RSGC Mathematics Department

Abbreviated Course of Study for 2013 - 2014

MHF4U: Advanced Functions (Semestered)

Teacher: G. Doerksen, B. Nichols

Course Description:

This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university program and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.

Prerequisite:

MCR3U – Functions, University Preparation

Required Text:

Advanced Functions. Barbara Alldredet. al. Nelson Education, Toronto, 2009.

Tentative Order of Topics:

We will follow the order of chapters from the textbook.

Evaluation:

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  • The final exam will be worth 30% of your final mark and will cover topics from the entire year.
  • The remaining 70% of your final mark will be determined from your performance on Tests, Mini-Tests, and “Presentation of Learning” evaluations. Each evaluation instrument will have its marks allocated to the Ontario Ministry of Education Categories of Achievement.
  • Individual weightings for the evaluation instruments are as follows:

Tests30%

Mini-Tests15%

Presentations of Learning25%

Final Examination30%

  • Tests are usually given at the end of a unit of study and give you the opportunity to show your learning and skills on a complete topic or unit
  • Mini-tests will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your performance on a smaller set of concepts and/or skills within a unit of study
  • Presentation of Learningevaluations will include assignments and marking completed homework. Assignments will involve putting together several skills and applying concepts explored in-class in order to help students prepare for larger evaluations. Homework must be completed on a consistent basis. You will submit your solutions and/or explain your solutions during classroom discussions.
  • “Quizzes” (either announced in advance or “pop” quizzes) are formative in nature and will not be included in the calculation of the final mark. You will, however, receive feedback on your performance so that you and your teacher can use it as an indicator of areas of weakness and as a prompt for further study or remediation.
  • All evaluations are recorded online and can be accessed both by you and by your parents.

Calculator:

A graphing calculator is required. Any calculator from the Texas Instruments TI-83/84 family is adequate for this course.

Expectations:

Notes

All notes from the board must be copied carefully. Your notes should be dated and organized chronologically. A correct solution for every question taken up is required. It is your responsibility to ensure that your notes are complete, i.e., borrow and copy any notes for days that you have missedfrom a classmate.

Homework

Homework is the foundation of your mathematics education. To acquire and master new skills and concepts you must practice and apply them. You must do each day’s homework as posted on the board in class and electronically online. It is your responsibility to find out the homework that was assigned if you are away and to complete it. A solution for every assigned question is a required part of your homework and will help you prepare for exams and tests. The final answer is NOT considered a complete solution – you must show your reasoning and work.

MissedEvaluations

If you know in advance that you will miss any form of evaluation (tests, mini-tests, etc.), you must speak to your teacher at the earliest possible date and make alternative arrangements. If you miss an evaluation without prior notification you will automatically receive a mark of zero. If your absence is legitimate, it is your responsibility to explain the absence to your teacher the day you return to school, make alternative arrangements and provide any reasonable documents your teacher may request (such as a doctor’s note).
Alternative arrangements may include:

  • Completing the same assessment as the class on the first day back
  • Completing a modified version of the assessment at a later date
  • Completing an oral assessment at a suitable date
  • The missed assessment will be disregarded and a modified weighting scheme will be applied when determining your mark.
Late Assignments

The timely submission of work is a key component of the evaluation of all assignments. Late assignments will be penalized 5% per day (including weekends) up to a maximum of 20% and, once assignments have been marked and returned, anything not handed in will receive zero. If you know that you will be away (e.g. athletics, field trips, vacations, medical appointments, etc.) on the day that an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to make alternative arrangements with your teacher in advance. When absent, it is your responsibility to find out any work that you may have missed while you are away from class. Any excuses or requests for extensions received the night before a deadline, when transmitted by email, will NOT be accepted.

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