Algebra II

Allen-Gates 202 – 3rd Period

Chris Hartley                                                       chris.hartley@lakesideschool.org

(office) 206-440-2701

(home) 206-588-2640

Course Description:

M210 The course focuses on the analysis of functions and their applications while introducing students to a variety of topics in discrete mathematics. After exploring the algebraic, graphical, and numerical properties of general functions, specific types of functions will be examined from these perspectives. The course will examine each of the following families of functions: linear, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric. Additional topics in discrete mathematics such a matrices, sequence and series, combinatorics, and probability will give students the tools to analyze interesting, highly relevant problems. Both

computers (Excel©, Geometer’s Sketchpad©) and graphing calculators (TI-83 Plus or TI-84) will be used extensively and are required for the course.

Meeting Times:

            Monday, Tuesday and Friday:       10:05-10:45

                    Wednesday:                                9:35-10:50

Grading:

Each Semester = 40%

Final Exam = 20%

Semester Breakdown:

Homework(including projects) = 5%                       Daily Quiz = 5%                      Test = 90%

Required Materials for Class

Pencil and pen

Notebook or Binder for notes

Calculator

Appropriate section of our textbook

Homework:

Homework will be assigned almost every day.  At the beginning of class, there will be time to ask questions about homework problems that were challenging for you. To receive credit for the homework assignment all problems must be attempted prior to the start of class; and solutions must be well-organized and easily readable.  Remember, you will need to return to your solutions in preparing for quizzes and tests.  Having detailed solutions that you can understand will help you master the material.

Daily Quiz:

At the start of each class (except test days), a one-question quiz will be distributed.  The quiz question will be from a topic covered in recent days. In order to receive a passing grade on the quiz, you must be on time to class. You will grade your own quiz each day and report the score to me.

Tests:

Tests will cover about a chapter’s worth of work.  Tests will be given about every two to three weeks.  Test grades will be reported as a percentage.  Assignment sheets will map out the material being covered as well as the test date for that material so that students can plan accordingly.

Working with me outside of class:

My office is in the Pigott Library.  This is the only class that I am teaching this year, so it should be relatively easy to find a time for additional instruction outside of class.  You are welcome to pop by my office at any point.  If I am available, I will help.  If you want to make sure that I am available, please make prior arrangements with me. I can meet before and after school.

Absences:

If you are absent for an entire day because of illness, then we can work together to get you caught up when you return.  My main concern is that you get healthy.

For any other absences, I expect you to communicate with me proactively.