PDM Syllabus

PDM

Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics

Purpose

This is a year long course for college bound students or those who plan to further study or work in a math related field. Throughout the year we will cover the following topics: functions, coordinate systems, trigonometric functions, limits, logic, properties of integers, sequences, recursion, and graphs.

Goals

The goals of PDM are to further develop your skills from Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Another goal is to prepare you for higher mathematics. Other goals are to develop a working knowledge of the functions and their graphs, develop your ability to think in an abstract manner, develop different ways of problem solving, communicating, and most importantly to develop responsibility for your learning.

Materials

Everyday you will need to bring your book, paper, pencil (NO PENS), and some sort of folder to keep organized. If you have a graphing calculator, bring it, if you don’t, I have a classroom set you can use.

Grades

The grades for this class will be cumulative. Your marking period grade will consist of three categories: Homework, Quizzes, and Tests. The semester grade will also include the Final Exam. Homework will be given everyday and is expected to be completed before class starts the next day. Your homework grade will be determined from homework ‘quizzes’. These quizzes will be a selection of problems copied from your actual homework, they will be graded for correctness and for work shown. Homework is worth 25% of your overall grade. You can expect 1-2 quizzes per chapter. Each quiz will cover 2-4 sections from the book. You will be given some notice as to when a quiz will take place. Quizzes are worth 30% of the overall grade. There will be a test at the end of each chapter. Again you will be given notice of when a test will occur. Tests will be worth 45% of the overall grade. The grading scale is posted in the classroom.