PRECALCULUS
Course: 1202340
Instructor: April Cruz
Room: 226
Phone: 239-369-2932 ext. 1226
Email: aprildc@leeschools.net
URL: www.deriverswanted.com
Calculus is the crowning achievement of 17th century mathematics. It is the branch of mathematics used to
describe motion, and it has a multitude of applications in mathematics, the physical sciences, engineering, and the
social and biological sciences. Precalculus provides the mathematical background needed for calculus. This
course will reinforce and broaden concepts taught in Algebra II, and introduce new concepts, in preparation for
calculus. Concepts are presented and explored from algebraic, graphical, and numerical perspectives. Topics
covered will include functions (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonomic), trigonometry,
analytic geometry, and introductory calculus.
Text: Glencoe/McGraw Hill, Glencoe Florida Pre-Calculus, Cuevas, 2011.
Course Content
∞ structure and properties of the complex number system
∞ polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions
∞ trigonometric functions and their inverses
∞ trigonometric identities and equations
∞ vectors, parametric equations, and polar equations
∞ discrete mathematics
∞ sequences and series
∞ concept of limits
∞ introduction to calculus
Teaching Strategies
∞ Lessons are designed using around the acronym, TAPS, where students will experience instruction via the
total group, working alone, working in pairs, and working in small groups
∞ Differentiated strategies are utilized for mastery learning.
∞ Each lesson begins with a brief quiz over the previous night’s homework.
∞ Homework assignments include a variety of tasks. Problems from the textbook are expected to be
completed daily, as well as frequent postings onto our class wikispace.
∞ Major projects require research and written solutions and explanations, allowing students to show deeper
understanding using alternative assessments.
∞ The midterm and final exams are cumulative.
Student Evaluation
Summative Items (50%)
∞ Consists of unit tests, cumulative exams, and comprehensive projects.
∞ Students must be thorough with all work and explanations in order to receive full credit.
∞ Summative assessments are announced in advance.
Formative Items (50%)
∞ Consists of homework, class-work, quizzes, and portfolio work
∞ Homework is graded for completion. Class work and quizzes are graded for accuracy.
∞
∞
No credit will be given for problems that do not show all explanations and calculations necessary to
determine an answer.
Portfolios contain various items, including graded assignments, test prep examples, and writing activities.
Grading Scale
A
90 – 100
B
80 – 89
C
70 – 79
D
60 – 69
F
0 – 59
Attendance in an advanced course of this nature is vitally important. In the event of an absence, it is expected
that you make-up the missed work. Check the class website and blog any day you are absent.
Technology
Classroom demonstrations are presented using either a TI-84 Plus or TI-Nspire Calculator. Students in the course
should own a graphing calculator. A class set is available for use at school only. In addition, students should use
the internet frequently for this course. If a student does not have access to the internet at home, arrangements
can be made with the instructor or media specialist.
Materials
3-ring binder with dividers to keep notes, quizzes, etc.
Graphing calculator (TI-84+ or TI-Nspire, preferably)
Graph paper
Colored pencils (to make corrections with)
Keys to Success:
1. Do all the assignments yourself. Getting help from me, your parents, or another student is fine, but NEVER
just copy someone else's work. You learn by practicing and fixing mistakes along the way.
2. ALWAYS copy the problem & formula needed before working it. (Exception: word problems.)
3. ALWAYS show your work. Turning in a list of answers is not acceptable and a waste of your time.
(Exception: problems meant to be done mentally--I'll let you know.)
4. WRITE DOWN everything I do.
5. Make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you don't, please ask me to go over it again.
6. Make sure you are able to do assignment problems WITHOUT looking at a "model" or "sample" problem.
You may need a model for the first few problems, but try to get beyond the need for it quickly. (This is a
critical step for doing well on tests.)
7. Check homework problems with the answers in the back of the book AFTER you have completed the
problem on your own. If you missed it, figure out why you missed it.
8. Attend after-school tutoring, seek online help, and create peer study groups. Most importantly, if you are
having problems, TELL ME ABOUT IT!
9. Learn to PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAILS. In mathematics you must learn to pay attention to
every letter, every minus sign, every parenthesis, etc. Many students lose lots of points because of
carelessness and inattention to detail!
10. Do not be misled by students around you who may be making poor choices. I have sadly watched students
fail math classes simply because they chose to follow the wrong example. Decide your own fate!