ADVANCED ALGEBRA with APPLICATIONS
2013-2014
Mrs. Kathy Gordon
Course Overview:
Advanced Algebra with Applications will begin with a review of the functions encountered in
Algebra 2: Linear, Quadratic, Polynomial, Radical, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Rational. The course will add
Trigonometric Functions to conclude our first semester studies. In the second semester, the students will use the various
functions to solve real-world application problems involving business, economics, life sciences, social sciences and the
arts.
Teaching Resources:
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Algebra 2 by Ron Larson, Laurie Boswell, Timothy Kanold, and Lee Stiff; McDougal Littell Inc., 2004
Finite Mathematics by Raymond Barnett, Michael Ziegler and Karl Byleen; Prentice Hall, 2008
Content:
Semester One
Semester Two
Linear Equations and Graphs
Functions and Graphs
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Trigonometric Ratios and Functions
Trigonometric Graphs, Identities and Equations
Mathematics of Finance
Systems of Linear Equations: Matrices
Linear Inequalities and Linear Programming
Probability
Statistics
Course Expectations:
Students are expected to…
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be in class on time, seated in their seats, working on bell-work or correcting their homework
stay on task and work on Advanced Algebra with Applications material during class time
participate fully in class discussions and activities.
take notes over class content and discussion. Notes should be taken in the chapter workbook.
ask questions when they have difficulty with a concept.
do their own work. Students may work together on the more challenging homework questions, but copying
work is never acceptable. Any work (homework, quiz or test) suspected of copying will receive a “0” for a grade,
and the student will be reported to the high school administration.
Students can expect to…
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spend 30-45 minutes devoted to Advanced Algebra with Applications each night
take 1-2 quizzes and one test for most chapters
receive quizzes and tests back in a reasonable amount of time. Students will have an opportunity to review their
mistakes on quizzes and tests during class time, but quizzes and tests will not be sent home.
Assistance: If students require additional help outside of class time, please email me at
kathy.gordon@concordiashanghai.org to arrange a time.
Grading:
Chapter Tests ............................................................. 50%
Quizzes .......................................................................... 25%
Homework/Notebook/Participation................ 25%
Total (before semester exam) .....................................100%
Course Structure:
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The course will be partially “flipped”, meaning that part of the content will be delivered through
online mini-lessons, and part of the content will be delivered in class. In-class activities will build off
of the mini-lessons, so it is extremely important that students keep up with the pace of the course and
complete the evening work as assigned. The mini-lessons for each chapter will be available from the
first day of the chapter. Therefore, if a student knows s/he will be missing class, s/he may work
ahead to alleviate the impact of the absence.
Students should plan on 30 – 45 minutes of Advanced Algebra with Applications work every night.
This may include a combination of finishing practice problems not completed in class, and preparing
for the next class with the online mini-lesson. For the mini-lesson, students should take whatever
notes may be helpful to them and answer the online questions which follow the video. If there is
something in the video that a student does not understand, there will be a place to express that and
allow other students or the teacher to help the student with their difficulty.
Mini-lesson notes, in-class notes, and practice problems should all be completed in the chapter
workbook. Your chapter workbook will be your primary resource, so take notes wisely.
Homework grade: Calculated based on bell-work and completeness of chapter workbook. *Bell-work
problems will earn 2 points per problem (1 point for work shown, 1 point for correct answer). TIP:
All of the bell-work problems should be completed when the student enters the room and copied
with the corresponding work to a separate sheet of paper. It is in the student’s best interest to
complete assignments and make corrections on homework to help ensure high homework scores.
*Chapter workbook will earn one point for each lesson’s notes, 1 point for each homework completed
and corrected, and 2 points for completing the chapter review.
Other Assessments/Grades: *There will be 1-2 quizzes for each chapter to monitor student progress.
*Each chapter will conclude with a chapter test. A chapter review will be provided to give students
an idea of what the test will be like. *The semester exam in December is worth 20% of the student’s
1st semester grade and will cover first semester material. *The final exam in May is worth 20% of the
student’s 2nd semester grade and will cover material from the entire course.
Missing Work Policy: *If a student misses work due to an absence, they are allowed the number of
consecutive days absent + 1 to make up the work. Students will earn full credit if the bell-work
problems are turned in within the allowed time, half credit if they are turned in after the allowed
time but before the chapter test, and no credit if they are turned in after the chapter test. If the
absence is pre-planned, the student should have the Pre-Planned Absence Form filled out by teachers
BEFORE s/he leaves. (Aspen) *If work is missing because the homework was not completed on time
but the student was in class, the student may earn half credit if it is turned in the next class period.
After the next class, no credit can be earned. In all cases, IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO
FIND OUT WHAT THEY MISSED AND SUBMIT IT IN A TIMELY MANNER.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please feel free to contact me at
kathy.gordon@concordiashanghai.org .
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(detach this section to hand in to Mrs. Gordon)
Student’s Name (printed) _____________________________________________
Student’s Signature___________________________________________
Date ________________________
Parent’s Name (printed) ______________________________________________
Parent’s Signature ____________________________________________
Date ________________________