New Lexington High School

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Pre-Calculus

SYLLABUS

Units of Credit: 1

Course Length: Full year

Instructor: Patty Wycinski

Pre-Requisites

Students must pass Algebra 2

Course Overview

This is a fourth year mathematics course for the above average student, requiring a strong

foundation in algebra and geometry. Major emphasis includes the topics of algebraic

analysis of curves, functions and graphing techniques, polynomial functions and the

circular and trigonometric functions. Pre-Calculus is a first year

course. Completion of the course will provide a smooth

transition to AP Calculus.

Textbook

Holliday, Berchie, et al. Advanced Mathematical Concepts-Precalculus

with Applications. Columbus, OH: Glencoe, 2004.

Course Outline

The following topics are covered in Pre-Calculus:

Unit 1: Linear Relations and Functions

 Determine whether a given relation is a function and perform

operations with functions.

 Evaluate and find zeros of linear functions using functional

notation.

 Graph and write functions and inequalities.

 Write equations of parallel and perpendicular lines.

 Model data using scatter plots and write prediction equations.

Unit 2: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

 Solve systems of equations of two and three variables solving

algebraically and with technology.

Unit 3: The Nature of Graphs

 Graph functions, relations, inverses and inequalities.

 Analyze families of graphs.

 Investigate symmetry, continuity, end behavior and

transformations of graphs.

 Find asymptotes and extrema of functions.

 Solve problems involving direct, inverse and joint variation.

Unit 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions

 Determine roots of polynomial equations.

 Solve quadratic, rational and radical equations.

 Solve rational and radical inequalities.

 Find the factors of polynomials.

 Approximate real zeros of polynomial functions.

Unit 5: The Trigonometric Functions

 Perform operations and simplify radical expressions.

 Convert decimal degree measures, to degrees, minutes and

seconds, and vice versa.

 Identify angels that are conterminal with a given angle.

 Solve right triangles and oblique triangles.

 Find the values of trigonometric functions.

 Find the area of right and oblique triangles.

Unit 6: Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

 Change from radian measure to degree measure and vice verse.

Unit 11 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

  • Use the properties of exponents
  • Evaluate and simplify expressions containing rational exponents
  • Solve equations containing rational exponents
  • Graph exponential functions
  • Use the exponential function y=e^x
  • Evaluate expressions involving logarithms
  • Solve equations involving logarithms
  • Graph logarithmic functions
  • Find common logarithms and antilogarithms of numbers
  • Solve equations and inequalities using common logarithms
  • Find natural logarithms of numbers
  • Solve equations using natural logarithms

Expected Levels of Student Achievement

Course grades will be determined by the collective point totals from assessments,

homework, classroom projects/participation and quarterly assessments. It is expected that all students will participate in daily classroom activities and complete a notebook.

Students must complete all assigned work and participate in class discussion.

Technology

Students are expected to continue to grow in their use of technology. Students are

expected to obtain a graphics calculator. I recommend purchasing from the Texas

Instruments TI-83, TI-84. or TI-NSpire family of calculators. Students are expected to access online resources from the New Lexington High School Mathematics web site.

Standard Test Preparation

The State of Ohio Mathematics Curriculum is designed to prepare students for

standardized tests while meeting Ohio Content Standards, Benchmarks, and Grade Level Indicators and Common Core standards.

The focus will be on numbers and operations, algebraic concepts, geometry,

data analysis and probability, and measurement. Students will be expected to complete

short answer and extended response tasks throughout the course.

Pre-Requisites for next course

Upon successful completion of this course, students will move on to AP Calculus.