Honors Algebra Two

Mr. Fox-Boyd

mfoxboyd@queenanne.org

2007-2008

 

OBJECTIVES:

1.  To review and extent the topics learned in Algebra I to include applications and derivations.

2.  To challenge the students to use logical reasoning skills to setup and solve problems

3.  To study advanced algebra topics to provide the background needed for other coursework and

4.  To provide practice in using appropriate technology.

SUPPLIES:

            Textbook – Algebra Two by Lasron, Boswell, Kanold, Stiff

            A graphing calculator (TI-83, or better, is necessary)

            A sharpened pencil with eraser

If you fail to bring these items to class, your class performance will suffer, and your subsequent homework and grade as a result will also suffer.  It is extremely important that you bring your calculator.  As this is an honors level class, we will be taking a more graphing approach to solving equations.  Thus, the graphing calculator will be your best friend.

 

Grading Policy

Only one letter grade is given during the entire quarter.  Semester grades are based on two quarter grades and one exam grade.  Year grades are calculated based upon four quarter grades and two exam grades.

Each Test will count as one grade, and your homework average will count as one grade.  Your grade in the course will be the average of these grades.

 

Materials to Bring to Class Every Day

If you fail to bring these items to class, your class performance will suffer, and your subsequent homework and grade as a result will also suffer.

 

Graphing Calculator: TI – 83 or TI - 84

Pencil with Eraser any assignment written in ink will have one point deducted.

Textbook

 

Pencil vs. Pen

            Humans make mistakes.  Mathematicians, though sometimes thought of as super-humans, also make mistakes.  You must show all of your work on homework and tests to receive credit.  You are to complete these tasks in pencil.  Homework completed in pen will receive a one point deduction.  Tests completed in pen will received a 5 point deduction.  Stock up now.


Homework

NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Homework assignments are worth 4 points each.

Homework will be graded based on effort and completion, therefore showing ALL work is necessary.  If there are unanswered questions or no work is shown, deductions will be made.

            Homework will be collected the day that they are due.

Homework is due on the class day after it is assigned.

You are allowed one “late day” per quarter.  A late day allows you to turn in any one homework assignment one day late.  Note: THIS MOST LIKELY MEANS YOU WILL HAVE TO TURN IN TWO ASSIGNMENTS ON THE SAME DAY.  ALSO, you may not use your late day if you have any missing assignments!!!

One point will be deducted from homework completed in anything but pencil.

You must ***show all work*** and ***write down the problem*** when appropriate.  Deductions will be made when appropriate.

If you have any problems that you struggle with, circle the question number and ask Mr. Fox-Boyd about it in class.

 

Tests

At the end of each chapter there will be a test.  It will last the entire period and cover the entire chapter.

 

Depending on the performance of the entire class both in class and on homework, there may be an opportunity to earn extra credit points on a test.

 

Midterm Exam and Final Exam

The midterm exam will cover material from the first semester.  The final exam will cover material from the second semester, with theory from the entire year.

 

Honor Code

If a test is turned in without the honor code signed, the test will not be graded until the honor code is signed.

 


Dealing with Absence and Missing Assignments

If you are absent on the day that homework is assigned or corrected, you may receive full credit if it is turned in one day late.  Students are responsible for learning material from days that they were absent.  I am available many times before and during school for this.

If you are present on the day before a test (“review day”), you will be expected to take the test.  If you are not present on the day before a test, you are still expected to take the test.  If you are absent the day of a test, you must make arrangements to take the test ASAP.

For each day you are absent, you are allowed that number of days to make up missed work.  For example if you miss three days of school, you are allowed three days to make up your work.  No exceptions.

 

Class Participation

Every student is expected to participate in class.  If a student chooses not to volunteer answers, s/he will most likely be called upon.

 

Food and Drink

Drinking water only is allowed in class.

 

Work from other Classes

            If a student does non-math homework during math class, it may be taken away.

 

Boxing your Answer

Answers to math problems should be boxed, except for obvious exceptions.  Deductions will be made when appropriate.  You will have to do this in college, so it’s a good idea to get used to it now.

 

Extra Help

Please seek extra help with Mr. Fox-Boyd at any time.  Try to make an appointment.

 

Cyber Days

All Cyber Day work is required, and, per school policy, no late cyber day work will be accepted.  The weight of Cyber Work with respect to your grade for the course will be determined when assigned.

 

Web Homework

         All assigned homework will be posted on the web.  HOWEVER, any and everything said in class always supersedes anything posted on the web.  I may change an assignment during class and not post the change on the web.  It is your responsibility to write down and keep track of all assignments and any and everything mentioned in class.


Honors Algebra II – Scope and Sequence

 

I.  Structure of the Number System

     A.  Using the number line

     B.  Using sets to show relationships

     C.  Properties, including inverses, reciprocals, and closure

II. Solving Equations

     A.  Linear equations with applications

     B.  Quadratic equations with derivation of the quadratic formula and applications

     C.  Complex number solutions to equations

     D.  Simultaneous equations with two and three variable solved by

                1. Substitution and elimination

                2. Using determinants

                3. Using the graphing calculator

     E. Absolute value problems

     F. Solving rational equations and extraneous roots

III. Functions and Graphing

     A.  Definitions and identifying functions and their domain and range

     B.  Graphing using slope and intercepts

     C.  Finding equations for linear functions using

               1.  Slope, y-intercept or two points

               2.  Best-fit line

               3.  Linear regression on the graphing calculator

            D.  Solving word problems

IV. Inequalities

A.  Linear inequalities with two variables using graphing to show regions

            B.  Quadratic inequalities solved by graphing

            C.  Writing equations given the graph of an inequality

            D.  Using graphing in applications to find optimum solutions

V.  Polynomial Operations

            A.  Add, subtract, multiply, and divide using synthetic division

            B.  Factoring including sum and difference of cubes and grouping

            C.  Finding zeroes of functions using synthetic division

            D.  Finding solutions of higher degree equation using factoring, synthetic division and graphing

VI. Exponents and Radicals

            A.  Properties and operations with rational exponents

            B.  Graphing functions with square and cube roots

            C.  Solving radical equations

VII. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

            A.  Exponential growth and decay

            B.  Graphing and identifying asymptotes

            C.  Simplifying expressions using different bases including e

            D.  Properties of logarithms

            E.  Solving exponential and logarithmic equations

VII. Rational Functions

            A.  Inverses

            B.  Graphing rational functions

            C.  Multiplying, dividing rational expressions

            D.  Adding, subtracting and complex fractionals

            E.  Solving rational equations

IX. Conic Sections

            A.  Distance and midpoint formula

            B.  Equations and graphs of circles, parabolas, ellipses and hyperbolas

            C.  Solving Quadratic Systems

X. Trigonometry

            A.  Right triangle trigonometry

            B.  Indirect measurement

            C. Trigonometric functions and the Unit Circle