Grant HS
Syllabi
HONORS
PRECALCULUS
Mr. Jeff Durlak
847-587-2561 x3725
jdurlak@grantbulldogs.org
CONTACT INFORMATION: I am available in room 153 before school at 7:10am most days. I am
also available during 2nd period and 11th period all year long (in the Math Lab 11th period Semester
1). Other days and times are available by appointment. Please come with your materials, attempted
work, and specific questions.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Honors Precalculus is a mathematics course that bridges the gap from advanced algebra to calculus.
The course will reinforce and enhance algebra skills while exploring polynomial, exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. As with all mathematics courses, precalculus will improve
problem-solving, critical-thinking, and reasoning skills, all vital skills for calculus.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
 Larson, Hostetler, Edwards. Precalculus With Limits: A Graphing Approach, 4th Ed. (Houghton
Mifflin, 2005)
 Graphing Calculator…TI-83 Plus or better
 Pencil for quizzes and test
 Folder for handouts and notes
 Notebook
LEARNER OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, I will. . .
…understand the relationship between graphs and functions with respect to domain
…apply knowledge of functions to various real-life scenarios
…be able to find zeroes for a function and understand their significance
…be able to explain the relationship between all trigonometric functions
…understand the graphical effect of changing values within a function
…understand vectors and their uses in a multitude of vector operations
…know how matrices can be used to simplify and solve systems of equations
…understand the difference between arithmetic and geometric sequences
…know how to use algebra to approximate the slopes of tangent lines and limits at infinity
…understand what limits are and use them to determine derivatives of functions
GRADE CATEGORIES
Tests
55%
Quizzes
30%
Homework 15%
Your semester grade will be calculated as follows:
80% Cumulative grade
20% Final Exam grade
GRADING SCALE
A
90% - 100%
B
80% - 89%
C
70% - 79%
D
60% - 69%
F
59% and below
REQUEST FOR ABSENT WORK
If you are absent from class, you must contact your teacher via the e-mail address at the top of the
syllabus to obtain the materials and assignments during your absence.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
All students deserve a healthy learning environment and evaluations that are based on their honest
independent efforts. A clear sense of academic honesty and responsibility is fundamental to good
scholarship and learning. You are encouraged to form study groups and to problem solve together. The
normal expectation is that the work on quizzes and exams is your own and that homework, while
discussed with other students, is of your own creation. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please
refer to your student handbook for the academic dishonesty policy.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
In addition to all Grant High School rules outlined in the Student Handbook, students are expected to:
G – Get to class on time and prepared.
R – Respect yourself and others.
A – Actively participate.
N – Never give less than your best.
T – Take responsibility.
OTHER
This course is an honors course, so it will be rigorous and intense. If you are not prepared to put forth
your full effort for this class, please contact your teacher immediately.
Additional Help
Math lab is now open during the school day from 1st-11th period in Room 164. Math lab is also open after
school in Room 164 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15pm-4:05pm and before school on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 7:00am-7:35am. There is an activity bus available Mondays through Thursdays at
4:10pm.
Further specific course information is available on the Addendum for this class.