Syllabus

PreCalculus Syllabus 2022-2023


Linda Wenndt

lwenndt@asfaschool.org

Google Voice for text messages: 205-774-1311

Note: I will not be using google classroom this year. I will be sending out a weekly email with links to material, news, and deadlines. Make sure I have your email address!


Description:

PreCalculus, as the name implies, prepares you to take Calculus at the college level. This may be through the rigorous AP Calculus AB course offered at ASFA or a college course. It is an advanced math course that will be challenging. Topics include:


Semester 1

Ch 1-Functions, Graphs, Inverse Functions, Transformation of Functions

Ch 2-Complex numbers, polynomial division, graphs of polynomials

Ch 3-Exponential Functions, log functions, growth and decay

Ch 4-Trig Functions and their graphs, inverse trig functions

Ch 5-Trig Identities


Semester 2

Ch 6-Law of Sines, Cosines, Polar Functions, Vectors

Ch 7-Systems of equations in 2 and 3 variables, Systems of Inequalities

Ch 8-Matrices and Determinants

Ch 9-Conic Sections and Analytical Geometry

Ch 10-Sequences and Probability

Ch 11-Intro to Calculus (Limits and Derivatives)


Textbook: A digital copy of Precalculus by Robert Blitzer, 5th edition will be provided.


Supplies:

3 ring binder-about 1 inch to 1.5 inches

Folder-this will be used to store old information that we will clean out of our binders so we aren’t carrying so much

Numworks Calculator app installed on your phone or computer. I will provide this graphing calculator for tests, but students will need one for homework.

Pencils We will make mistakes. Please use a pencil.

BIG eraser You will need it.

Expo Marker for personal use. We often work problems on our desks.

Highlighters or Colored Pencils These will be used in notetaking/reviewing.


I will provide:

graph paper, rulers, protractor, compass, scissors, glue, lined paper, markers and colored pencils from previous classes


I also provide:

My student area contains things that students typically ask me for. This includes bandaids, deodorant, pads, tampons, tide stick, sewing kit, superglue, safety pins and more. I typically have animal crackers or fruit loops as well for students that need a snack. If you would like to contribute to animal crackers or fruit loops, I would love it as this is the thing I buy every week!!


Absences: If you are absent, you should make up the time outside of class. All assignments will be due within 3 days of your return except in the case of prolonged excused absences.


XTRA Help: You must arrange a time during homeroom or before school in advance of coming. Homeroom is also my time to eat lunch, so drop ins are discouraged. There will be lots of time in class for 1 on 1.


Expectations:

  1. You must come ready to work. Please have your homework done, materials with you, and know the plan for the day.

  2. All assignments outside of class are due when class begins. After the tardy bell rings, assignments are late and may only receive the 50% credit.

  3. A list will be emailed weekly for assignments. Please use this checklist as you work.

  4. All problems must be attempted and work must be shown to receive full credit. NO WORK=NO CREDIT. In math, the process is just as important as the ”answer”.

  5. Group assignments require work from every member of the group.

  6. Your work should be yours alone. This does not mean you can’t ask for help. It means you should not turn in work copied from another student. This is called plagiarism. You are expected to maintain Academic Integrity.


Grades:

Major Assessments (Knowledge) 60%

(Tests, Quizzes, Projects)

Daily Assignments (Perspiration/Work) 40%

(Edpuzzles, Khan Academy, Chapter Reviews, Classwork, Group Work)


Daily Assignments that are not completed before class starts will be accepted with a 50% late penalty until the Chapter Test date. On this day, the assignment will be “locked in” and worth 0%.


Final Notes:


This is an advanced math class. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. YOU must work to achieve!


Remember our first test on the Prerequisite Chapter is on Thursday, August 11. It will contain 2-3 questions per section from the assigned prerequisite material.