College Algebra Course Syllabus

SAINT PETER MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

Course Syllabus

NAME OF COURSE: College Algebra and Trigonometry GRADE LEVEL(S): 11,12

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A firm foundation in algebra and trigonometry is necessary for success in college level mathematics courses. This course is an extension of Algebra 2 and is designed for college bound students who will not be choosing a major emphasizing math or science. Concepts covered will include equations, functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, matrices and analytic geometry.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will use real numbers, represented in a variety of ways, to quantify information and to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

2. Students will represent and analyze real-world and mathematical problems using numeric, graphic and symbolic methods for a variety of functions.

3. Students will solve equations and inequalities numerically, graphically, and symbolically.

4. Students will use recursion to model and solve real-world and mathematical problems.

5. Students will demonstrate facility with a wide range of algebraic operations and use the relationship between coordinate geometry and algebraic equations to solve real-world problems.

6. Students will understand the properties of the standard trigonometric functions and apply them to real-world and mathematical problems.

UNITS COVERED AND MAJOR TOPICS:

1. Linear and Absolute Value Equations

2. Functions and Graphs

3. Polynomial and Rational Functions

4. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

5. Trigonometric Functions

6. Trigonometric Identities and Equations

7. Applications of Trigonometry

8. Topics in Analytic Geometry

9. Systems of Equations

10. Matrices

TEXT:

College Algebra and Trigonometry, Sixth Edition, Houghton Mifflin, 2005

FORMAL EVALUATION:

A final exam will be given at the end of each semester of the course. One-half credit is given for successful completion of each semester of the course.

GRADING PROCEDURES:

Grades will be determined by a combination of tests, quizzes and homework:

Tests = 50%, Quizzes = 30% and Homework = 20%

Final semester grade will be calculated:

Quarter Grade = 48%, Quarter Grade = 48%, Semester Final Exam = 2%

Grading Scale:

94% - 100% A

90% - 93% A-

87% - 89% B+

84% - 86% B

80% - 83% B-

77% - 79% C+

74% - 76% C

70% - 73% C-

67% - 69% D+

64% - 66% D

60% - 63% D-

59% or lower F