PrecalculusCourse Syllabus2015—2016
Course/Teacher Information:
Website:
Twitter: @jpudaloff
Teacher: Mr. J. PudaloffOffice Hours: 6thHr (Sem. 1) 5thHr (Sem. 2)
Email: or
School Phone: (248) 823 – 2900Room Number: 1208 South
Athens Learning Goals: 100% of All Students will demonstrate a proficiency to be career and college ready in Mathematics by 06/30/2020 as measured by the State assessment and/or student educational plans and development portfolios.
The study of Trigonometry and Precalculus deepens students' understanding of algebra and extends their ability to apply algebra concepts and procedures at higher conceptual levels, as a tool, and in the study of other subjects. The theory and applications of trigonometry and functions are developed in depth. This course also includes vectors and determinants, matrices, recursions, sequences and series, limits, and an introduction to calculus.
Text: The textbook for this course is Precalculus by McGraw Hill.
Student Online Text:
Suggested Supplies
3 – Ring Binder
Folder
Loose-leaf or notebook paper
Graph Paper
Pencil/pen – some students find colored pencils are also helpful
Calculator
NOTE: no supplies are mandatory; all assignments are constructed using materials the school can provide
Course Description
Precalculus - Semester 1 / 13233Content includes coordinate geometry of points, lines, and conic sections, inequalities and their graphs, exponents and logarithms, graphs of functions and solving equations and inequalities. This course also includes vectors and determinants, matrices, recursion, sequences and series, limits, and an introduction to calculus. No retake.
CREDIT:0.5 / TYPE:Regular / GRADE:9-12
Precalculus - Semester 2 / 23233
Content includes coordinate geometry of points, lines, and conic sections, inequalities and their graphs, exponents and logarithms, graphs of functions and solving equations and inequalities. This course also includes vectors and determinants, matrices, recursion, sequences and series, limits, and an introduction to calculus. No retake.
CREDIT:0.5 / TYPE:Regular / GRADE:9-12
Chapter / Unit / Focus Questions / Assignments
1: Functions from a Calculus Perspective
(4 weeks) /
- How can properties of functions and graphs be represented using symbols and equations?
- How does changing the equation of a function impact its graph and vise-versa?
- When does a function have an inverse and how is the equation of the inverse determined?
Quiz _____/27
Chapter 1 Test _____/100
Summary:
2: Power, Polynomial and Rational Functions
(2-3 weeks) /
- How do you find real and complex roots of polynomials?
- How do we determine domain and asymptotes of rational functions?
Quiz _____/31
Chapter 2 Test _____/100
Summary:
3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
(3 weeks) /
- What is the relationship between a logarithm and an exponent?
- How can exponential functions be used to model real world situations?
- How can logarithmic functions be used to model real world situations?
Quiz _____/20
Chapter 3 Test _____/100
Summary:
4: Trigonometric Functions
(4 weeks) /
- What is the relationship between the graphs of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions and their unit circle representations?
- Why are the sine and cosine graphs continuous while the other four trigonometric functions are not?
- How can sinusoidal functions be used to model real-world phenomena?
- How do transformations affect the graphs of sine and cosine?
- Why are inverse trig functions important? How are they used?
Quiz _____/36
Chapter 4 Test _____/100
Summary:
5: Trig Identities and Equations
(3 weeks) /
- How can trigonometric identities and properties be used to simplify expressions?
- How can trigonometric identities and properties be used to find exact values of trig ratios that are not multiples of pi/6 or pi/4?
- How can all solutions for trigonometric equations be calculated?
- How does the domain affect the number of solutions to a trigonometric equation?
Quiz _____/18
Chapter 5 Test _____/100
Summary:
6: Systems of Equations and Matrices
(2 weeks) /
- When is it possible or not possible to perform matrix operations, or to find an inverse?
- How do you use matrices to solve a system of equations?
- How do you use matrices to represent data in tables and solve problems?
Chapter 6 Test _____/100
Summary:
7/8: Vectors and Parametric Equations
(4 weeks) /
- How do we use the Laws of Sines and Cosines to solve triangles?
- How do we use vectors and parametric equations to model real-life applications such as motion in a plane, velocity, and force?
Quiz _____/35
Chapter 7/8 Test _____/100
Summary:
9: Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers
(3 weeks) /
- What is the relationship between polar coordinates and rectangular coordinates?
- How can complex numbers be represented graphically?
- How can you solve equations involving roots of complex numbers?
- How can you write an equation if you know the complex roots?
Quiz _____/26
Chapter 9 Test _____/100
Summary:
10: Sequences and Series
(4-5 weeks) /
- What is the difference between an explicit and a recursive formula?
- How do we write explicit and recursive formulas from a sequence?
- How do we compute the sum of a series?
- When does a geometric series converge?
- How do we use mathematical induction to prove statements involving integers?
Quiz _____/36
Quiz _____/27
Quiz _____/24
Summary:
12: Limits
(3 weeks) /
- How do we use asymptotes and intercepts to accurately graph a rational function?
- What is a limit?
- How do you find the limit as x → ∞ and as x → c ?
- How do we determine whether or not a function is continuous?
- When do limits exist? When does a limit not exist?
Quiz _____/30
Summary:
Additional topics as time permits
Assessment and Evaluation:
Quarter grades are determined based upon points earned in each of the following weighted categories:
1) Tests and quizzes 80%
3) Participation10%
A+97-100B+87-89C+77-79D+67-69
A93-96B83-86C73-76D63-66
A-90-92B-80-82C-70-72D- 60-62
EBELOW 60%
Grading weighting is tentative and is subject to the instructor’s discretion
SemesterGrades - Semester grades are calculated based on your two quarter grades for a total of 80%. The semester exam will be 20% of your final grade.
Remember: Modifications to the weight assignments may be made during the school year, especially in the event that it is beneficial to the student.
Homework Policy: Homework will be due the day after it is assigned except when noted. Daily class and homework assignments are collected/checked in at the beginning of class. Homework must be on your desk when it is checked at the beginning of class. Late work is not accepted without prior consent/arrangement.
Make-up Policy: In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to request any missed assignments. Students shall be allowed one day for every excused day missed to complete assigned work. Missing notes and worksheets can usually be found in the black crate on the table by the classroom entrance with your name on them.
Quizzes and Tests: Typically 1 quiz per chapter and tests are given at the end of each chapter.
Students who miss school on review days will still be expected to take the test on the test day without prior arrangement. For example if a test is scheduled for Friday and Rita is absent Thursday for whatever reason Rita will be expected to take the test upon return Friday unless she has contacted the instructor and made other arrangements prior to Friday. You should be prepared to take the test on the scheduled test day. You can email the instructor for a copy of the review if desired or obtain one from the website.
REMEMBER! A successful student:
Participates in every aspect of the class
Pays attention and participates in note-taking
Is self-reliant; tries to figure out a problem himself before immediately asking for help
Asks questions when needed and contributes answers when asked
Contributes equally in groups
Thoughtfully completes all homework assignments
Stays organized
Maintains a positive attitude
Takes the initiative to seek out extra help when needed
Attendance/tardy Policy: The school policy on attendance and tardies shall be in effect in this class. A student is considered tardy if they are not in the room and ready to work before the bell begins to ring at the start of class.
Daily Routine: Work shall be assigned on a daily basis. Time permitting, some class time shall be given towards completion of work, however a student can expect to have homework on an average of 3-5 nights a week.
It is my desire and goal to foster the success of our students in their math class. I look forward to a challenging and fulfilling year. If you have any concerns or thoughts that you would like to share please feel free to contact me. Email is preferred and by far the most effective method of communication.
Procedures may be changed or added by the instructor. All procedures will be followed and practices and may be thoroughly rehearsed as a class.
Class Policies:
To achieve a respectful and disciplined classroom I have established a few simple policies. As a student, it is your responsibility to comply with these policies. If you decide not to comply, there will be logical consequences (see below). By enforcing these policies, I promise to you fairness and order in our classroom.
Respect Others and the Property of Others- This rule covers a wide range of behaviors including proper handling of classroom materials, treating others kindly and with respect, and misuse of property.
Use appropriate Language- Students will exhibit courtesy and respect toward all other students at all times. Hateful comments concerning race, gender, sexuality, political views, appearance, or of any other type will not be tolerated; this applies to serious as well as "joking" comments.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself- Physical contact of any kind is not permitted.
Stay in Your Seat- Do not walk around during class unless directed to do so. Have everything you need ready before class begins.
Raise Your Hand to Talk and Use Appropriate Language- Normal classroom procedure requires that students do not talk out of turn in order to facilitate the best possible learning environment for all other students. When called upon students are expected to use appropriate language.
I Need to See Your Eyes- Students may not sleep in class. To prevent this, students' eyes must be open and visible to the instructor at all times
- Electronic devices, such as iPods, lap tops, cell phones, are only useable when permission is given.Cell phones or other electronic devices may only be used for instructional purposes. Inappropriate use of these items (e.g. texting, music, videos) distracts you from the learning process, and may cause you to miss important instructions and reminders. If you are using any of these items inappropriately, I will confiscate them.
** These rules are subject to change. All district and school rules will be followed and enforced.**
Consequences For Violations Include At Least:
- 1st Offense – Conference with student
- 2nd Offense – Phone call home, detention, and conference with student
- 3rd and Subsequent Offense – Referral to Assistant Principal
A.Academic Integrity
This includes cheating and plagiarism. In the case of cheating by copying another student’s work both students will be subject to punishment. Both plagiarism and cheating will result in a grade of zero and may be subject to further action.
EXTRA HELP
- Please do not wait to get extra help when you do not understand the material or need further clarification. Remember that sometimes 5 or 10 minutes of individual help makes a big difference in understanding and learning the concepts that are misunderstood. Please do not wait to get extra help! Rather, talk to me as soon as you do not understand.I am available most days after school in room 1208S and sometimes during lunch. I check my e-mail at least daily. Email is the best and easiest way to contact me and get a prompt response
- Athens ASAP tutoring is also available after school for math twice a week. Check the latest ASAP schedule for days/times
- I check my e-mail at least daily. Email is the best and easiest way to contact me and get a prompt response
- My e-mail addressesare: and