Clackamas High School
Precalculus/MTH 111
2014-2015
Instructor Contact Information
Name:
Mr. Drew Larson
Room #:
B-11 (East Campus)
Phone:
503-353-5810 ext. 37286
Email:
larsond@nclack.k12.or.us
Class Website:
Link through CHS website
ACC Website:
http://depts.clackamas.edu/acc
“Do all of the homework, that’s what
prepares you for the tests. Some extra
practice problems help too.”
2011-2012 student
Course Description/Objectives
 Credit: 1 for HS and 5 for CCC
 Prerequisite: Grade of A or B in Algebra II or teacher recommendation
This course bridges the gap between algebra and calculus. An analysis of piecewise, polynomial, rational,
exponential, logarithmic, power functions and their properties, including transformations and symmetry,
composition, inverse, regression, the binomial theorem and an introduction to sequences and series will
be studied. Trigonometric functions and their inverses, equations, and identities will also be studied.
Student should be prepared for rigorous development of certain areas, which will be conducted in the
manner of a college class. Students will have the opportunity to earn Math 111 (College Algebra) credit
through Clackamas Community College. Students will need to meet CCC guidelines to earn college credit.
(A fee is required for the college credit.) This course can be applied towards the Honors Diploma.
Required texts and Supplies
Text: Precalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities (Sullivan & Sullivan)
Graphing Calculator (TI-84+ suggested)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following. (This list is not
necessarily exhaustive.)
 Find and interpret average rate of change
 Evaluate and graph piecewise-defined, polynomial, rational, power, radical, exponential, and
logarithmic functions
 Find and interpret properties of piecewise-defined, polynomial, rational, power, radical, exponential,
and logarithmic functions
 Solve equations involving piecewise-defined, polynomial, rational, power, radical, exponential, and
logarithmic functions
 Solve applications involving piecewise-defined, polynomial, rational, power, radical, exponential, and
logarithmic functions
 Apply transformations to functions
 Use polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and power regression to model data
 Factor polynomial functions from a graphical perspective and write equations of polynomials given a
graph
 Solve polynomial and rational inequalities
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Find and interpret composition of functions
“Asking
Find and interpret inverse functions
questions
Understand notation and definitions of sequences and series
during HW
Use financial formulas to compute future value and present values of annuities
time makes
Compute a combination
a student
Apply the Binomial Theorem
successful.
Apply Pascal’s Triangle
Don’t waste
Define radian measure and describe the relationship between radians and degrees
HW time.”
Use radian measure to describe the length of an arc
-12-13
Introduction to trigonometric values for particular angles in a right triangle
student
Define sine and cosine functions based on the unit circle
Describe and transform sine and cosine graphs
Define tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent functions in terms of sine and cosine functions
Define the inverse trigonometric functions
Use inverse trigonometric functions to solve problems
“Don’t take this class
Verify Trigonometric identities
lightly. Be serious and
Use trigonometric identities to solve equations
don’t slack off.”
Introduce and use the laws of sines and cosines
-2011-2012 student
Model applications using trigonometry
Course Outline
1st semester

Algebra and Geometry Review (Appendicies #1 – 3, 5, 7, 9)

Graphs, Linear and Circular (Chapter 1)

Functions and Their Graphs (Chapter 2)

Polynomial, Rational Functions (Chapter 3)

Exponential & Logarithmic Functions (Chapter 4)
2nd semester

Sequences & Series
(Chapter 11)

Probability & Counting (Chapter 12)

Trigonometric Functions (Chapter 5)

Analytic Trigonometry (Chapter 6)
Approximate # of Weeks
1
2
4
3
4
2
2
5
5
Unit schedules will include a timeline for these topics, homework assignments, activities, and exam dates.
Unit schedules are handed out at the beginning of each unit. They can also be found online during each
unit.
Classroom Policies
It is the student's responsibility to obtain and complete any missed assignments due to an excused absence.
Check what you missed by asking the teacher, another student, seeing the website, or the posted
assignment sheet. Missed assignments due to unexcused absences will be considered late.
Because this class is a dual credit class, earning high school and college credit, you are held to student
conduct policies for the high school and Clackamas Community College. Please refer to the CHS Student
Handbook and the College Handbook (http://www.clackamas.edu/forms/).
Cheating in any form is unacceptable. The consequences that result from cheating will be dealt with on a
case-by-case basis. However, CHS policy requires that all incidences of cheating result in a referral
Grading Policies
Your class grade will be based on total points. Homework and quizzes will be worth approximately 20% of
your grade and tests approximately 80%. Extra Credit is not offered.
90% – 100%
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
0 – 59
A
B
C
D
F
“Don’t go into the test thinking
you can do everything on the test
Study to the point where you know
you can do everything on the
test.”
-2012-2013 student
Homework
Homework will be assigned every day. It is due at the beginning of class the following class day. Late work
will be accepted for partial credit. The score for your homework will be determined by effort, neatness,
completeness, and whether or not it is on time.
(Homework) Quizzes & Tests
Frequent quizzes provide valuable feedback to students, teachers, and parents. Each chapter will include
periodic short homework quizzes, each worth between 10-20 points. Tests will be given after each
chapter unit of study and will be worth between 50-100 points. If you are absent for a test or quiz you
will be given 2 class periods to make it up by setting up an appointment during your study hall or freeperiod. There will be NO opportunities to retake tests or quizzes.
Exams
Each chapter will include an end-of-the-chapter test. Students with unexcused absences on test days will
not be allowed to make up these tests. Students gone for the review day will be expected to take the test
as scheduled. Three final exams will be given throughout the year. A final exam will be given at the end of
Semester 1 covering chapters 1 – 4 and a final exam will be given at the end of Semester 2 covering
chapters 5 – 7. A final exam will also be given to determine MTH 111 credit for CCC. This final exam will be
given in March and will cover chapters 1 – 4, 11, and 12.
Academic Support
Helpful websites:
http://www.brightstorm.com/
“Do all of the review or you’re screwed.”
-2010-2011 student
http://khanacademy.org/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Understanding of Class Policies
I have read and understood the class policies and guidelines. I understand that I am responsible for
knowing and following them. I will work to the best of my ability, and I will complete work honestly. If I
have any problems or questions I will contact Mr. Larson to help resolve the problem.
__________________________________
(Student signature)
__________________
(date)
__________________________________
(Parent signature)
__________________
(date)
Parents:
I am excited about the coming school year and the potential for your son/daughter to grow as a math
student. My hope is to bring math alive for your students and to have a fun year together. Also, parents
will now have access to student grades through the Clackamas High School website. I will try my best to
update grades every 1-2 weeks. Also, all assignments will be listed on the CHS teacher pages. Please sign
below to show that you have also read the class policies. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail
me or write any comments/questions below.