COURSE SYLLABUS

HONORS TRIGONOMETRY

Instructor: Stephanie Gaby

Prerequisite: Geometry

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This course is taught for college bound students who plan to pursue additional math and/or science courses. It encompasses the study of trigonometric concepts, primarily involving right and non-right triangles. The textbook used is Sullivan and Sullivan’s Precalculus, enhanced with graphing utilities. In order to meet state guidelines for honor classes, additional readings, projects, or assignments will be included in the course.

CLASS OBJECTIVE:

Following successful completion of this mathematics course, students will have mastered the concepts and skills necessary to advance to a course in Honors Precalculus or college mathematics.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1.  Graphics calculator (either your own or one borrowed from the school)

2.  Notebook

3.  Pencil

GRADING PROCEDURE

The grade received will be calculated as follows: homework and in-class assignments average will comprise 5%, quiz average will comprise 15%, and test average will comprise 80% of the final grade before exams. Exams will count one-ninth of the final average. All students must take the exam at the end of the first nine weeks trading period but exemption from the final exam may be earned. After returning from an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to get assignments and make up tests within the allotted time according to school policy. However, any assignments that were due on the day of the absence will be due the day the student returns. If the absence is not excused or the work is not made up within the allotted time, the student receives a 0 for that work. When homework is checked, it is due at the time I check it and not later in the class period or day. All homework that is assigned should be attempted in order to receive full credit for the assignment. If all of the assignment has not been completed or attempted, the student receives an incomplete grade of 70 for the assignment. Homework should include all work in order to check for understanding of the concepts and methods for solving problems. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and will cover smaller amounts of material than announced tests. I will be distributing computer print outs of student grades following major tests.

COURSE OUTLINE:

The following topics will be studied:

1.  Radian and Degree Measure

2.  Trigonometric Functions: The Unit Circle

3.  Right Triangle Trigonometry

4.  Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle

5.  Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

6.  Inverse Trigonometric Functions

7.  Trigonometric Identities

8.  Solving Trigonometric Equations

9.  Sum and Difference Formulas

10.  Law of Sines and Cosines

11.  Vectors

12.  Conics

13.  Rectangular and Polar Coordinates

14.  Systems of Equations and Inequalities

15.  Sequences

16.  Counting and Probability

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

Students should come to class prepared to learn. This includes bringing the proper materials as well as having the proper focus. In order to receive the background to be able to succeed in subsequent math courses, students should be attentive and take notes while I am giving explanations of material and also use the class time to maximize learning by working on assignments when given class time for that purpose. Courtesy should be extended to other students by allowing them the opportunity to listen and work without disturbances. Students are to abide by school policies regarding dress, behavior and attendance.

GRADING SCALE

90-100 A

82-89  B

72-81 C

67-71  D

0-66 F