Purpose of the Course

The purpose of the PreCalculus Curriculum  is to increase student awareness of the importance of mathematics in the modern world. The students will become more confident of their ability of work with advanced mathematical concepts and relationships. They will learn how to think systematically and use the precise logic required for advanced mathematical problem solving. Students will become proficient in solving problems involving linear relations and functions, theory of equations, vectors, circular functions, trigonometric functions, and analytical geometry. Successful completion of this course will leave the student well prepared for the study of calculus and college mathematics courses required in the engineering and science programs.

This course consists of 36 weeks of study (18 weeks per semester) in which the students will be exposed to the above concepts in various ways. We will discuss the concepts in detail during class discussions. Classroom Powerpoint presentations will be used to reinforce concepts. Many sample problems will be presented on overhead transparencies. I will lead the students step-by-step through various thinking and problem solving strategies required to solve many kinds of problems. Students will be given ample opportunity to practice solving problems through in-class assignments as well as through homework assignments. Students will keep folders of class notes and assignments.

Each student will be evaluated on the basis of performance in each of the following areas (Percentages are approximate and may vary):

Tests/Exams/Quizzes (65%)
Written Assignments (~26%)
Class notes (~9%)

1. Respect and be polite to all people. (Listen carefully. Do not interrupt the teacher or other students. Do not use the names of "God" or "Jesus" as bywords. Rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated.)
2. Respect the property of others. (Put litter in trashcan. Return borrowed items. Do not write on desks, walls, etc.)
3. Bring all needed materials to class every day (pencil, paper, text, assignments).
4. Use the restroom before coming to class. "Emergency" restroom passes may be given for special conditions (e.g., urinary tract infections, pregnancy, etc.--bring a note from home).
5. Obey all school and district wide rules (e.g., dress codes; absentee and tardy policy; no food, drink, or gum in the classroom; stand in respect of adult visitors; etc.)
6. Exercise self control at all times. (Crude and offensive language will not be tolerated. Keep hands and feet to yourself. No items (e.g. pencils, paperwads, etc.) are to be thrown or tossed inside the classroom. Tone and volume of voice will be controlled at all times.)

Before Entering the Classroom:

• Use the restroom.
• Make sure you have text, paper, pencil, completed assignments.

When You First Enter the Classroom:

• Sharpen pencil before tardy bell.
• Be seated in your assigned seat.
• Have assignment ready to turn in (with name, date, period, page number, problem numbers, and assignment number [circled], at top of page).
• Begin "warm up" problems as part of the next assignment.

When I Raise My Hand:

• Freeze! (Stop immediately whatever you are doing or saying.)
• Look at me.
• Wait for further instructions.

Late Work:

• Late work is accepted for half (50%) credit (except for full credit after an excused absence).

When the Bell Rings to End the Period:

• Stay in your seat.
• Pick up all books, papers, folder, trash, etc.
• Leave only when I dismiss you (normally at the bell).

By the end of the year Mr. Hall will have:

• Presented information related to the above topics;
• Responded to your questions by answering them and/or referring to additional sources for further study;
• Given guidance in course related areas; and
• Given feedback as to your performance on graded areas.

By the end of the year you will have:

• Demonstrated increased knowledge and awareness of advanced mathematical concepts;
• Demonstrated increased knowledge of the Theory of Equations;
• Learned to graph equations and identify equations from graphs;
• Learned to solve problems using information obtained from graphs;
• Learned to use trigonometric identities to solve every day problems;
• Demonstrated an understanding of inequalities and linear programming;
• Demonstrated readiness for successful study of calculus and more advanced college mathematics courses;
• Demonstrated a proper class attitude;
• Completed all assigned class projects;
• Evaluated the class and what it meant to you.

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.
2. ALWAYS copy the problem 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 on the overhead.
5. Make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you don't, ask me to please 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 all odd numbered 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. Before each test, try to work some of each type problem that is being covered. Be able to do them WITHOUT a model. There will be no model on the test!
9. Keep an excellent folder.
10. Come to after school tutorials if you find an assignment especially difficult. If you are having problems, TELL ME ABOUT IT!
11. 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!
12. 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!

We have read and understand the 5-page syllabus and course outline and will feel free to discuss any problems or questions directly with Mr. Hall.

Print Student’s Name: _____________________________________________________

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(Student Signature)                                     (Parent Signature)

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(Subject)                                         (Period)                            (Date)