HolyGhostPreparatory School

PrecalculusCourse Information Sheet

Instructor: Mr. Michael Pappadakis

E-mail:

Required Textbook: Precalculus (2nd Edition)

Robert Blitzer

Course Description

Welcome to Precalculus. This course lays the foundation for college mathematics. Algebra topics will be reviewed with emphasis on function analysis topics, trigonometric functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. This course will end with an introduction to calculus, if time permits.

First Semester Topics

  • Graphs and Functions
  • Quadratic and Polynomial Functions
  • Inequalities and Linear Programming
  • Exponents and Logarithms.

Second Semester Topics

  • Trigonometric Functions, Equations, and Applications
  • Triangle Trigonometry
  • Trigonometric Addition Formulas

General Goals

  • Develop students’ abilities to understand and communicate mathematical ideas effectively.
  • Develop students’ quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills.
  • To be able to use mathematical methods for approaching and solving problems.
  • To create a successful learning experience for the student in this and future math classes.
  • To become better thinkers.

Classroom Rules

The rules of this classroom are simple and all directed to one end --- to help you and your classmates succeed in this course. I follow one general principle --- if a student is doing anything that interferes with his opportunity to learn, with any classmate's opportunity to learn, or with my opportunity to teach effectively then that behavior will not be tolerated, and you will be told to leave the classroom.

  • Be in your seat with the necessary supplies on time.Being late not only makes it more difficult for you to learn, but also disrupts everyone else. School rules on lateness and unexcused absences will be followed.
  • Since I refer to the textbook quite often for class exercises and problem examples, you are required to bring your textbook to class.
  • I do not have extra pencils, pens, erasers, paper, textbooks, or calculators so don’t ask me for them. It is your responsibility to come to class prepared.
  • Be attentive to me when I am lecturing, and to your classmates during class discussions. No one else is to be talking when I am lecturing. If one of your classmates asks a question, it does not give the rest of the class license to talk. It is rude and discourteous to talk when someone else is talking. I do not tolerate this behavior.

Grading

  • Grades will be percentage-based, and will be calculated by taking the total points scored in all tests, quizzes, homeworks, projects, and mid-term or final exams, and dividing by the total points for the course. This percentage will be converted to a letter grade.
  • I do not drop tests or quizzes, nor do I grade on a curve.

Test and Quizzes

  • Tests will be given at the completion of each chapter. Quizzes on the concepts discussed in the lectures will be given as we progress through the chapter. Quizzes will be short, and will not take up the whole class period.
  • If you are absent on the day the test or quiz was given, you have one school day from the day you first return to school to make up the missed test or quiz. If the test or quiz is not made up within this time, a grade of zero will be given for the missed test or quiz.
  • All tests and quizzes are to be done in pencil. Students are not permitted to use pens. If a student comes to class on test day without a pencil and an eraser, 5 points will be deducted from the student’s final test grade.
  • A working scientific calculator is required for tests and quizzes. If a student comes to class on test day without a working calculator, 5 points will be deducted from the student’s final test grade.
  • If you have questions or problems, or are having difficulty, please see me right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to getyou back on track.

Homework Assignments

  • Homework is a necessary part of the learning process because it forces you to practice what you have learned in class. It is important to develop the ability to not only do assignments well, but also to do them on time. To that end, homework will be assigned for just about every class meeting.
  • Homework assignments are posted on my website. If you are absent from class or forgot to copy the assignment during class, you can get the assignment from my website.
  • You are expected to read the assigned material. Don’t rely on your class notes alone.
  • Every student begins the semester with 100 points for their homework grade. I do not grade homework assignments, but there will be periodic, unannounced checks of the homework assignment. If you have not done the homework assignment, or you do not have the homework assignment with you in class, 3 points will be deducted from your homework grade.
  • If you are absent from class on the day I checked the homework, you must show me the homework assignment at the beginning ofclass when you return. If you are not prepared, 3 points will be deducted from your homework grade.
  • If you were absent from class when the homework was assigned, you can get the homework assignment from my website. Absence from class does not excuse you from doing the homework.

Academic Integrity

The policy of Holy Ghost Preparatory School as stated in the Student Handbook will be followed.

Beepers and Cell Phones

The policy of Holy Ghost Preparatory School as stated in the Student Handbook will be followed. Beepers are not permitted at any time for any reason. Cell phones may not be turned on during the school day. Cell phones that ring or are turned on during class will be confiscated and turned over to the Dean of Discipline.

Website

I have created a website to help you succeed in this course. A sample of the material available on my site are:

  • Homework assignments
  • Announcements
  • Reference sheets
  • A reference link to the textbook publisher’s website containing self-assessment tests, tutorials, and many other learning aids.

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