INTRODUCTION:
A. MESSAGE If you like the majority of students taking this course, you are doing so to prepare for a calculus course. Calculus was developed in the seventeenth century by Sir Isaac Newton in England and Gottfried in Germany. One of the outstanding developments in the history of science, calculus is the mathematics of change. Since everything around us is constantly changing, calculus is used in the solution of many commonplace problems in almost every discipline, Contrary to what you heard, calculus is not a difficult subject, provided you have prepared yourself by learning the needed algebra and trigonometry. This course provides you with all the background materials necessary for successful study of calculus.
I would like you think of precalculus as a challenging game- but not as a spectator sport. This wish leads to primary rule: Read the lecture notes with a pencil and paper handy to jot important facts.
Many students think that they will never understand precalculus while others appear to do well with little effort. Oftentimes, what makes a difference is that successful students take an active role in the learning process. Remember, to be successful, you must attend class regularly, read the lecture notes and the text book carefully; actively participate in class work, do your homework and solve some worked examples from your text book. By solving many problems, you will develop the necessary skills in algebra and trigonometry and your confidence will grow! school by emphasizing on definitions of new vocabularies the students will encounter. The course is detailed enough and simplified for any average student to understand. The course will challenge the students to real world applications of the use of math. The overall aim is to make the course interactive, inquiry-bound, and a convincing arguments for such correct answer. Students should be aware that having a correct answer without explaining how the answer is got does not show a complete knowledge. Though correct answers are good, but the process and explanation of how such answers are got are of paramount importance. The students will be exposed to the use of technology in solving math problems. In this regard, the students are advised to buy graphical calculators for their use. B OVERVIEW & AIM:
This is a primary course in advanced algebra. We will explore the concepts and application of sequences, equations and inequalities, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry and conics. Each new lecture will begin with definitions, principles and theorems. The illustrative materials and solved problems which follow will be selected not only to amplify the theory, but also to provide practice in the formulation and solution of problems. Constant solution of problems will force you to find out if you understand the materials or not, help you to identify the areas that further work needs to be done. We are going to use a lot of technology to increase your understanding of the basic principles. I believe on completion of this course you will be able to ü - use technology in solving math problems ü - thinking critically on how to solve complex problems ü - relate math to real world applications C The teaching strategies to be used include: Ø Direct Instructions- The teacher will introduce the lesson by testing for prior knowledge and how such knowledge will relate to topic to be covered. Ø Cooperative Learning Strategies Ø One-on-one Direct Instruction Instructional Objectives A. Major Topics and Concepts: by the close of the year, students will understand the following topics and concepts: Review of Algebra 1 Learning Outcomes · Integral Exponents · Arithmetic of Algebraic Expressions · Factoring · Fractional Expressions The appendix above reviews the fundamental algebraic facts that are used frequently in the book. Students must be able to handle these algebraic manipulations in order to succeed in this course and in calculus
Number patterns Learning Outcomes · Real Numbers, Relations and Functions · Mathematical Patterns · Arithmetic Sequences · Connections between lines and Arithmetic Sequences · Geometric Sequences
Equations and Inequalities Learning outcomes · Solving Quadratic Equations · Application of Equations to real life problems · Other types of Equations · Inequalities
Functions and Graphs Learning Outcomes · Functions · Graphs of Functions · Quadratic Functions · Graphs and Transformations · Operations on Functions · Inverse Functions
Polynomial and Rational Functions Learning outcomes · Polynomial Functions · Real Zeros · Graphs of Polynomial Functions · Rational Functions · Complex Numbers EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS Learning outcomes · Radicals and Rational Exponents · Exponential Functions · Application of Exponential Functions · Common and Natural Logarithmic Functions · Properties and Laws of Logarithms · Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Trigonometry Learning outcomes · Right Triangle Trigonometry · Trigonometric Applications · Angles and Radian Measure · Trigonometric Functions · Basic Trigonometric Identities.
Analytic Geometry Learning outcomes · Ellipses · Hyperbolas · Parabolas · Translations and Rotation of conics. Student/Parent Signature Sheet (to be returned to math teacher) I understand the learning objectives, expectations, damaged/lost book policy and other information included in this syllabus. Ø Students are expected to return their textbooks in good condition. If the student damages or loses the book, the parent/guardian is expected to pay for the damaged/lost book before a replacement book will be issued. Ø Parents/Guardians and students should sign the syllabus signature sheet. Students must return this signature sheet to their math teacher as soon as possible and attend school for 5 consecutive days in order to be issued a math book.
Real Equations) ü - Linear Functions(Graphing Relations and Functions, Analyzing Linear Equations, Solving Linear Inequalities, Solving systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities) ü - Polynomials and Nonlinear Functions (Polynomials, Factoring, Quadratic and Exponential Functions) ü - Radical and Rational Functions (Radical Expressions and Triangles, Rational Expressions and Equations) ü - Data Analysis (Statistics, Probability) B. Major Skills: By the close of the year, students will be able to: · Relate math to real world applications after solving open response questions in the book. · Develop skills in the use of technology especially the graphical calculators. · Since they work in groups, they will develop inter personal skills and civic responsibilities. · Interpret, explain and apply instructions to solve problems · Develop critical thinking skills which progresses from chapter to chapter C. Key Questions: list a sample open-ended, “key” question students will be able to answer by the end of the course: At the end of the course the students will be able to answer these open ended questions: · How confident are you now in math?. · Give a quick summary of the topics covered? · Give an example of how the topics covered helped you in understanding how math can be applied in real life?. · what major activites interested you most? · which math topics can you use graphical calculator to do?
Assessment Strategies and Grading PolicyDescribe how students will be assessed and how grades will be determined*: My assessment will be a formative and summative assessments which will be given the following weights
Student’s end of term grade will be determined as follows: The student end of term exam will be determined by the following weights:
Student’s final grade for the course will be determined as follows: The student final grade will be determined as follows: End of Term Exams 60% Final Exam 40% ****All students will maintain an assessment portfolio that contains all completed subject tasks, all exams, midyear written reflection paper, and other important assignments as determined by the teacher.
Expectations and Extra Help Schedule Students are expected to come to class prepared (notebooks, writing instruments, books, completed assignments) and ready to learn. It is the student’s responsibility to see teacher regarding missed assignments and exams. This must be done within three (3) days of returning to school. In addition: Ø Students must be punctual to all classes Ø Students must submit all homework, class work on the day they are due. No late submission. Consideration can only be given to students who are unavoidable absent. Ø Students should have good attendance. Ø Students are expected to participate in whole-class and small group activities. Ø Students are expected to develop and practice good study habits. |