HONORS ALGEBRA 2

TEXT

Algebra and Trigonometry

David Cohen

West Publishing Company, Fourth Edition, 1997

INSTRUCTOR

Mrs. Judy Dell’Amico

E-mail: jdellamico@loyolahs.edu

Voice-mail: (213) 381 – 5121, Ext. 211

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course offers a thorough discussion of the “elementary functions”: exponential, logarithmic and polynomial. Graphical and analytical thinking are stressed throughout the year, as is the development of problem solving skills.

HONORS PHILOSOPHY

The purpose of this course is to provide those students with a strong ability in mathematics and a willingness to work independently, an environment that will help them to develop their mathematical talents more rapidly. The pace is faster, the amount of homework is greater, the depth of understanding required for solving homework problems and exam questions is greater, and the presentation of the material is more conceptual and demands more independent effort from the student.

PREREQUISITES

This is a restricted course and enrollment is subject to departmental approval.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

v Text: Algebra and Trigonometry

v A programmable scientific graphing calculator

The TI 84+ is recommended

v Notebook

v Pencil

v Red pen

TESTS

Small quizzes will be given. Tests, announced and cumulative, will be given at the end of each section or couple of sections within each chapter. Quizzes and Tests will be graded on a straight scale. Partial credit will be given when relevant work is done. All work must be shown on quizzes and tests for credit to be given (NO WORK = NO CREDIT). Make-up tests will be given ONLY on EXCUSED absences the day the student returns. Comprehensive exams will be given at the end of each quarter and semester.

HOMEWORK

Written homework is given each night and is due the next class period. It is to be done in pencil in the student’s notebook. (or on graph paper when appropriate). All work is to be shown with graphs and figures drawn when appropriate. Answers alone will not get credit!

Work must be done neatly on each assignment with the following heading:

Numbered Section in Text

Page of Assignment

Problems Assigned

** ASSIGNMENTS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE**

ABSENCES

It is each student’s responsibility to find out what was missed and to make up any work. If a test is missed, the student (with an excused absence) will be expected to take a make-up test the day he returns. Likewise, missing the day immediately before a test does not excuse him from taking the test on the assigned day. (Exceptions to this policy will be dealt with on an individual basis).

EXTRA HELP

I will be available for extra help before school and during most recess and lunch periods. The student should make prior arrangements to assure our meeting. Please do not hesitate to ask for help. Always remember---there are no stupid questions!!!

GRADING SCALE

100+ A+ 87-89 B+ 77-79 C+ 67-69 D+ <60 F

94-99 A 84-86 B 74-76 C 64-66 D

90-93 A- 80-83 B- 70-73 C- 60-63 D-