1. PRECALCULUS
2016-2017
Winston Chang
wchang@dths.org
E period: Room 127
F period: Room 206
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will build a broad base of mathematical understanding. I agree with Richard R. Skemp’s explanation of the
word “understanding” in his 1967 paper, RelationalUnderstandingandInstrumentalUnderstanding:
“…there are in current use two meanings of this word.These he distinguishes by calling them ‘relational
understanding’ and ‘instrumental understanding’. By the former is meant what I have alwaysmeant by
understanding, and probably most readers of this article: knowingboth whatto do and why.Instrumental
understanding I would until recently not have regarded as understanding at all. It is what I have in the past
described as ‘rules withoutreasons’…”
In this course, students will learn rules AND reasons as they apply to theoretical and real-world problems in the
followingareas:
Functions (Power,Polynomial,Rational) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Trigonometric Functions, Identities, and Equations Systems of Equations and Matrices
Conic Sections and Parametric Equations Vectors
Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers Sequences and Series
Limits and Derivatives
BONUS
Monday in Room 206
Tuesday in Room 127
Thursday in Room 206
TEXTBOOK
Precalculus,Carter, et al; McGraw Hill
REQUIREDMATERIALS
Textbook
Notes packet
Binder reserved forPrecalculus
Graphing calculator (TI-84)
Loose-leaf lined paper
Graph paper
Ruler
Pencils
GRADING
Tests 50%
Quizzes 15%
Homework 15%
Participation 5%
Final Exam 15%
ASSIGNMENTS
Homeworkwill be assigned each class, due at the start of the followingclass unless otherwise specified. Each
assignment will be worth 10 points. To receivefull credit, homework must be on time, completed in pencil, and

2. with all workneatly shown, including diagrams. Late homeworkassignments may only be turned in the following
day for½ credit. No credit will be given for assignments turned in later. In the case of an absence, homeworkmust
be turned in the day after the student returns to class.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be on time to each class meeting having the required materials mentioned above. Each
student should be in his/her seat at the start of class. Students are expected to remain in the classroom the entire
period. Three bathroom/hall passes will be given each semester. Please be aware that tardies and excessive
absences will lowera student’s class participation grade. Please refer to the dTHS Student/Parent Handbook for
more information. Class participation grade will be based on coming to class on time and being prepared.
CELL PHONE AND LAPTOP USE
Strictly prohibited.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty is antithetical to the values of de ToledoHigh School and will not be tolerated. Any incidences
will be treated in accordance to our school-widepolicy.
TESTS AND QUIZZES
All assessments must be taken on the scheduled date/time. If a student is absent, then the assessment must be
completed within the number of days he/she was absent fromclass.
In the case of an unforeseen set of circumstances when a student cannot take an assessment on the assigned date,
the teacher must be informed by the evening prior. The student then must make up the assessment within two
school days of the scheduled test date. Only one extension per semester will be granted.
If the assessment is not made up within the time allotted, students will receive a 10% grade deduction.
Dear students and parents,
Welcome to the 2016 - 2017 schoolyear. I am looking forwardto a fun, growing, challenging, and victorious year
with youin Precalculus.If math is yourfavorite subject, I aim to equip you with tools to reach heights youcouldn’t
dream of reaching before. If math is a subject you hate, fear, resent, and see as useless in your life,I aim to equip
you withpowerful problem-solving and criticalthinking skills that you need no matter what your future holds.
I am committed to yourwell-being. Whether youneed help with a homework problem, want to share frustrations
about the factthat UCLA football only ever improves at a logarithmic rate, or have had a hard day and need
someone to talk to, come to me. You may find me at bonus, via a phone call, or by sending an email at any time.
With eager anticipation,
Mr. Chang
Student Name: _________________________________________________________ Period: _____________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________
Parents, please list your preferred means of communication and any other information you wouldlike me to know.