Course Syllabus
Course Description
This course is structured around investigations and problem-solving. This course provides the tools that you will need for college mathematics courses, particularly calculus. You will build on your learning from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 to construct a deeper understanding of functions. As you study pre-calculus, you will investigate functions in new ways and work with more abstract forms, including polynomial, absolute value, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, and their graphs. You will develop a deeper understanding of the concepts that are essential in the development of calculus.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Graph functions and relations in rectangular coordinates.
- Synthesize results from the graphs and/or equations of functions and relations.
- Apply transformations to the graphs of functions and relations.
- Recognize the relationship between functions and their inverses graphically and algebraically.
- Solve and apply equations including rational, linear, polynomial, exponential, absolute value, radical, and logarithmic.
- Apply functions to model real-world applications.
- Identify special triangles and their related angle and side measures.
- Evaluate the trigonometric function of an angle given in degree and radian measure.
- Manipulate and simplify a trigonometric expression.
- Solve trigonometric equations, triangles, and applications.
- Graph the basic trigonometric functions and apply changes in period, phase and amplitude to generate new graphs.
- Prove/verify trigonometric identities.
Course Content
Chapter 1: Functions
Chapter 2: Linear Functions
Chapter 3: Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Chapter 5: Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 6: Periodic Functions
Chapter 7: Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Chapter 12: Introduction to Calculus
Textbook
We will be using an online textbook for this course.
Precalculus from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-06-9
The web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.
Required material
To ensure that you are successful, it is required that you are prepared with the following materials for class every day:
- Charged Chromebook
- GRAPH PAPER notebook
- Pencil(s)
- Colored pens or pencils
- Access to a graphing calculator (TI-84 or Desmos)
Course Grading
The quarter grade for the course will be determined by the following percentage breakdown:
- Individual Tests/Quizzes 80%
- Classwork/Homework 20%
The final grade for the course will be determined by the following percentage breakdown:
- 1st Quarter: 40%
- 2nd Quarter: 40%
- Final Exam: 20%
Absences and Make-up Work
Missed work and assignments must be made up in a timely manner. If you are absent from class and this absence is excused, you have the number of days you were absent, plus one, to make up any homework and classwork completed while you were out. It is the responsibility of the student to find out what work was missed and make arrangements to make up missed work. All assignments can be found on Canvas.
All tests/quizzes missed due to absence will be made up IN CLASS upon return.
If the absence is unexcused (e.g. class cut), you will receive a zero for all work missed. This includes tests and quizzes. This is Haverford’s school policy.
Expectations for students
- Students are expected to be prepared for class every day with the proper tools necessary for the course and demonstrate appropriate self-control during each class period.
- All students are expected to take daily notes, complete practice problems, and participate in class discussions and group work.
3. Homework must be clearly attempted every night to receive credit.
4. In order to be successful in math, you must review and practice concepts each night. When studying for a test or quiz, redo problems done in class to reinforce the concepts.
5. If you fall behind or do not understand a topic or concept, after-school help is always available. Make an appointment with me.
6. Be responsible for your own learning and be positive! Everyone can learn math! Come to class willing to volunteer, ask questions, and take an active role in the learning process. Try your best, don’t give up and have fun!!!!!
Technology Policy
There will be no use of cell phones, iPods, and/or hand-held devices in class unless directed by your instructor. Please make sure that your cell phone is TURNED OFF and placed in the class cell phone holder with your index card as soon as the bell rings for class. If a cell phone disrupts the learning environment, teacher detention will be given and you have TWO SCHOOL DAYS to schedule and fulfill the detention. If you fail to show within the two-day time period, matters will be turned over to the grade level principal. If three teacher detentions are assigned, disciplinary action will be turned over to the appropriate principal. Students need to be aware that refusal to follow a reasonable request could be considered insubordination.
Support
I am looking forward to working with you and getting to know you. I think you will find class both fun and challenging.
- Extra help with me before or after school. I will be available for extra help after school on most days. Please make arrangements with me to meet after school if you need extra help.
- Email or phone contact. My email is klaskaris@haverfordsd.net, and my school voicemail number is 610-853-5900, ext. 2758.
- My teacher’s website. It is available through the canvas link on the HHS website. Our class page contains weekly agendas, power points, homework, and additional resources.