This course is offered to qualified high-school juniors and seniors concurrently through Braham Area High School and Southwest Minnesota State University. Students in this class must be committed to performing at a high level of work every day, and each student and parent/guardian must read and sign a course contract detailing the course benefits and requirements.
Math 135 Precalculus (5 credits) – College Now Syllabus
SMSU Course Title: PreCalculus
SMSU Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joseph VanWie
High School: Braham Area High School
High School Teacher: Beth Stone, [email protected], 320-396-5243
Year-long Course 2019-20
Textbook: Larson, Ron, Precalculus, 8th edition. Cengage (2011).
Course Description
A detailed study of the mathematics needed for calculus. Concepts are presented and explored from symbolic, graphical, and numerical perspectives. Basic concepts covered include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, complex numbers, linear systems, numerical patterns, sequences and series. The required preparation is MATH 110 or three years of high school mathematics, including two years of algebra. College Now students who earn a final grade of C or higher will receive 5 college credits from SMSU.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course students will:
- Be able to set up and solve algebraic, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric equations.
- Be able to graph algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and interpret said graphs.
- Be able to prove algebraic and trigonometric identities and read said proofs.
- Be able to solve linear and nonlinear systems.
- Be able to read, understand and work with sequences and series.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal 04 - Mathematical/Logical Reasoning:
- Illustrate historical and contemporary applications of mathematical/logical systems.
- Clearly express mathematical/logical ideas in writing.
- Explain what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument (proof).
- Apply higher-order problem solving and/or modeling strategies.
Prerequisites:
In order to be ready for the content of this course, students should have previously covered the following topics.
- Real Numbers
- Exponents and Radicals
- Polynomials and Factoring
- Rational Expressions
- Coordinate Systems
Students must have three years of high school mathematics, including successful completion of Algebra 2; students must have a GPA of at least 3.0; seniors must rank in the top one-half of their class; juniors must rank in the top one-third of their class.
Major Content Areas:
- Equations and Inequalities
- Linear Equations, Graphs, and Applications
- Quadratic Equations and Applications
- Complex Numbers
- Other Types of Equations
- Inequalities
- Functions and Graphs
- Functions
- Graphs of Functions
- Parent Functions
- Transformation of Functions
- Composite and Inverse Functions
- Polynomial Functions
- Quadratic Functions
- Higher Order Polynomial Functions
- Division of Polynomials
- Zeros of Polynomials
- Applications
- Rational Functions
- Rational Functions and Asymptotes
- Graphs of Rational Functions
- Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Exponential Functions and Graphs
- Logarithmic Functions and Graphs
- Properties of Logarithms
- Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications
- Trigonometry
- Degree and Radian Measures
- Definitions of the Trigonometric Functions
- Standard Trigonometric Identities (Recognition, Use, and Proof)
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Law of Sines
- Law of Cosines
- Heron’s Area Formula
- Applications of Trigonometry to Real-Life Problems
- Systems of Equations and Matrices
- Linear and Nonlinear Systems of Equations
- Two Variable Linear Systems
- Multivariable Linear Systems
- Applications of Systems to Real-Life Problems
- Sequences and Series
- Sequence and Series Notation
- Factorials
- Summations
- Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
- Infinite Sums
- Additional Topics if Time Permits
- Matrices
- Solving Linear Systems using Matrices
- Elementary Matrix Row Operations
- Gaussian and Gauss-Jordan Elimination
- Determinants and Cramer’s Rule
- Inverses of Matrices
- Vectors
- Polar Coordinates
- Conic Sections
Tentative Course Schedule:
Semester 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 (College Algebra topics)
Semester 2: Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 9 (Trigonometry, Sequences and Series)
Important Dates:
April 14, 2020: Last day to drop course with a “W” (withdrawal)
May 18, 2020: Final exam week
Exams: In-class exams will be given every 3-5 weeks, along with one final exam. The final exam is cumulative, covering all material from the year-long course, and will be given during the two class periods during the week of graduation. Retaking exams is not an option for students taking the course for college credit. Students taking the course for high school credit may retake exams per the Math Department’s test retake policy.
Quizzes: A short announced or unannounced quiz is possible on any non-test day.
Quiz and Exam Policies:
During exams students may not consult books, notes, another student’s paper, or any person except the instructor. Doing so constitutes academic dishonesty and will be treated as such.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to take the exams when scheduled. If a student has a legitimate, verifiable excuse, he or she should make arrangements before the exam (if known) or within 24 hours after the exam (if not possible before). No make-up exams in order to improve a score will be offered for College Now students. College Now students may not make up missed quizzes unless they give advance notice of a planned and excused absence; missed quizzes earn a score of zero. Daily class attendance is strongly recommended. If you know you will be absent, make arrangements with your teacher in advance to get your assignment(s).
Homework:
Students are responsible for the assigned problems at the end of the sections. Doing the homework will help students learn the material and prepare for quiz and test questions. Showing and explaining work on all problems will help prepare for solving more difficult problems later in the year and will maximize credit on homework, quizzes, and exams. Homework questions are discussed at the beginning of the next class. The instructor is also available to answer questions during specified times outside of class.
Grades: Final grades for College Now students will be based on the following percentages.
Assessment Percentage of Grade
Homework, attendance, and participation ≤15%
Quizzes, tests, and final exam ≥85%
Grades for students taking the course for high school credit only: 75% quizzes/tests/final and 25% homework and participation
Grading Scale:
A 93% - 100%
A- 90% - 92%
B+ 87% - 89%
B 83% - 86%
B- 80% - 82%
C+ 77% - 79%
C 73% - 76%
C- 70% - 72%
D+ 67% - 69%
D 63% - 66%
D- 60% - 62%
F below 60%
Course Policies:
- Students will follow all rules and procedures as posted and/or stated by the teacher, and they are subject to consequences as stated in the BAHS Student Handbook.
- Assignments will earn credit according to the Braham Area High School student handbook.
- Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the teacher personally as soon as possible, so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunity.
Class Procedures and Expectations:
- Students will bring all necessary materials, including textbook, paper, calculator (if you have one), and pencil to every class. Only work done in pencil will be accepted.
- Students will participate in mathematics work during the entire class period by listening, taking notes, asking and answering questions, and working with classmates as directed.
- Students will turn in all assignments on time in order to receive full credit. Credit for late homework assignments will be given according to the Student Handbook.
- Students will take responsibility for their academic performance, understanding that their level of success and achievement in this class is their choice.
- Students may use digital devices during class only at the discretion of the teacher.
- Students will follow all rules and procedures as posted and/or stated by the teacher, and they are subject to consequences as stated in the Student Handbook.
- College Now students will satisfy all conditions of the College Math Course Contract.
Teacher-Student Communication:
- The most effective way for teacher and students to communicate is during class; therefore, students are encouraged to attend class every day and listen, read, and discuss class topics such as assignments, quizzes, exams, and any special situations (for example, a substitute teacher).
- Students are expected to regularly read and respond to teacher emails.
- Students are responsible for any information shared by the teacher using the Remind app.
- Students are responsible for information posted in Google Classroom and/or the teacher’s school website, including supplementary notes, videos, assignments, etc.
- Students are expected to monitor their grades on PowerSchool. Grades are posted weekly.
- Students and parents can access proposed weekly lesson plans on the teacher’s school website, which will be posted by 8:00 Monday morning of each week.
Calculators:
Students have access to TI-Nspire and TI-83 calculators during class, but they may not take the calculators for use outside of class. Please consult the teacher if you wish to purchase a calculator and want suggestions on the specific model to choose.
Liberal Education Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Liberal Education Program at SMSU, students will:
- Understand the techniques and habits of thought in a variety of liberal arts disciplines, having attained an adequate foundation of knowledge in those disciplines.
- Communicate effectively.
- Be creative thinkers able to identify, formulate, and solve problems using interdisciplinary perspectives.
- Be critical thinkers who evaluate information wisely and examine how assumptions and positions are shaped.
- Understand both physical and social aspects of the world and their place in it.
- Embrace the similarities among peoples and appreciate the diversity that enriches the human experience.
- Analyze moral judgments and engage in moral discourse.
- Practice responsible citizenship in their local and global communities.
- Continue life-long learning.
- Integrate mind, body, and spirit, the essential elements of a flourishing life.
College Now Statement:
College Now is SMSU's concurrent enrollment program. Concurrent enrollment allows qualified high school students to earn college credit in their high school, during their regular school day. College Now classes are taught by qualified high school teachers and are supervised by SMSU faculty members. These classes are actual SMSU courses where students earn actual SMSU credit. There is no cost to the student for these courses, providing an outstanding opportunity for students to earn college credit and jumpstarting their college careers without incurring additional debt.
Academic Honesty:
The aim of the academic honesty policy is to maintain the academic integrity of Southwest
Minnesota State University and promote an intellectual climate of honesty and integrity. To maintain an environment of academic integrity all students are required to accept personal responsibility for their work at Southwest Minnesota State University. Any offense against the academic honesty policy compromises the educational integrity of Southwest Minnesota State University and will be considered a grave offense. Offenses against academic honesty are acts which unjustly advance one’s academic standing at Southwest Minnesota State University and include knowingly permitting or knowingly aiding a person in an offense against the academic policy.
Plagiarism: Presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own. Plagiarism will include, but not be limited to:
1. Submitting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, including but not limited to homework assignments, term papers, research reports, lab reports, group projects, artistic works, tests, or class presentations.
2. Submitting someone else’s electronic work as your own, including but not limited to video clips, audio clips, electronic files, electronic programs, and any other copied electronic page, document, article, review, etc.
3. Submitting someone else’s work as your own with minor alterations. Paraphrasing without proper citation is also plagiarism.
4. Submitting someone else’s work without appropriate use of quotations, paraphrases, footnotes, or references.
Tips for Success:
- Spend at least 1 hour each day (per college course contract), including weekends, working on this course material. Working with classmates whenever possible will be helpful for many students.
- Take notes throughout class, whether the teacher provides guided notes or not. Add your own notes, using your own words, to help your understanding of the concepts.
- Do the homework the same day of class. Solving homework problems is a big portion of this course and is necessary for understanding the topics and developing your thinking.
- Review the textbook and your class notes before starting each homework assignment.
- Use resources for learning: textbook, teacher, classmates, websites, and others.
- Keep your materials well organized. Save all returned quizzes, notes, and homework assignments for studying.
- Do not copy a classmate’s homework or the answers in the textbook or online resources, as doing so will not improve your learning and will not have a positive effect on your grade.
- Attend class every day. If you know you will be absent, make arrangements with your teacher in advance to get your work. Follow the absence policies both in the Braham Student Handbook and earlier in this syllabus.
Please sign and return this page to Mrs. Stone.
I have read the course syllabus, I understand the requirements, and I agree to follow all class procedures and expectations.
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Student’s Name (printed)
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Student’s Signature Date
I have also read this course syllabus, I understand the class expectations, and I agree to hold my child accountable for them.
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Parent’s or Guardian’s Name (printed)
_____________________________________________ ______________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature Date
Parent or Guardian Email(s) (PLEASE PRINT)
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