Pre-Calculus
Course Description Lynn Pearson
Ph. # 210-3283
Welcome to Pre-Calculus! This course will prepare you for college level Calculus.
You should work to understand the process behind the work, rather than to simply try to complete the assignment!
Calculus is.... the branch of mathematics that provides the tools for describing
the real world in mathematical terms.
Materials :
Please bring these materials to class everyday :
A 1 ½ to 2 inch 3-ring binder with notebook paper (there will be plenty of handouts that need to be organized!)
Graph paper
The TI-83/Plus or the TI-84/Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.
(Please do NOT spend the extra money on any calculator with capabilities beyond that of the TI-84 Plus..
I will not be able to take class time to show you how to work it and the TI-84 Plus has all that you will
ever need and more.)
Pencils (mechanical pencils never need sharpening, although regular pencils are fine)
Your textbook: Pre-Calculus with Limits by Aufmann
Grading :
* You can expect homework almost every night, regardless of what day of the week it is.
* Each homework assignment is worth 10 points. Every 10 homework assignments is worth a quiz grade (for a total of 100
points). Daily homework will NOT be accepted late. Some homework assignments may be collected for a quiz
grade. You will be given notice of this when the work is assigned. Graded homework submitted late, will lose
points each day it is overdue.
* I GIVE POP QUIZZES!!!! Always be prepared.
* You will always be given notice of upcoming tests.
* Both a Mid-term and a Final Exam are required.
* To compute grades at the end of each 6 weeks: All quizzes count once; all tests (except the Midterm and Final) count
twice. The mean is then used with these numbers.
* The highest possible report card grade is 100.
* There is no extra credit available and there are no bonus questions on quizzes or tests. Therefore, it is extremely important
that you are familiar and comfortable with the material as we go along. Ask questions and/or come in for extra help
so you don’t fall behind.
HOT TIPS!!
Do NOT be afraid to ask relevant questions or to ask for extra help.
Show your work. That way I can show you where and how you can improve.
Organize your work. Keep a notebook! Take good notes. Stay organized. If you get organized and remain organized,
your grades will improve.
Attend class everyday. If you must be out, get the notes from a friend (who takes good notes!) and make up your work immediately or you will fall far, far behind.
When I assign odd numbered questions for homework, check your answers to these questions in the back of your
book. I give Pop quizzes. If you don't practice the skills, you won’t pass the quizzes. If you can’t pass the quizzes,
you won’t pass the tests.
I am here to help you succeed. I cannot force you to succeed.
Good luck. Be willing to work. Don’t give up.
General Classroom Procedures:
* When you first get to class: sharpen your pencil, be seated, and have your homework on your desk with your name on it.
I usually check homework first thing, and if it’s not on your desk - it doesn't count!! This is a very good reason to
organize your notebook! It’s also a very good reason to be in class and ready to go on time.
* Seating arrangements will be assigned. Please let me know if you need to sit someplace specific and I will try to
accommodate you.
* Keep your bookbag and other personal belongings under your desk, where they do not pose a safety hazard in the aisles.
* Use the restroom and get water between classes.
Rules :
Follow all school rules. Be respectful. Be reliable. Be responsible. Do your personal best.
*** Behaviors that prevent others from learning will not be tolerated .
What We’ll Be Talking About
or What you should expect to learn in Pre-Calculus
* A review of Algebra fundamentals: properties and operations on numbers
(from natural to complex)
* Linear functions and equations
* Linear inequalities
* Quadratic functions
* Polynomial and rational functions
* Exponential and logarithmic functions
* Trigonometric functions and inverse trig functions
* Trigonometric identities
* Applications of Trigonometry (a.k.a. Even More Trigonometry! Oh what fun!)
* Graphing functions
* Properties of graphs of functions (such as symmetry)
* Limits of functions and relations
* Sequences and Series …… as time allows
* Continuity
Working together will make this a great year. Please feel free to contact me at school or at home if I can answer any questions or help in any way.
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(student signature) (parent signature)
