Muncy Junior-Senior High School Mathematics Department
Course Number: 445
Course Name: Algebra III
Course Credit: 1 credit
Instructor: Mrs. Wertz
Meeting Time: Period 8
Meeting Location: Room 251
Prerequisites: Algebra II and Geometry
Phone Number: 546-3127 ext. 3080
Email:
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 2:30 P.M. – 2:50 P.M.
Course Description
This course is intended to extend students’ knowledge of Algebra II and Geometry. Topics will include those found in the current Keystone Algebra and Geometry Content Standards. Students will be introduced to the TI-83 Plus graphing calculator as a problem solving tool and will further develop their skills in solving problems analytically, numerically, and graphically.
Course Unit Outline
Course content builds upon that covered in Algebra II and Geometry. Specific objectives for each topic shown in the Outline below will be provided by the instructor at the time of coverage. The order of coverage of some of the topics may vary.
Topics
1) Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities
• Patterns and Expressions
• Properties of Real Numbers
• Algebraic Expressions
• Solving Equations
• Solving Inequalities
• Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
2) Functions, Equations, and Graphs
• Relations and Functions
• Direct Variation
• Linear Functions and Slope-Intercept Form
• Piecewise Functions
• Families of Functions
• Two-Variable Inequalities
3) Linear Systems
• Solving Systems
• Systems of Inequalities
• Linear Programming
• Systems in Three Variables
• Solving Systems using Matrices
4) Quadratic Functions and Equations
• Transformations of Quadratic Functions
• Standard Form of a Quadratic Function
• Factoring Quadratic Expressions
• Completing the Square
• Quadratic Formula
• Complex Numbers
• Quadratic Systems
5) Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
• Linear Factors and Zeros
• Dividing Polynomials
• Theorems about Roots of Polynomials
• Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
• Binomial Theorem
6) Radical Functions and Rational Exponents
• Multiplying and Dividing Radicals
• Binomial Radical Expressions
• Rational Exponents
• Function Operations
• Inverse Relations and Functions
7) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Properties of Exponential Functions
• Logarithmic Functions as Inverses
• Properties of Logarithms
• Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
• Natural and Common Logarithms
8) Rational Functions
• Inverse Variation
• Graphing Rational Functions
• Rational Expressions
• Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
• Solving Rational Equations
• Rational Inequalities
9) Sequences and Series
• Mathematical Patterns
• Arithmetic Sequences and Series
• Geometric Sequences and Series
10) Quadratic Relations and Conic Sections
• Parabolas
• Circles
• Ellipses
• Hyperbolas
• Conic Sections
11) Probability and Statistics
• Permutations and Combinations
• Probability of Multiple Events
• Conditional Probability
• Standard Deviation
• Samples and Surveys
• Binomial Distributions
• Normal Distributions
12) Matrices
• Adding and Subtracting Matrices
• Matrix Multiplication
• Determinants and Inverses
• Geometric Transformations
• Vectors
13) Periodic Functions and Trigonometry
• Periodic Data
• Special Right Triangles
• The Unit Circle
• Radian Measure
• Sine Function
• Cosine Function
• Tangent Function
• Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions
14) Trigonometric Identities and Equations
• Trigonometric Identities
• Right Triangles and Trigonometric Ratios
• Area and the Law of Sines
• Law of Cosines
• Angle Identities
• Double- and Half-Angle Identities
Daily Classroom Expectations
1. Arrive to class on time.
2. Come prepared.
3. Participate in all activities.
4. Respect all.
5. Abide by all school rules as set forth in the Pathfinder.
Attendance, Absences, and Make-Up Work
You are responsible to check PowerSchool and my website for any missed work from not being in class for any reason. Please see me if you do not understand what you owe.
Academic Dishonesty
When work is turned in, the work must be your own. Any indication of academic dishonesty will be dealt with as a serious offense and will result in a grade of zero for that assessment item for all students involved and a referral to the Principal’s Office will be made.
Homework
Homework will be checked for completion every time it is assigned. I will post the homework assignment on my website daily (this includes all worksheets) in the plan book. According to math department policy, late homework will not be accepted for credit. Students may not return to their locker for a homework assignment. If a student can’t find the assignment in their backpack before I review the correct answers, he/she will not receive credit for completing the assignment. The homework must be completed according to the directions in class. Sometimes answers only are appropriate, but other times, the original question must be written and all work shown. Failure to complete an assignment according to the directions will result in no credit for the assignment. Students who are absent must make up the assigned homework for the days they were not in school. A zero will temporarily be entered for homework when absent. When the student makes up the homework, the zero will change. If the homework is never made up, the zero will become permanent. If you cannot find a homework worksheet, then print another one from the link provided in the plan book on my website. If you do not understand the assignment, then you must see me before period one the day it is due in order not to be penalized for not completing the homework.
Muncy Junior/Senior High School Math Department Calculator Policy
The math courses offered at Muncy Jr/Sr High School actively integrate calculator technology based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Technology Principle.
Many activities implemented within our courses have been created using the features available on the Texas Instruments® graphing calculators. Students may purchase their own calculator or borrow one from their math teacher.
Calculators are treated like textbooks and are the property of Muncy School District. Students will sign one out and return it at the end of the school year. Students who attempt to turn in a calculator with the incorrect serial number will not receive credit for turning one in. Students who are unable to return their assigned calculator must pay a replacement fee or buy a new calculator to replace the assigned one. New replacement calculators must be in the original packaging with no evidence of tampering and must match the exact model originally assigned.
Some of the latest calculator technology provides students with the ability to import, store, and hide games and messages. If a student is found doing anything inappropriate with their calculator during class, we reserve the right to clear the memory of the calculator, even if the calculator is personally owned. Multiple offenses for inappropriate use will result in a punishment at the discretion of the instructor.
Calculators may not be shared during quizzes. Students will be expected to bring their calculators with them daily. No spare calculators will be available, so if batteries are dead or the calculator has been forgotten or lost, students will do all required work that day without a calculator.
While the calculator is an invaluable tool for studying mathematics, there will be times when the instructor deems that a particular topic or skill is more appropriately investigated and assessed without the use of a calculator.
Algebra I uses the TI-83 Plus graphing calculator. The replacement fee for this calculator is $100. Students are responsible for obtaining batteries for the calculator issued.
Materials
Pencils, erasers, a binder or folder, a one subject notebook or note paper, and sheet protectors are recommended. Notebooks or note paper will be used to take notes for new topics. The binder or folder is for keeping the formula sheet, study guides, and helpful handouts. You are financially responsible for the textbook and graphing calculator you are issued. Lost or damaged materials – whether cosmetically or functionally – will be your financial responsibility and replacement/repair costs will be done in accordance with district policy.
Grading Policy
Marking period grades will be calculated on the basis of a point system – the percent of points earned out of the number of possible points. Graded material will consist of any combination of the following each marking period:
· quizzes, chapter tests, unit exams
· homework assignments
· in-class activities and explorations
It is the responsibility of each student and their parents to check the PowerSchool website and to be aware of their grade at all times throughout the marking period. There will be no re-quizzes and no re-tests offered throughout the course. Unless you are required to be given extra time for completing quizzes and exams, please do not ask for additional time. Assessments are designed to be completed in one class period.
Homework – Allow your parents to read your class syllabus and sign this letter acknowledging such. Then, sign and return this form and bring batteries for your calculator to receive a 10/10. This paper and the batteries are due no later than Monday, August 25, 2014. (Remember, there is no partial credit for late assignments.)
Student Name = ______
Adult contact name = ______
(for the purpose of discussing academic progress in math class and/or for discipline problems)
Relationship to student (circle one below)
parent step-parent grandparent guardian
Email address = ______
Preferred contact phone number = ______
(Please keep in mind I will only be contacting you between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M)
Graphing Calculator Serial Number ______
Please sign acknowledging that you have read and understand the information regarding this syllabus:
Student Signature ______
Parent Signature ______
4 | Page