Pre-Calculus Honors

2008 - 2009 Syllabus

Instructor


Course Description
This course is designed to prepare the student for calculus.  Topics include trigonometric functions, graphing techniques, and algebraic functions.

Course Objectives
The course objectives are to help students understand the fundamental concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry, to foreshadow important ideas of calculus, and to show how algebra and trigonometry can be used to model real-life problems.

Course Content
Functions and Graphs
Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions
Exponential, Logistic, and Logarithmic Functions
Trigonometric Functions
Analytic Trigonometry
Vectors, Parametric Equations, and Polar Equations
Systems and Matrices
Analytic Geometry in Two and Three Dimensions
Discrete Mathematics
An Introduction to Calculus: Limits, Derivatives, and Integrals

Materials Needed
Text: Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic Sixth Ed., ISBN: 032113186X
TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator
Pencils
Erasers
Loose-leaf for turning in assignments
Notebook for taking notes

Assessment
Tests: Chapter tests will be given on a regular basis and will be announced.  Missed tests will be made up.
Homework: Homework will be given for each section.  All homework assignments will be collected and graded based on completion; randomly selected homework assignments will be graded based on accuracy.  Homework is to be turned in on the due date.  When a student is absent, the student is required to complete the homework assignment from the missed day.
Quizzes: Announced and unannounced quizzes will be given throughout the course.  Missed quizzes will be made up.
Projects: A project will be assigned each quarter.

Quarterly grades will be calculated as follows:
     Tests                           40 %
     Homework                   30 %
     Quizzes                       20 %
     Project                        10 %

Policies in the students handbook will be upheld.  Respect for self and one another is expected at all times.  Students are expected to participate actively during each class.  As the instructor, I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus as I deem necessary.  I look forward to a great year!