2017-2018 Pre-Calculus Syllabus

Instructor: Cheryl Ruffin

Email: cruffin@dadeschools.net

PRE-REQUISITES: Algebra 1 credit, Geometry credit, Algebra 2 credit

INTRODUCTION: “To guess is cheap, to guess wrongly is expensive.”

Most of the important decisions in life involve incomplete information. Such decisions often
involve so many complicated factors that a complete analysis is not practical or even possible. We
are often forced into the position of making an educated guess based on limited information.
However, as the first proverb implies, a blind guess is not the best solution. Statistical methods
can help you make the best “educated guess”. And you have to be involved to understand how to
decide to make that “educated guess”. Therefore, in this rigorous, college level course you will
need to be actively engaged and involved in order to be successful.

PRIMARY TEXTBOOK:

Blitzer Pre-Calculus by Pearson, 2011/4th Edition (Starnes) – Student Edition

Online Access through MDCPS Student Portal/log-in Cost if lost: Approx.
$78.00.
Note: Various other supplementary materials, textbooks, and resources will be used throughout
the course as the instructor deems necessary.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a Honors course. The purpose of the Honors course in Pre-Calculus is to help students
acquire a solid foundation in Algebra and Trigonometry, preparing them for other courses such as
Calculus, Business Calculus, and Finite Mathematics. The aim is to show students how Algebra and
Trigonometry can model and solve authentic real-world problems. To enable students to develop
problem solving skills, while fostering critical thinking, within an interested setting. There are
twelve topics that will be covered throughout the year:

 Functions, Equations, and Graphs:

 Polynomial and Rational Functions:
 More on Polynomial and Rational Functions:
 Trigonometric Functions
 Right Triangle Trigonometry
 Circular Trigonometric Functions
 Analytic Trigonometry
 Additional Topics in Trigonometry
 Discrete Mathematics
 Conics and Analytic Geometry
  Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
 Introduction to Calculus
ATTENDANCE:

It is vital and imperative to your success in this course that you are in class everyday class
meets AND be in your seat on time! This will be an activity-based class. Activities will frequently
begin right at the starting time. The class will not be delayed by repeating instructions for those
who arrive late. Since a portion of your grade is determined by your involvement in classroom
activities, on-time arrival is essential.

GRADE CRITERIA: CATEGORIES

90% - 100% = A Home Learning/Classwork: 30% (1 grade each)
80% - 89% = B Test/Quiz: 60% - Quiz (2 grades) Tests (4 – 5 grades)
70% - 79% = C Project/Notebook Check – 10%
60% - 69% = D
59% & below = F

In general, the breakdown of the percentage weights of your grade will mostly come from tests,
quizzes, and major projects, and the remainder from daily work, class/team participation, reading
assignments, specified suggested assignment problems, Pre – AP practice questions, etc.

For ALL Assignments: I AM NOT A HANDWRITTING EXPERT!!!!!!! You MUST have your
Name Printed on your paper. I WILL NOT ACCEPT OR GRADE any paper without a name.
You WILL NOT be allowed to turn it in late or for a lower grade.

Daily Work [DW] and Class/Team Participation [CP]:

Many class days will be used for students to be working solo and together in class on class
examples, assignment problems, experiments, investigations, and projects (both individual and
team). Students are expected to participate daily.

Reading Assignments [RAs] and Suggested Assignment Problems [SAPs]:

Students are expected to read and take notes over the material in the textbook. These readings
assignments will be assessed in vocabulary and content quizzes. All the suggested assigned
problems are designed to help you in your course work. Outlines and daily notes should be kept in
your math binder.

Quizzes:

You will be given a minimum of ONE Quiz each week. Quizzes are normally 5 – 10 questions that
are taken from your notes or class/home learning assignments. Quizzes usually includes:
vocabulary, formulas, or methods for problem solving and are mostly in the form of True/False
questions, Always, Sometimes, or Never responses, or give the Definition of any vocabulary term.
The purpose of this type of quizzing is to get you to STUDY and RETAIN the information.

Tests

Tests will be given after each major unit of material covered or Chapter and contain both multiple
choice and free response questions. All tests will contain both current material as well as
information from previous chapters/units.

Projects

Projects may include research papers, model designs or special presentations. Some projects may
be assigned as team or group units as well as individual submissions. Specified rubrics for grading
will be given in advanced.

Bonus/Exempts Points

Exempts points are given as an incentive to increasing participation and to boost your overall 9
weeks grade. Exempts are usually questions from the lecture, homework or reading assignment
that are challenging and given to individuals, groups or the entire class. Whenever exempts are
offered, it must be an equal opportunity for the entire class present. Exempts are given during
class times so if you are tardy or absent of the day of an exemption, unfortunately you will NOT
be able to make it up. There is no penalty or partial credit for exempt questions with incorrect
answers. Exempts are bundled to replace a low homework or quiz grade. Tests and projects are
not subject to exempts. Two (2) exempts will replace one homework grade and four (4) will
replace a quiz. You are not allowed to transfer, trade or carry over exempts. You are limited to
four (4) exempts per week.

MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE: TECHNOLOGY

GRAPHING CALCULATORS
A graphing calculator is a NECESSITY for this course. A TI-84 is recommended, but a TI 83+
will work just fine. Although I have a class set of these graphing calculators to be used in class
only, you will need one at home for your homework. No computers, computer-notepads; including
TI-Nspire handheld devices, TI-92 Plus, Voyage 200 or any Bluetooth capability device.
Learning supplies are your responsibility. You WILL need these items daily throughout the entire
school year for this class. I have very limited access to these supplies in my classroom.

Math Binder or Composition

1. booklet 6. Large Eraser
2. Notebook Paper 7. Protractor [see through]
3. Graph Paper 8. Ruler[with English and Metric Units]
4. Pencils 9. Graphing Calculator
5. Colored Pencils 10. Student File Folder [remains in class]