Textbook:  Larson, Hostetler.  Precalculus with Limits.  Houghton Mifflin.  2007. 

Class Description:  Precalculus will be the study of trigonometry during the first semester.  Here, we will learn about sine, cosine, and tangent functions and review the unit circle extensively as these topics will be necessary for Calculus.  This will be done at a fast pace, so please pay attention and do not fall behind.  During the second semester we will concentrate on Matrices to prepare for IB tests and start on Calculus concepts, such as Limits and Derivatives. 

Required Materials:

• 2 inch 3-ring binder
• Notebook dividers labeled as follows
  • Notes
  • Homework
  • Quizzes
  • Formulas
• Pencils, paper, and graph paper
• Graphing calculator. The AP exam allows use of the following:  TI-84, TI-89, TI nspire CAS.  I will use the TI-84 in the classroom.  Please refer to my teacher’s page on the Nogales Home Page for all AP approved calculators.  Please note that some AP approved calculators may not be approved for the SAT or IB.  I will post a document telling you which calculators are approved for which tests.  Some resources to buy calculators are EBay or sale places, such as Amazon.  I do not hold any responsibility for sellers on these sites who sell a bad product, I am only giving suggestions:  buy at your own risk. 

Discipline Expectations:

1. Respect all others in the classroom, including any adults and other students.
   1. This classroom is an encouraging environment. We are to bring each other “up” and not “down.”  Here, we will help each other understand. 
   2. Be open-minded.
2. Be on time when the bell rings. My classroom is located far from the A buildings, however, you have plenty of time to be in my classroom before the bell rings.  (I know, I came to this school and had to hurry across campus myself.)
3. Always bring materials to class.
4. No food or drink in the classroom.
5. Use of electronics, including cell phones, are not allowed during class time unless specified by the teacher for special lessons.
6. All work is to be your own. If you receive help be sure you understand exactly how the problem was solved.  There is to be NO CHEATING. 
7. All school rules apply.

Cheating consequences:

1. First violation of the year
   1. Zero on assignment
   2. Meeting with parent and sign a cheating policy form.
2. Second violation
   1. Zero on assignment
   2. Meeting with parent and assistant principal to sign a cheating policy form.
   3. Placement on a behavior contract, Saturday school and 200-word essay on cheating policy
3. Third violation
   1. Zero on assignment
   2. Referral
   3. Possible suspension

Other Consequences:

1. Warning/loss of participation points
   1. (If applicable, change of seats).
2. Conference with student.
3. Phone call home.
4. After school detention.
5. Parent conference.

ON THE THIRD CONSEQUENCE, A REFERRAL WILL BE SENT TO THE OFFICE.  I will choose three consequences as they fit the behavior. 

****At any time, if the behavior warrants it, students will receive a referral without previous steps taken.**** 

Grades:                                                                                                                         Grading Scale:

Participation*                    5%                                                                                     0-59.99%                            F

Homework/classwork     20%                                                                                  60-69.99%                          D

Quizzes and Tests             55%                                                                                  70-79.99%                          C

Final                                     20%                                                                                  80-89.99%                          B

                                                                                                                                       90%+                                   A

Each week every student starts with 10 participation points.  As the week progresses they can earn extra credit points by explaining problems to the classroom during warm-ups or by doing other helpful acts.  They can lose points by breaking any of the rules.  If a referral is given for any reason all points for that week will be taken away.  If a phone call home is necessary for negative behavior/reasons five points will be taken away for that week.

All work is due on due dates unless there is an excused absence.  Late work will be accepted up until a week after the due date, but only half the credit earned will be received.  For example, if an assignment is only 60% done and is late, then the student will receive half of 60% of the points.  If the work is completely done but late, then the student will receive 50% of the points.  If there is an issue for getting work in by the due date, please contact me and I will allow time accordingly.

Chapter 4 – Trigonometry                                                                   4 ½ Weeks

• Radian and Degree Measure
• Trigonometric Functions: The Unit Circle
• Right Triangle Trigonometry
• Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle
• Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions
• Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions
• Inverse Trigonometric Functions
• Applications and Model

Chapter 5 – Analytic Trigonometry                                                     4 ½ Weeks

• Using Fundamental Identities
• Verifying Trigonometric Identities
• Solving Trigonometric Equations
• Sum and Difference Formulas
• Multiple-Angle and Product-to-Sum Formulas

Chapter 6 – Additional Topics in Trigonometry                                  4 Weeks

• Law of Sines
• Law of Cosines
• Vectors in the Plane
• Vectors and Dot Products
• Trigonometric Form of a Complex Number

Chapter 12 – Limits and Introduction to Calculus                               2 Weeks

• Introduction to Limits
• Techniques for Evaluating Limits
• The Tangent Line Problem
• Limits at Infinity and Limits of Sequences
• The Area Problem

Final Exams                                                                                         ½ Week

End of 1st Semester                                                                              (18 Weeks)

Chapter 1 – Functions and Their Graphs                                            4 Weeks

• Functions
• Analyzing Graphs of Functions
• A Library of Parent Functions
• Piece-Wise Functions
• Transformations of Functions
• Combinations of Functions: Composite Functions
• Inverse Functions

Chapter 2 – Polynomial and Rational Functions                                              2 Weeks                       

• Quadratic Functions and Models
• Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree
• Zeros of Polynomial Functions

Chapter 3 – Exponential and Logarithmic Functions                           3 Weeks

• Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
• Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
• Properties of Logarithms
• Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
• Exponential and Logarithmic Models

Chapter 9 – Sequences, Series  and Probability                                    2 Weeks

• 9.1  Sequences and Series
• 9.3  Geometric Sequences and Series

Limits                                                                                                  3  weeks

• A Preview of Calculus
• Limits
• Evaluating Limits Analytically
• Continuity
• Infinite Limits

Riemann Sums/Introduction to area under a curve                              2 weeks

• Left Riemann Sum
• Right Riemann Sum
• Midpoint Riemann Sum
• Trapezoidal

Final Exams/State Testing                                                                    2 weeks

End of 2^nd Semester

*All dates subject to change as issue arise.  If you are absent, please see Edmodo for up-to-date pacing.