Teacher: Fred Kral, Ph.D.
Email me: fkral
Call or text me: 415-857-KRAL (5725)
Call classroom: 415-339-9336 x111
Get info on homework and more: http://teach.kralsite.com or google "Fred Kral"
Course Description
Together with Geometry and Algebra 2, the Precalculus elective prepares students for college-level work in calculus and other mathematics classes as well as classes in quantitative fields such as the social sciences, the natural sciences, and engineering. Central concepts are mathematical analysis, functions and their graphs, trigonometry, and linear algebra. Mathematical ideas are communicated using graphical, numerical, algebraic, and verbal approaches. Through mathematical modeling, concepts are applied to problems in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and many other disciplines. Upon successful completion of this course, qualified non-seniors may take the Calculus elective.
Required text and supplemental materials
- Larson, Ron and Robert Hostetler, Precalculus, 5th Edition, Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. ISBN: 0-618-05285-2. Ordered by school. Required.
- Web searching, wikipedia.org and reputable websites such as Ask Dr. Math (http://mathforum.org/dr.math/) and Paul's Online Math Notes (http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu). Strongly recommended.
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Graphing Calculator (Plus and Silver Editions are OK). TI-Nspire with a TI-84 faceplate is also acceptable (but slow to boot and drains batteries quickly). TI-83 is workable (but check with teacher first). Required.
- Laptop computer. From time to time students who have access to a laptop computer may be asked to bring it to class. Strongly recommended.
- Rechargeable AAA batteries for the calculator and a battery charger (AA/AAA). Recommended.
- Organizer of paper: holes punched and not; pencils (mechanical recommended).
Assessment
| Homework: timely completion of homework assignments. Assessed formally and informally. | 25% |
| Quizzes and Tests: written and graphical solutions of problems. | 25% |
| End-Semester Examinations: written and graphical solutions of problems from the whole semester (comprehensive). | 20% |
| In-Class work and Projects: positive energy and interest level during in-class work including discussion, working on investigations and projects, and practice during class. Assessed informally. | 25% |
| Commitment to learning: Taking on what is challenging to you, getting help, communicating with the teacher, engaging with the material, and documenting work in the notebook. Assessed informally. | 5% |
Late work policy and tardy policy
The teacher enters grades once per week on a weekday communicated to the students. Students get credit for late work up to that weekly deadline. Students who are late to class or leave the classroom for an extended time during class receive a maximum of 60% of the day's in-class work credit.
I encourage study groups. You may work with others (not just students) unless instructed otherwise as long as all of you contribute. It is wise to put the name of each contributing student on an assignment to avoid issues with plagiarism.
Come visit, text, or email as often as you like! – Fred
Please see the web site for other information.