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Algebra 2 (M210 a, b) 2008-2009

Course Information

Teacher:  Siva Sankrithi

E-mail:     siva dot sankrithi at lakesideschool dot org

Phone:     (206) 440-2733 (Lakeside), (206) 261-6366 (Cell)

Website:   http://www.lakesideschool.org/upperschool/departments/math/sankrithi/SivasWebPage.htm

Textbook:  Algebra 2, Lakeside Upper School Math Department

                (We will hand them out on the first day of class and bill your student accounts)

Periods:     1st (M210a) Mon./Tue./Fri.  8:10-8:55; Wed.  8:10-9:25 

                 7th (M210b) Mon./Tue./Fri.  1:25-2:10; Wed. 1:50-3:05

Location:  Allen-Gates 203

What is Algebra 2?

Algebra 2 is basically the study of functions.  We will go through numerous different types of functions, including linear, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric functions.  We will also discuss some discrete math topics, including matrices, probability, and sequences and series.  In addition to discussing all the necessary theory behind these topics, we will go through many wide ranging practical examples that apply math to the real world!  Moreover, we will intertwine a few topics that generally are not taught until much later as a sort of preview of coming attractions.

Course Schedule:

We will begin the course with a discussion of functions in general and proceed to discuss the the various different classes of functions, then the discrete math topics, as outlined above.  The course should follow the textbook fairly sequentially. 

Materials:

For this course, you will need a TI-83/83+/84 calculator, some sort of note taking system (e.g. notebook or 3-ring binder), and the particular chapter of the textbook that is being used for that particular class. Most importantly, bring a curiosity and open mind and this will make the course much more enjoyable for all of us.

Homework:

Homework in this course will be assigned daily and should be completed by the following class.  Once completed, we will have sometime at the beginning of each class to go over the homework and answer any questions that you may have.  Rather than my answering all of the questions, we will have this time of the class be more or less student run, with willing students who have a solution to the question coming up and presenting their solution.  This way, you all can get a chance to show your work to the class and we can learn a variety of different approaches to solving the same problem.  I encourage you all to take chances, make mistakes, and learn from them, for I strongly feel that the approach to solving a problem is of equal or greater importance than the final answer.  That being the case, I will consider a wrong final answer with good steps shown better than a correct answer with no work shown.  I will look over homeworks during class activities; however I will not grade the homework.  That being said, if homework is not turned in your grade will suffer.

Grading:

Your grade will be determined by your performance on Tests, Quizzes, and Projects, with the median grade traditionally being approximately a B/B+.  Homework and Class Participation will serve as tiebreakers if you are on the cusp between two grades.

Attendance:

Attendance at every class is mandatory.  If for some reason you do miss a class, you are responsible for turning in the homework for that day (email is an acceptable means of doing so in the event that you are unable to come to campus).  If you are just going to miss a particular period when you have math class, you are welcome to attend one of the other Algebra 2 sections (I teach it 1st and 7th, Mr. Erickson teaches it 2nd and 4th, Mr. Hartley teaches it 3rd, and Mr. Butler teaches it 5th and 8th).

Communication:

The best means to contact me if you have any questions is via email.  Also, I will be at my desk most of the time I am not in class so you are certainly welcome to come in and ask questions anytime I am there.  Also, I understand that many of you have other time commitments for various club and athletic events, so all I ask is that you let me know of these well ahead of time so that I can work with you individually to get you ahead or catch you up as necessary.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!  If you think of math as a chore, it will be, but if you think of it as fun, you will surely have a great time.