Precalculus Syllabus The following is a guide for the general topics that will be covered in class this year. The Roman numerals in the left column approximate the quarter that the corresponding topics will be covered. Note: This syllabus is not set in stone and does not include all topics or assessments. I. Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (Review) essentials: numbers, exponents, radicals, expressions polynomials and factoring rational expressions inequalities I. Functions and Graphs basics of graphing basics of functions linear functions and slope transformations of functions composition of functions inverse functions II. Polynomial and Rational Functions complex numbers quadratic functions polynomial functions dividing polynomial functions zeros of polynomials rational functions polynomial and rational inequalities variation
II. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions exponential functions properties of logarithmic functions solving exponential and logarithmic equations exponential growth and decay II. Sequences and Induction sequences and summation notation arithmetic sequences geometry sequences mathematical induction binomial theorem combination and permutations III. Trigonometric Functions angles and radian measure trigonometric functions: the unit circle right triangle trig Graphs of trig functions inverse trig functions III. Analytic Trigonometry verifying trigonometric identities sum and difference formulas double-angle, power reduction, half-angle formulas product-to-sum and sum-to-product formulas trigonometric equations
IV. Additional Trigonometric Topics law of sines law of cosines polar coordinates and their graphs complex numbers in polar form vectors dot product IV. Precalculus Review IV. Introduction to Calculus
Precalculus Course Expectations Nick Gildow nwg11@scasd.org Course Description This course begins with a brief review of the highest level of Algebra II material. The remainder of the course will cover various advanced topics including: polynomial and rational functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, analytic geometry, and trigonometry. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be well prepared for a high school calculus class or a first semester college calculus class. Tools of the trade Students will be assigned a graphing calculator and a textbook for the year. Calculators should be brought to class daily along with a pen or a pencil and a notebook. Grading Quarter, semester, and course grades will be based on total points. Grades will be updated on a regular basis. In order to receive full credit on assignments all steps and work, required to reach the answer, must be shown. Homework Homework will be assigned most nights. Homework will NOT be checked for completion on a regular basis, but there will be frequent, unannounced homework quizzes that will assess students understanding of the concepts that are covered on daily homework assignments. Quizzes and Classwork Quizzes will be given generally once or twice a week. Small quizzes, 15 points or less, may be unannounced. Larger quizzes will be announced in advance. Classwork will be given occasionally and will consist of assignments that are to be worked on during the class period and sometimes finished at home. For some classwork assignments you may be asked to work in a group. Classwork assignments may be collected and graded. Tests Tests will be given at the end of each major topic. There are generally one or two tests per nine-week grading period.
Participation As members of this class, students are expected to be active participants. The following are ways to participate in class effectively: 1. Attend class on time 2. Attend class prepared (pen/pencil, notebook, calculator, book, homework completed) 3. Take notes during class instruction 4. Be prepared to ask questions during class on the previous night s homework or on the lesson. 5. Listen actively and respectfully to all members of the class 6. Make contributions to class discussions and throughout the lesson. Academic Honesty Students are expected to complete all assignments individually unless group work is specifically permitted. You may get help or tutored on homework assignments. Notebooks Students will be expected to keep organized notes. If absent on a given day, you are responsible for getting the notes that you missed. Generally, daily notes are posted on the course web site. Absences Students must get a pass from the office to show teachers on the day of return from an absence. (Don t let your teachers steal this pass!) Students also need a pass from the office if arriving late to class. Please email me at school by 3PM on the day that you are absent so that I can tell you what was covered and what homework was assigned. Check-in with me before class on the day that you return.! Assignments missed because of excused absences must be handed within the number of days equivalent to the number of days absent. Questions/Concerns If at anytime during the year you have concerns about the class, academic or otherwise, please feel free to discuss them with me. Finally I hope that everyone has an excellent school year, especially in math class! Let me know if you have any suggestions as to how to make it better. -Nick