PreCalc 2016-2017 Syllabus
- 1. PRECALCULUS 2016-2017 Winston Chang wchang@dths.org E period: Room 127 F period: Room 206 COURSE DESCRIPTION Students will build a broad base of mathematical understanding. I agree with Richard R. Skemp’s explanation of the word “understanding” in his 1967 paper, RelationalUnderstandingandInstrumentalUnderstanding: “…there are in current use two meanings of this word.These he distinguishes by calling them ‘relational understanding’ and ‘instrumental understanding’. By the former is meant what I have alwaysmeant by understanding, and probably most readers of this article: knowingboth whatto do and why.Instrumental understanding I would until recently not have regarded as understanding at all. It is what I have in the past described as ‘rules withoutreasons’…” In this course, students will learn rules AND reasons as they apply to theoretical and real-world problems in the followingareas: Functions (Power,Polynomial,Rational) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Trigonometric Functions, Identities, and Equations Systems of Equations and Matrices Conic Sections and Parametric Equations Vectors Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers Sequences and Series Limits and Derivatives BONUS Monday in Room 206 Tuesday in Room 127 Thursday in Room 206 TEXTBOOK Precalculus,Carter, et al; McGraw Hill REQUIREDMATERIALS Textbook Notes packet Binder reserved forPrecalculus Graphing calculator (TI-84) Loose-leaf lined paper Graph paper Ruler Pencils GRADING Tests 50% Quizzes 15% Homework 15% Participation 5% Final Exam 15% ASSIGNMENTS Homeworkwill be assigned each class, due at the start of the followingclass unless otherwise specified. Each assignment will be worth 10 points. To receivefull credit, homework must be on time, completed in pencil, and
- 2. with all workneatly shown, including diagrams. Late homeworkassignments may only be turned in the following day for½ credit. No credit will be given for assignments turned in later. In the case of an absence, homeworkmust be turned in the day after the student returns to class. ATTENDANCE Students are expected to be on time to each class meeting having the required materials mentioned above. Each student should be in his/her seat at the start of class. Students are expected to remain in the classroom the entire period. Three bathroom/hall passes will be given each semester. Please be aware that tardies and excessive absences will lowera student’s class participation grade. Please refer to the dTHS Student/Parent Handbook for more information. Class participation grade will be based on coming to class on time and being prepared. CELL PHONE AND LAPTOP USE Strictly prohibited. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Academic dishonesty is antithetical to the values of de ToledoHigh School and will not be tolerated. Any incidences will be treated in accordance to our school-widepolicy. TESTS AND QUIZZES All assessments must be taken on the scheduled date/time. If a student is absent, then the assessment must be completed within the number of days he/she was absent fromclass. In the case of an unforeseen set of circumstances when a student cannot take an assessment on the assigned date, the teacher must be informed by the evening prior. The student then must make up the assessment within two school days of the scheduled test date. Only one extension per semester will be granted. If the assessment is not made up within the time allotted, students will receive a 10% grade deduction. Dear students and parents, Welcome to the 2016 - 2017 schoolyear. I am looking forwardto a fun, growing, challenging, and victorious year with youin Precalculus.If math is yourfavorite subject, I aim to equip you with tools to reach heights youcouldn’t dream of reaching before. If math is a subject you hate, fear, resent, and see as useless in your life,I aim to equip you withpowerful problem-solving and criticalthinking skills that you need no matter what your future holds. I am committed to yourwell-being. Whether youneed help with a homework problem, want to share frustrations about the factthat UCLA football only ever improves at a logarithmic rate, or have had a hard day and need someone to talk to, come to me. You may find me at bonus, via a phone call, or by sending an email at any time. With eager anticipation, Mr. Chang Student Name: _________________________________________________________ Period: _____________ Student Signature: ______________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________ Parents, please list your preferred means of communication and any other information you wouldlike me to know.