BENJAMIN DILLON Education –SJHS ’86, Purdue ’89, IUSB ’99 Contact –289-TREK Favorite Quote –“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!” Through the Looking-Glass Biography

BENJAMIN DILLON Every member of this class is responsible for maintaining a positive classroom environment. Attendance –Homework and quizzes during absences automatically become optional –For work other than homework and quizzes, planned absences get no extension, and unplanned absences get extension equal to number of days absent Tardiness –“On time” includes not needing to leave after arrival Consequences –Warning, AM/PM, Detention (resets every quarter) Policies

Course Description This course covers the same topics as PreCalculus and Trigonometry, but in much greater depth and detail. Problem solving is a vital part of this course. In addition, work in vectors, limits, and mathematical theory is included. The student is expected to demonstrate mathematical creativity and thought as well as maintain accuracy in computations and applications. PRECALCULUS/TRIG H

Course Outcomes Students will recognize, analyze, and graph various types of functions, including polynomial, rational, algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic. Students will apply the various types of functions to solve word problems. Students will use arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. Students will model data with linear and non-linear functions. Students will define trigonometric functions using right triangles and the unit circle. Students will apply the laws of sines and cosines. Students will draw and analyze graphs of the functions and their inverses. Students will prove trigonometric identities. Students will solve trigonometric equations. Students will use trigonometry to solve word problems. Students will connect polar coordinates and complex numbers with trigonometry.

Course Structure Materials –Precalculus with Trigonometry, Foerster –Calculator (TI-89 recommended, TI-83+ or TI-84+ allowed) Plan is to finish the book, so about a chapter every two weeks Grading –Each chapter will consist of several homeworks (5 points apiece, some optional), a quiz (10), a test (100), and a journal (0). There may be additional extra credit opportunities in the form of contests, and there will be one project each quarter. –All components will use the standard SJHS grading scale (A+ ≥ 99, A ≥ 95, A- ≥ 93, B+ ≥ 91, B ≥ 87, B- ≥ 85, C+ ≥ 83, C ≥ 79, C- ≥ 77, D+ ≥ 75, D ≥ 72, D- ≥ 70) PRECALCULUS/TRIG H

SAINT JOSEPH’S HS Strategies for Success in Math Be active in studying, not passive. Take complete notes; participate in class; keep up with homework; form a study group. Be specific in asking questions, not vague. The best response you can expect in reply to a comment like “I don’t understand this section” is a brief review of the section that will likely overlook the particular concept that isn’t understood. Be resourceful in doing problems, not conventional. When you cannot solve a problem, try another tactic: work backward, make a table, consider a special case, draw a picture, or solve a simpler related problem.