10.1 – 10.3

Classes » Precalculus