PRECALCULUS SYLLABUS
2008-2009
Instructor: Donna DeMoss
ddemoss@sayreschool.org
Supplies: pencils, textbook, red pen to correct homework, calculator, notebook
(used exclusively for Precalculus), loose-leaf paper, 5 dividers, graph paper,
computer
Text: Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus (third edition); John
Wiley & Sons (2007)
Math Help: A, B, C, and H periods. Please check with teacher ahead of time to
schedule.
Honor Pledge: “I hereby pledge my honor that I have neither given nor received
any unauthorized aid on this work.”
Course Description:
This course bridges the Algebra II and Honors Precalculus curriculum by combining
an in-depth study of Algebra II topics with those of an introductory Precalculus
course. The course is intended to provide the necessary background for continued
study in mathematics at the Precalculus and/or college algebra level as well as
further prepare students for the mathematics section of college entrance exams.
Graphing calculator technology is integrated throughout the course as problems
are presented both algebraically and graphically. Topics covered include linear
relations and functions, matrices, graphical analysis, trigonometric functions and
their graphs and inverses, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions,
sequences and series.
Classroom Rules:
1. Students are expected to be on time to class, prepared for class. Have your homework
ready to correct.
2. Students are expected to uphold the honor code and to pledge every quiz, test, math
lab or other assignment which you are asked to pledge. Daily homework does not
need to be pledged.
3. Treat your teacher, fellow students, and school property with respect. Do not talk
during teacher instruction time. There is to be no food or drink (except bottled water)
in the classroom.
4. Class time is to be used for Precalculus only. No other subjects are to be studied during this class.
Students are expected to participate in class lessons by asking and/or answering questions, by
putting problems on the board, by working productively in groups, by taking notes, and by working
productively during study time.
5. Computers will be closed during the time in which notes are taken and during checking of
homework.
Grading Procedure:
Each nine-week term grade will be based on a point system. Points will be given for tests, quizzes, homework,
graded worksheets, notebook, participation, projects and labs. Each student will earn a number of points out
of the total possible. The school scale will be used to determine the grade. Each term may have a different
number of points possible.
Tests: There will be two tests per nine weeks which are worth 100 points each. Tests are announced well in
advance and material is reviewed before tests. Tests will sometimes be divided into calculator and noncalculator parts.
Quizzes: Quizzes are worth 30 points each and are announced in advance. Graded worksheets (take home
quizzes) will be graded for correctness and will be worth 30 points.
Participation: Each term will include a participation grade based on preparedness for class and productive use
of the entire class period.
Homework: Most assignments will be checked for completeness and are worth 5 points. Work must be shown
to receive credit for homework. Precalculus homework must be done in pencil and corrected in red pen.
Notebooks: Each student should have a three-ring 1 or 1 ½ inch notebook, divided into 5 sections. Notebooks
are to be brought to class each day. The five sections are: notes, homework, worksheets/labs, tests/
corrections and quizzes. There will be at least one notebook grade given per term. Notebook checks may
take place any day, possibly without being announced in advance.
Late work:
Homework will not be accepted late. However, each nine weeks you will receive 1 late-homework passes which
allows you to turn in homework one day late for full credit. Homework passes may only be used on 5-point
homework assignments.
Tips for success:
1. Learning Precalculus is a step-by-step process. Always keep up with and complete
your assignments because you must understand each topic in order to learn the next.
2. When you are working problems for homework, show every step in your solution.
If you make an error, it will be easier for you or your teacher to find it.
3. There are four parts to each homework assignment: (1) work all the problems, (2)
check the odd answers that are provided in the back of the book, (3) rework the odd
problems that you missed, (4) mark the problems that you cannot get to work and ask
to see those problems the next day.
4. Review your tests carefully, making sure you understand where and how you made
errors. Ask Ms. DeMoss for help in understanding your errors.
5. If you are absent, be sure to copy someone’s notes or check Ms. DeMoss’ web page.