PRECALCULUS - BENTLEY SCHOOL - COURSE SYLLABUS 2008-2009

 

Teacher: Fred Kral, Ph.D.

Telephone: 510-843-2512 x3261

Email Address (preferred for communication): fkral 

Homework and more information: teach.kralsite.com or usual Bentley faculty page for F. Kral 

Contact information: please see the contact web page or my desk in Room S1

 

Course Description

 

Precalculus is a college preparatory course that gives the student the prerequisite knowledge needed for the study of calculus and other college mathematics courses.  This course extends the concepts learned in Geometry and in Algebra II, with an emphasis on functions, graphs, and trigonometry.  Students will gain experience in presenting several different solutions to problems in the areas of advanced algebra, trigonometry, mathematical analysis, analytic geometry, and elementary calculus.

 

Required Text and Supplemental Materials

• Connally, Eric, Deborah Hughes-Hallett, Andrew M. Gleason et al., Functions Modeling Change, 2nd Edition, Hoboken, NJ:  Wiley, 2003.  ISBN: 0-471-47429-0 (hardcover).  Note: We are not using the latest edition.  As long as you choose a textbook in the 2nd edition, you may choose any other ISBN such as 0471-26619-1 (hardcover) or 0-471-45653-5 (paperback).
• Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 Graphing Calculator (Plus and Silver Editions are OK).
• Organizer of paper: holes punched and not; pencils (mechanical suggested); cover for textbook.

 

Course Outline

 

Chapter 1	Functions, Lines and Change
Chapter 2	Functions, Quadratics and Concavity
Chapter 3	Exponential Functions
Chapter 4	Logarithmic Functions
Chapter 6	Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 7	Trigonometry
Chapter 8	Compositions, Inverses and Combinations of Functions
Chapter 9	Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 10	Vectors
Chapter 12	Parametric Equations and Conic Sections

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND STRATEGIES

• Mini-Lectures:  The teacher shows students basic theory and works through example exercises.  This is when students hear the language of mathematics and begin to learn the necessary definitions, formulas, demonstrations and proofs.  Students get a chance to take notes and to ask questions about the material.
• Discussions:  Discussions involve students teaching each other, guided by questions from the teacher. In class, students and the teacher go over how to solve examples and already assigned homework exercises.  Students are expected to lead the class in how to solve problems assigned for homework.  Students learn by example how to think on their feet and how to perform structured problem solving.
• Investigations:  Similar to laboratories, these are in-class activities that students use to investigate a problem in depth, often using the calculator with physical measurements or other real-world data.  These provide "hands on" experience.
• Practice During Class: Students work on questions that prepare them for homework and quizzes.
• Homework-in-Class:  Students are often given time to work on homework assignments during class, for limited periods of time before the assignment is due.
• Homework:  Students are given regular homework assignments that involve skill building and problem solving.
• Examination Review Problems:  Students usually receive some representative problems before each examination.
• Study Groups:  Students are encouraged to work with others in study groups outside class, as long as all students in the group contribute.
• Tutoring:  Some students receive tutoring outside class.  Please contact the school administration for how to take advantage of school-sponsored tutoring.

 

ASSESSMENT METHODS AND/OR TOOLS

 

The three main categories of assessment are quizzes, tests and exams.  Assessment is designed to take into account that different students have different strengths and learning styles.  It is possible for students to earn a satisfactory grade even if they don't test well.

 

Assessment Type

Homework: timely completion of homework assignments.  Assessed formally and informally.

In-Class Work: positive energy and interest level, relative to individual capability, during in-class work:  includes discussion, working on investigations, homework-in-class, and practice during class.  Assessed informally.

Quizzes: written and graphical solutions of problems similar to homework problems.

Mid-trimester Tests: written and graphical solutions of problems from recent material.

End-trimester Examinations: written and graphical solutions of problems from the whole trimester (comprehensive).

Investigations: quality and correctness of written and graphical results.

 

COURSE RULES 

 

Each student is expected to abide by the Bentley rules in the Student Handbook.  In addition you may not re-take quizzes, tests or exams for credit and there is no extra credit.  Issues with Safety, Materials, Instructions or Learning, lead to Expulsion from the classroom so that others may feel safe, learn and SMILE again.  You may work with other students as long as you share the work.  It is wise to put the name of each contributing student on an assignment to avoid issues with plagiarism.  I encourage student study groups.

 

Stick with it, keep trying, and ask for help.  I look forward to a fun adventure together!

 

Please see the website for other information including assignments.