SEQUENTIAL MATH COURSE 3                          Ms. Prevost

Course Expectations                                      

prevostm@pville.k12.ny.us

Welcome to class!  Sequential Math 3 is the third course in a three-year sequence of high school mathematics.  This course, as a successor to Sequential Math 2, continues the study of interrelated topics in algebra, geometry and trigonometry.  All students will take the NYS Regents Math B Examination in June.  The exam requires the use of a graphing calculator.  

The topics to be covered this year include:

Operations with Algebraic Fractions                             Radical Expressions

Complex Numbers                                                         Proof involving Similar Triangles

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions                          Circles

Trigonometric Functions and Applications                     Probability and Combinatorics

Properties of the Real Numbers                         Inverse Variation

Conic Sections                                                              Statistics                                          

TEXT:

The text is ALGEBRA 2 by Larson, Boswell, Kannold, and Stiff (2001).  You are expected to care for the book and to keep it covered.       
SUPPLIES:

·         multi-section notebook to be used only for math

·         folder for handouts and test papers

·         pen and/or pencil

·         strong desire to learn

A graphing calculator is strongly recommended.  I will be using a  TI-83Plus and/or TI-84 for classroom instruction.  You may not use a calculator that has a computer algebra system (CAS).  Be sure to keep the manual for your calculator.   Calculators are a tool to be used only for the purposes of solving problems and graphing solutions.  They are NOT to be used to store formulas or other mathematical information.  Please be mindful of the fact that calculators will be checked prior to tests and quizzes.  If a student is found to have information on the calculator, this will be considered cheating and the student will receive a grade of zero.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

You are expected to be in the classroom on time (i.e. before the bell rings).  Class begins promptly at the bell.   Daily, please bring to class a notebook, pen or pencil, completed homework assignment, and graphing calculator.  Always be respectful of your classmates and teacher.

HOMEWORK POLICY:

Your homework assignments must always include writing any equations or expressions that appear in an exercise as well as the steps that are necessary to solve the problem:   remember “no written work = no credit”.  Daily assignments are given to insure adequate practice and to reinforce the concepts that are presented in class.  A completed assignment means showing work for every problem assigned.

TESTS/QUIZZES:

Tests are always announced ahead of time and will be given at the completion of a unit of study.   Prepare for tests by practicing/studying the class work and homework for that particular unit.  Calculators are a tool to be used only for the purposes of solving problems and graphing solutions.  They are NOT to be used to store formulas or other mathematical information

GRADING POLICY:

Your quarter grades will be based on tests, quizzes, homework assignments and class participation (as defined by the Board of Education).  Eighty-five percent of your grade is tests/quizzes, ten percent of your grade is based on homework completion and five percent is class participation.  Your average for the year will be computed as outlined in the Student Handbook.

ABSENCES:

If you are present for any part of the day when an exam is given you are expected to take the exam on that day.  If you will not be in class it is your responsibility to report to me on that day in order to make arrangements for taking the test.  If you are absent from school for a full day then you are to report to me on the following day to get the missed assignments.   Tests will be given immediately upon return to class unless there are extenuating circumstances.

ADDITIONAL HELP

I am available almost every day during activity period for extra help.  Please let me know that you will be coming so I can plan accordingly.

FINAL NOTES:

This is a fast paced Regents level course.   You can expect to learn something new every day and to be actively engaged in the learning process during each class.   Math is not a spectator sport.  During each class, time will be provided for practice exercises in order to reinforce the concepts that are presented.  It will be difficult to achieve well in this class without doing daily homework assignments, reading the textbook, studying class notes daily, and seeking extra help when needed.

Remember, math is not a spectator sport.  If you work to the best of your ability you will have a great year and learn a lot of mathematics!  

 Let’s have a great year!!