2017-2018 HONORS PRE-CALCULUS COURSE Syllabus
Mr.Gulsoy Room:202 Email:

Class website: mathrepublic.webs.com (click on the tab: Honors Precalculus P-your period number)

Tutoring: Tuesday-Thursday after school or by appointment

“I THINK THEREFORE I AM!!!”

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The expected outcome of this class is to develop mathematical concepts through exploration, inquiry, modeling and problem solving. All students taking this class will explore the concepts in depth and build connections between the concepts to understand how mathematical ideas build on one another to produce a coherent whole. The course is designed to provide the basic concepts and background needed to prepare students for calculus classes. As a result of this class, students are expected to develop a solid understanding of the nature and impact of mathematical concepts as they relate to the individual, society, and the environment.

II. COURSE MATERIALS

A. Textbook: Pearson: Precalculus with Limits 2011 Edition

B. Student Supplies:
1. Three-ring binder with 3-hole punchedgraph paper for class notes and homework and dividers with labels
2. Pencils and eraser
3. Graphing Calculator Required (TI-83 or TI-84))

III. TOPICS

First Semester:

Chapter 1, 6.4, 7.1,7.7, 7.8 and 11.2: Linear functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities and applications including arithmetic sequences, linear parametric equations and partial fractions.

Chapter 2: Analysis of graphs of functions

Chapter 3 and 6: Polynomial functions and Conics including parametrically defined functions

Chapter 4: Rational, power, and root functions

Second Semester:

Chapter 5 and 11.3: Inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions and applications including geometric sequences and series

Chapter 8:The unit circle and the functions of trigonometry

Chapter 9: Trigonometric identities and equations

Chapter 10: Applications of trigonometry and vectors

Chapter 12: Limits, derivatives, and definite integrals

Note:This is a tentative list. There may be more material covered if time permits during the school-year.

IV. CLASS PROCEDURES

  • Binder: You have to keep your binder organized with dividers. Each divider must have a label tab attached to it. The tabs follow the chapter numbers. Class notes, graded homework assignments, class work , quizzes and test for each chapter must be stored for each chapter. I randomly check binders and grade them. Binder grades will be part of class work grade.
  • Be in seat and prepared for class when the bell rings.
  • You are expected to follow all student handbook rules: no gum in class, tucked-in shirts and in proper uniform.
  • You treat each other with respect. Raise your hand when you want to talk.
  • All assignments must be done in pencil. You need to show all your work to get credit.
  • When you miss a test, you will take a make-up test the day you return in class. If it is a planned absence, you need to let me know latest the day before the test.
  • The student's name and a listing of the assignment should be at the top of each paper turned in for grading.
  • You must bring your graphing calculator every day in class.

V. ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, AND QUIZZES

  • Binder: You have to keep your binder organized with dividers. Each divider must have a label tab attached to it. The tabs follow the chapter numbers. Class notes, all handouts, graded homework assignments, class work, quizzes and test for each chapter must be stored for each chapter. I randomly check binders and grade them. Binder grades will be part of class work grade
  • Homework:I assign homework daily, which includes numerical problems, graphs, and writing assignments. Each homework assignment is due to the next class day, unless otherwise specified. I expect to see all your work on the assignments. All work must be shown neatly. The writing assignments need to have detailed analysis.
  • Class-work assignments are part of your grade. I assign as often as possible small-group exercises during the class. Everyone in the group must contribute equally to the exercise and all work must be shown neatly to get credit.
  • Projects: There will be two or three projects for every semester. The project is graded based on the quality of the work, depth of analysis and accuracy of results. Usually, it consists of real world applications of mathematics and /or conceptual applications to prepare for AP Calculus classes with numerical solutions and through explanations. All projects must be submitted in a transparent folder with a cover page.
  • Quizzes and tests: You will be given a number of quizzes and one test per chapter. The quizzes will be open book and the test will be closed book. Quizzes may be announced or not. You need to be prepared for every class. I announce the test at least one week before its date. You will also receive a study guide for each test.
  • Midterm and final: Each semester, you will have a midterm and final examination. They include all the material covered up to the week of the exam. I will provide study guides for each exam.
  • My website: All assignments will be posted at mathrepublic.webs.com. The site will be updated by the second week of the school. Please make sure that check the website if you miss a class or unsure about the assignment.
  • Late work: Students who fail to submit their homework assignments on time must have a valid reason. If I approve the late work, late work must be done in class under my supervision. I will not accept any late work done elsewhere. I will not accept any late project unless students presents a valid reason and I approve it.
  • Extra credit: I may assign occasionally extra credit work. All assignments are done in class after school.

VI. GRADING:

Chapter Tests: Up to 100 points each

Quizzes: Up to 50 points each

Midterm and final: 150 pts each

Homework and class-work assignments: 10-20 points for each numerical assignment and up to 40 points for each writing assignment.

Projects: There will be 2 or 3 project assignments each semester. The grades will depend on the nature and scope of the assignment. The range of points awarded to each project varies from 60 to 130.

Grades are cumulative through the end of each semester and will be based only on demonstrated mastery of concepts and development of skills.

Grade Scale:

A+ 100-97 A 96-93 A- 92-90

B+ 89-87 B 86-83 B-82-80

C+ 79-77

C 76-73

C- 72-70

D+ 69-67

D 66-63

D- 62-60

F 59 % and below

Please sign below indicating that:

I have read the class syllabus for Honors Pre-calculus, have filled out the parent contact information form given in class, and understand that I am responsible for the grade that I earn in this course.

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Student Name (Print) Class Period

______Student Signature Date

______Parent Signature Date