PreCalculus

Homework will be assigned almost every class. The homework will reinforce the material covered in class that day.
At the beginning of the next class there will be an opportunity to ask questions and get clarification on any problems you may have had from the previous lesson.
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.

Tests

There will be about 4-6 tests each quarter.
You will be allowed to use a calculator on approximately ½ of the tests.
Make sure that you show all your work on tests so that if your answer is wrong you can gain partial credit.
As with every math class in grades 9-11, we will have a “mental arithmetic” test four times each quarter.

Why study PreCalculus?

The laws of gravity, friction, force, acceleration, and motion are based on the principles of calculus.
The complicated movements of the planets are now understood as a result of the work of Newton (the inventor of calculus).
Such revelations led to the “Age of Enlightenment” and the power of reason and the ability to understand the world around you, which led to such developments as portable accurate timepieces, the improvement of overseas navigation, and the steam engine, which in turn led to the “Industrial Revolution”.

It is the study of how things change. It provides a framework for modeling systems in which there is change, and a way to deduce the predictions of such models.

It allows you to understand calculus and therefore gain a better understanding of how the world works around you.
It empowers you to apply your knowledge (mathematical sophistication) to more advanced work (engineering, science, finance, etc.).