”
when approximating, and don’t use ambiguous words like “it,” “the function,”
“the derivative,” or “the slope.” Course Policy: Calculus BC
1. I will give you about three tests in each of the first three quarters. Your grades will largely be an average of your scores in these tests, though from time to time I might give written assignments (for example, in the run-up to the midyear exam). In the fourth quarter your grade will consist largely of your scores in AP questions that I assign for homework.
2. In at least half of the tests (probably more), you will not be allowed to use a calculator.
3. In tests where calculators are allowed, you will not be allowed any helpful programs or other such devices. Everything that could be considered to be in this category should be deleted from your calculator before you enter the room for the test. (You are allowed helpful programs etc. in the AP examination.)
4. Make sure that you show all your work in the tests so that if your answer is wrong you can gain partial credit. Enough work must be shown for me to know that a valid method has been used. In particular, a correct answer with no work could get zero.
5. If you give multiple solutions to a problem, I am supposed to grade the least good solution. So put a line through the version(s) of the solution that you do not want to be graded.
6. In each
test, I shall award some notation points for the way you write your
mathematics. During the first few days of the course, I shall explain what I
expect in this regard. In particular, use math language not calculator
language, include “dx” where necessary, use “”
when approximating, and don’t use ambiguous words like “it,” “the function,”
“the derivative,” or “the slope.”
7. Numerical, non-exact, answers should be given correct to 3 decimal places. Be careful not to use rounded versions of previous answers – an answer that is not correct to three decimal places will lose you points.
8. When doing a graded assignment, it is essential that you do not exchange any information specific to that question with any person or source other than a Brunswick math teacher. Use of the internet is not allowed in the context of graded assignments.
9. Doing your homework properly is a key to success in this course. This means clearly written-out solutions, and thought and time devoted to your work. Homework will not be graded, but will always be checked.
10. If there seems to be slackness arising in the class’s approach to homework we will move to a system for all students in the class whereby a point is taken off your quarter average for every lapsed homework beyond the first two lapses in that quarter.
11. Going through homework in class is of limited use and wastes time for the majority who don’t need it. So if you have difficulty with any question, come to me well before class for help.
Enjoy the course!
Mr. Allwood