Precalculus 2015-2016

Ms. Canagon

Email:

Text: Precalculus with Limits: A Graphing Approach (7e) by Ron Larson

Course Description: Precalculus includes topics in Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, and Conic Sections.

Required Materials:

3-ring binder separated into three sections

  • Do Now
  • Classwork/ Notes
  • Homework

A calculator, preferably a graphing calculator (TI 83 + or TI 84+) but at the minimum, a scientific calculator

Writing Utensils – pencils and erasers

Expectations:

Precalculus is an academically challenging course and every student, regardless of his or her mathematical aptitude, should plan to spend time every day studying and completing assignments. Come to class prepared. Make up missed work thoroughly and in the required time frame. Spend time on every assigned problem, even the ones that stump you at first. Then, ask questions or get extra help as needed. Stay current with course work, assignments, and test schedules by checking the bulletin board in the front of the classroom next to the door. I will also send out a daily text message to all students containing this information.

I expect you to bring in and use your 3-ring binder in class every day. This binder should be separated into three sections as stated in the above Required Materials section.Every entry should be dated and organized in chronological order.

In the event of absence from class absent, it is your responsibility to obtain the Do Now/ Warm Up, notes and classwork from either a classmate, or see me after class and I will print them out for you. Field trips DO NOT count as an absence - you are responsible for handing in homework the day it is due.

I expect you to pay attention and do your work in class, every day, bell-to-bell. If you are working hard in class but need extra help or you have been keep up with the material on your own, I suggest you come for extra help, prepared with specific questions pertaining to specific examples.

*Extra help is available after school Monday - Thursday during period 10 (2:38 – 3:23) If you cannot make these sessions, please see me or email me and I will work with your schedule.

Class Rules

All students in this class have a right to learn and I have a right to teach in an environment conducive to teaching and learning. For this to work, the following rules are necessary and will be enforced:

  • No excessive talking or disruptive behavior
  • No foul, demeaning or abusive language
  • Follow directions the first time they are given
  • Follow all school rules (for example, no cell phones, hats or do-rags!)
  • No eating or drinking in the class room

Consequences

If you choose not to follow these rules, one of the following consequences will incur:

  • Warning
  • Detention
  • Phone call home
  • Referral
  • Severe clause: removal from room

BE ON TIME – BE PREPARED – BE RESPECTFUL

Precalculus Syllabus

The class is covers advanced topics in Algebra as well as Trigonometry.

Marking Period 1 Chapters 1, 2, and 3 (through 3.2):

  • Patterns, Lines, and Linear Models.
  • Graphical and algebraic solutions to equations and inequalities –

Quadratic, Rational, Radical, Absolute Value

Marking Period 2 Chapter 3 (3.3-3.7), and 4:

  • Functions and their graphs with an emphasis on quadratic functions
  • Transformations and symmetry
  • Operations on functions and inverse functions
  • Polynomial functions and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
  • Rational functions and their graphs

The Mid-Term Exam covers all of the first 2 marking periods.

Marking Period 3 Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 (6.1-6.4)

  • Radical and exponential functions
  • Exponential and Logarithmic functions, equations, and models
  • Right triangle trigonometry

Marking Period 4 Chapter 6 (6.5), 7 (7.1 and 2), 8 (8.2 & 3), and 10 (10.1 & 2)

  • Basic trigonometric identities
  • The graphs of trig functions
  • Graphical and algebraic solutions to trigonometric equations
  • The laws of sines and cosines.

The Final Exam covers the entire course with a stronger focus on the second semester.

Ms. Canagon’s Grading Policy

Precalculus 2015-2016

Tests will be 40% of your grade.

  • We will review 1 day before each test. Missing the review will not exempt you from taking a test. Each marking period you will have one project that counts for a test.

Quizzes will be 30% of your grade.

  • We will NOT review before a quiz. Quizzes are generally short and unannounced. There will be a “Do Now” Quiz periodically in place of a binder or notebook check.

If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz you will take the test the following day: before or after school, or in the library during your lunch period. Consideration on a case-by-case basis will be given if you have missed several days of class immediately before a test or quiz.

The following will result in a zero on a test or quiz:

  • Accepting assistance from or providing assistance to another student
  • Use of any non-approved material or support, including a visible cellular device
  • Cutting class on the day of a test or quiz
  • Excessive talking or disruptive behavior during a test or quiz

Homework will be 20% of your grade.

  • Homework will be assigned almost daily and will be checked for completeness every day. On some days, homework will be collected. Homework is due at the start of class. You will not be permitted to go to your locker to get your homework. Full credit will be given only when all work is shown; partial credit will be given if part of the assignment is completed.

Class Work will be 10% of your grade.

  • You are expected to bring pencils, paper, and your binder to class every day. You do not need to bring your textbook to class.
  • In-class assignments will be graded and will count toward this category. You must make up all in-class assignments if you are absent from class.

You will have 2 days to make up assignments (homework and class work) for each day you are absent from school; in no other cases will late assignments be accepted. When absent, you are responsible for getting the assignments and handing them in on time.