Course Description:

This is a course of intense study of high-level topics in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and the very beginnings of calculus. The objective is that upon completion of this course, students will find themselves fully prepared to tackle college-level Calculus I, typically taken in the first semester of freshman year.

Topics Covered:

We will expand upon previous understandings of rational functions and related theories, trigonometric functions and modeling, abstract geometric concepts, and their application in practical fields. The course will end with an investigation into limits and preliminary topics in calculus.

Homework Policy:

Without putting in some time outside of the classroom, you may find this course challenging. Homework will be assigned a few times a week, typically consisting of one to five problems. One to two assignments per week will be collected and graded.

Your possible grades are:

5 points:  Fully Correct with supporting work shown

3 points: Partially correct with supporting work shown

1 point:   Correct but with no work shown or completely incorrect

0 points:  Not submitted

Grading Policy:

Your marking period grade will be determined by the percentage of the points that you have earned during the 10 weeks.

Quizzes:                        40 points

Chapter Exams:              80 points

Homeworks:                   5 points

Preparedness:                10 points total

Midterm:                       5% of yearly average

Final Exam:                    5% of yearly average

A typical marking period will consist of 2 chapter tests, 3-4 quizzes and 8-10 homeworks, as well as your maximum of 10 preparedness points

Course Description:

AP Precalculus is designed to be the equivalent of a first semester college precalculus course. AP Precalculus provides students with an understanding of the concepts of college algebra, trigonometry, and additional topics that prepare students for further college-level mathematics courses. This course explores a variety of function types and their applications—polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, polar, parametric, vector-valued, implicitly defined, and linear transformation functions using matrices.

Topics Covered:

The course content is organized into units of study, which have been arranged in the following suggested, logical sequence:

• Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions
• Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
• Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices

Units 1, 2, and 3 topics comprise the content and conceptual understandings that colleges and universities typically expect students to be proficient in in order to qualify for college credit and/or placement. Therefore, these topics are included on the AP Exam. Unit 4 consists of topics that teachers may include based on state or local requirements.

Homework Policy:

Without putting in time outside of the classroom, you will find this course challenging. Homework will be assigned daily. Two to three assignments per week will be collected.

Your possible grades are:

2 points:Fully completed with supporting work shown

1 point: More than half completed with supporting work shown

or if late         

0 points:  Less than half completed or not submitted

* Note: A list of answers with NO WORK provided will also receive 0 points

Grading Policy:

Your grade will be determined by the percentage of the points earned every marking period.

Mini-Quizzes:          20 points

Quizzes:                 40 points

Chapter Exams:      60 points

Homeworks:            2 points each

          Participation:           10 points total

          Midterm:                5% of yearly average

       Final Exam:             5% of yearly average

A typical marking period may consist of 3-4 mini-quizzes, 2-3 quizzes, one quarterly exam, your maximum of 10 preparedness points and 2-4 homework assignments being graded weekly. This is always subject to change due to field trips, random assemblies, snow days etc. There will be no retakes or corrections. Depending on the number of mini-quizzes for the marking period, there may be an opportunity to drop a mini-quiz grade.