Course Syllabus

Course: Functions
Instructor: Mrs. Hoekstra
Room: Bradlee 11


Description:

Introduction to Precalculus is designed for students who have completed Math III with a solid grasp of the material but who do not wish to progress to Precalculus at this time and for seniors who are looking for a fifth year of mathematics.

This course provides the opportunity for students to develop the knowledge and skills of algebra, the elementary functions, and their applications which are prerequisites for college mathematics below the level of calculus. Of even greater importance, this course strives to develop conceptual understanding, mathematical thinking and problem solving skills. To this end collaborative work and group activities are valued. The behavior of functions is always examined analytically, graphically and numerically. Most topics are presented in the context of real-world applications.

This course is similar to the College Algebra offered at many colleges, and students who complete this course with considerable success will be prepared for the study of descriptive calculus as offered to business/social science majors. However, students who aspire to Advanced Placement calculus or calculus for science or engineering majors require a Precalculus course.

The following material is covered: Real number system, integer exponents, roots and rational exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, algebraic functions, equations and inequalities, systems of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometry.


Textbook:

Contemporary College Algebra and Trigonometry

Materials for each class:

Textbook
Math binder with notebook paper
Graph paper
Pencils
Graphing calculator and place to keep it in your binder


Course Evaluation:

Homework: 20% (includes daily and hand-in assignments)
Projects, Labs, Essays: 20%
Quizzes: 20%
Tests: 40%

Homework:

Homework is due at the beginning of class and will be graded as follows: 3, 2, 1, or 0. any student receiving a 1 or 0 will receive a conditional unless he/she comes in and completes it by the end of the day. All work must be shown for credit. You will be notified in advance when an assignment is handed-in.


Projects, Labs, and Essays:

In and outside of class students will be working in small groups to explore mathematical concepts. It is important that students work together to solve problems within their group in a manner that is considerate to all group and class members. Within the small groups, students will learn to rely on each other to explore and search for solutions. There will always be a specific date when a project is due. All late work will be penalized.

Tests and Quizzes:

Tests and quizzes will be announced prior to the testing date. Students should prepare for these days by studying all the necessary material and coming to see me before the exam if there are any questions. Extra time considerations need to be discussed with me prior to the quiz or test.

Attendance:

When a student is absent from class it is his/her responsibility to come and see me about make-up work. If you know you are going to be absent you need to see me before you miss the class. Students need to make up all notes, homework, quizzes, tests, and activities.

Website:

You can go to the MPH homepage or to www.mrshfunctions.blogspot.com to find my website. This will include the weekly bonus, my lesson plans, and the assignment sheet for each chapter.