Name: _____________________________________

Arts High School 2015-2016

Pre-Calculus Honors Course Syllabus

Course Description:

SEMESTER 1

Pre-Calculus is a full-year comprehensive course that encompasses a wide variety of topics designed to prepare students
for the study of Calculus, whether pure or applied. Through the integration of adequate and frequent assessments,
calculator- and technology- based activities, and lecture-based dialogues and discussions, students will be provided with a
college-style experience in order to ensure future success in higher-level mathematics classes. The essential components
of this Pre-Calculus course include a rapid review of advanced algebra through application to high-level problems, an
introduction to and application of trigonometry and vectors, an intermediate study of sequences and series, an increased
multivariable fluency through the advanced study of conic sections and a brief introduction to Calculus.
Topics to be studied:

Unit
1
Unit
2
Unit
3
Unit
4
Unit
5
Unit
6

Functions and
Their Graphs
Polynomial and
Rational
Functions
Exponential and
Logarithmic
Functions
Trigonometry
Analytic
Trigonometry
Additional
Topics in
Trigonometry

TOPICS
Functions, Analyzing Graphs of Functions, A Library of Parent Functions, Transformations of
Functions, Combinations of Functions (Composite Functions), Inverse Functions, Mathematical
Modeling and Variation
Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree, Complex Numbers, Zeros of Polynomial Functions,
Rational Functions, Nonlinear Inequalities, Partial Fractions
Exponential Functions and Their Graphs, Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs, Properties of
Logarithms, Exponential and Logarithmic Equations, Exponential and Logarithmic Models
Radian and Degree Measure, Trigonometric Functions (The Unit Circle), Right Angle
Trigonometry, Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle, Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions,
Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions, Applications and Models
Using Fundamental Identities, Verifying Trigonometric Identities, Solving Trigonometric
Equations, Sum and Difference Formulas, Multiple-Angle and Product-to-Sum Formulas
Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, Vectors in the Plane, Trigonometric Form of a Complex Number

SEMESTER 2

MIDTERM EXAM
Unit
7
Unit
8
Unit
9

Sequences and
Series
Topics in
Analytic
Geometry
Limits and an
Introduction to
Calculus

Unit
10

Linear Algebra

Unit
11

Analytic
Geometry in
Three
Dimensions

Sequences and Series, Arithmetic Sequences and Partial Sums, Geometric Sequences and Series,
Mathematical Induction, The Binomial Theorem
Lines, Introduction to Conics: Parabolas, Ellipses, Hyperbolas, Rotation of Conics, Parametric
Equations, Polar Coordinates, Graphs of Polar Equations, Polar Equations of Conics
Introduction to Limits, Techniques for Evaluating Limits, The Tangent Line Problem, Limits at
Infinity and Limits of Sequences, The Area Problem
Multivariable Linear Systems, Matrices and Systems of Equations, The Inverse of a Square
Matrix, The Determinant of a Square Matrix, Applications of Matrices and Determinants
Vectors and Dot Products, The Three-Dimensional Coordinate System, Vectors in Space, The
Cross Product of Two Vectors, Lines and Planes in Space

FINAL EXAM

Student Requirements:
A student taking this course will be expected to:
Meet district attendance policy
Participate in class discussions, cooperative learning exercises, and individual and group class work
assignments
Complete homework assignments
Keep an updated, accurate notebook

Demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in course objectives through teacher-developed quizzes and
tests, alternative and project-based assessments, and district assessments
Check my website regularly for posted assignments, announcements, extra credit, etc. The website address is
www.edmodo.com/mskscott

Course Materials:
Textbook: Larson Precalculus with Limits (Holt McDougal)
Calculator: Graphing Calculator (TI-83 is preferred)
Notebook: A 3-ring binder is required, and is an extremely important part of the course. The notebook
helps you remain organized and keeps your material within easy reach. It is to be very neat and orderly,
and should also be used as a resource for test preparation and possible future use.
Pencils: Work in pen will not be accepted.
Grading Outline:
Student performance will be assessed in the following areas: homework, quizzes, projects, and tests. Students will also
receive a grade for class participation. Each of these areas will be weighted and used to determine letter grades as
follows:
65% of grades derived from assessments which include but are not limited to tests and quizzes
25% derived from class work, group work and participation
10% derived from homework
Assessments and Projects:
There will be many types of assessments such as short-cycle assessments, exit tickets, medium-cycle assessments and so
on. Most assessments will be announced, however there may be some short-cycle assessments that may be unannounced.
You should always be prepared for an assessment without receiving a prior announcement. Projects will always be
announced.
Homework:
Homework is an important element of the class designed to reinforce what you learn in class. Practice of math skills is
essential to long term retention of the skills. Homework will be checked regularly at the beginning of class. Anything
received after that is considered late. Late assignments will only be accepted the following day with a valid excuse. You
are responsible for getting all handouts, and writing down the homework assignment before you leave. I will be posting
lessons and homework assignments on edmodo regularly.
Class Work and Participation:
You must be actively involved in the class and trying your best. Your class participation grade is influenced by your class
behavior, attitude, attendance, and preparedness. This may also include your notebook grade.
Notebook Guidelines:
Each student is expected to keep a notebook. As an honors class that is preparing for college, the format of the notebook
will be up to each individual student. Notebooks may be checked intermittently throughout the course of the year and
may be graded as an assessment. I will announce expected notebook checks in advance.
Homework Rubric:
+ = The assignment is complete, all work is shown, the answers are correct, and there are few errors. (100 points)
= The assignment is partially complete, most of the work is shown and there are few errors. ( 80 points)
- = The assignment is incomplete, little work is shown and there are many errors. ( 60 points)
0 = No assignment turned in or turned in beyond deadline. (0 points)
*Homework may also be collected randomly, graded, and counted as a quiz grade.
Grade Equivalents:
A+ = 98-100
B+ = 89-87
C+ = 79-77
D = 69-64
F = 63 or below

A = 97-94
B = 86-84
C = 76-74

A- = 93-90
B- = 83-80
C- = 73-70

* Note: Students will be permitted to make up missed assignments only if their absence from class is valid. Students will
not be allowed to make up assessments missed due to an unexcused absence. There will be a turn-around period of three
days to make-up an assessment and one day to make up a homework assignment. It is the students responsibility to take
the initiative to determine what assignments have been missed and schedule a time to take missed assessments (after
school or at lunch, if the conditions are convenient to both the teacher and the students)
Class Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Proper behavior is expected at all times.

You must be in school uniform at all times when in the classroom.
You must be on time for class everyday.
Be prepared!
Absolutely NO cell phones, headphones, musical/electronic devices, hats, food or drinks are ever permitted.
Follow ALL school and district rules, policies, and procedures.
Clean up after yourself.
Cut Policy
If a student cuts a class then the following actions will be taken for each offense:
1. The student will be given a zero for every assignment due or given during that class.
2. A discipline referral will be sent to administration
3. The teacher will call home and speak with a parent/guardian about the incident.
Tardy Policy

Students are expected to make it to class on time every day! If you are late to class you must complete and sign the tardy
book before taking your seat. The arts High progressive discipline policy will be followed.

Teacher Contact Information:

Mrs. Kallai
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.edmodo.com/mskscott
Math Office (973)733-8241

By signing below you agree that you have reviewed the syllabus with your child and understand what is expected of
them.
Student Name (Print) : ______________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian Telephone #: ______________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________
(Please make sure to visit my website (referenced above) in order to sign up for the email center)