MONTGOMERY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Pre-Calculus
Mrs. Giles- Room 256
2011-2012
SYLLABUS:
Credit: 1 weighted credit
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Grade of ‘C’ or better in either Accelerated Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2
Description:
This course is intended for students who plan to take a calculus course in high school or college. It includes the topics traditionally taught as trigonometry and integrates additional work with other functions. Goals of the course are to develop proficiency with higher-lever mathematics skills, to expand understanding of mathematical concepts and to improve logical thinking ability.
Course Standards:
Students will become proficient in the following skills and concepts:
· functions and their inverses
· graphs and their applications including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, circular, trigonometric, and absolute value
· complex number system
Text Used:
Pre-Calculus With Limits: A Graphing Approach by Larson/Hostetler/Edwards (5th Edition)
Required Materials:
· graph paper
· ruler
· notebook/paper
The purchase of a graphing calculator is optional. The math department owns several TI-83 Plus graphing calculators that students may use during class time as conditions warrant their use. However, due to limited supply, students will often have to share. In addition, students will be required to purchase four AAA batteries if intending to use the math department’s graphing calculators. Please consult with the teacher before purchasing your own graphing calculator.
Graphing calculator (TI-83 plus):
A classroom set of graphing calculators will be used on and off during the semester. These calculators will be used during class time ONLY and will never be available outside of the school day. These calculators should not be compromised in any way from the original settings and if a calculator is compromised, please tell me as a soon as possible. The cost to replace a damaged calculator is $100!!!
Method of Grading:
The final course grade will be determined by averaging the four 9-weeks grades. Each 9-weeks grade is determined by dividing the number of points earned by the number of points possible in the given 9 weeks grading period and converting to a percentage. Generally students can expect the following:
· bell ringers/exit slips
· homework assignments (5-10 points each; late homework WILL NOT be accepted; special circumstances require prior arrangements to be made with the teacher)
· quizzes (20-60 points each)
· unit/chapter tests (100 points each)
· formative assessments (5-10 points)
Make-up Work:
The teacher has explained where to get all make-up work and make-up work is your responsibility. Students may only make up work for excused absences (see school policy in either the Course Guide or Student Handbook). In the event of an unexcused absence , students will receive a zero for any assignment , quiz, or test administered on that date.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit can be obtained before or after school by attending study/tutoring sessions in the classroom. This time is to be used for receiving individual help from the teacher when the student is falling behind or experiencing difficulty with a particular topic. The time spent by the student will be recorded and the teacher will add 1% to the 9 weeks grade for every 60 minutes that the student accumulates, not to exceed a total of 3% added to the 9 weeks grade. Most students accumulate time by staying anywhere from 15 minutes to 60 minutes per tutoring session. The student must arrange a tutoring time with the teacher that is convenient for both teacher and student. Students do not accumulate extra credit time for time spent making up tests or quizzes. Time spent in ESS may also be used for extra credit. However, the student must provide written proof of all time spent in ESS.
Course Content/Calendar:
Review Unit Prerequisites (1 week)
Chapter 1: Functions and Their Graphs (5 weeks)
Chapter 2: Polynomial and Rational Functions (6 weeks)
Chapter 3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (6 weeks)
Chapter 4: Trigonometric Functions (10 weeks)
Chapter 5: Analytic Trigonometry (4 weeks)
Chapter 6: Additional Topics in Trigonometry (4 weeks)
I have read and understand this course syllabus.
______
Student Signature Date
______
Parent Signature Date
______
Parent Email