This course reviews and expands on all of the topics covered in Algebra II. Approximately one-third of the course covers Trigonometry. Other topics include analytic geometry in three dimensions and limits. The objectives of this course are (1) to reinforce and strengthen the student’s math skills; (2) to better prepare the students to take placement tests like the SAT, ACT, and GRE; (3) to equip the students to pursue advanced math (Calculus); and (4) to give students confidence in solving real-life problems using mathematics. Some examples of these problems include estimating future company earnings, determining production rates to minimize costs, estimating the age of charcoal using carbon dating, calculating the angular speed of rotating machines, finding the height of an object without being able to directly measure the height, calculating the bearings of planes, finding the area of non-right angle triangles, encoding and decoding secret messages using code, calculating the number of distinct car license plate numbers in a state, calculating the probability a space vehicle’s backup system will fail, finding the tension in three ropes supporting a weight, and finding the instantaneous speed of a projectile.
The following textbooks and supplies are to be purchased by parents.
Under Class Details, see Class Attachment for a picture of the textbook.
Textbook:
Precalculus with Limits: A Graphing Approach 4th ed.
Houghton Mifflin 2005 (author: Larson, Hostetler, Edwards)
ISBN: 9790-618-394-806
Supplies:
College-ruled, lined paper
Graph Paper
Protractor
Compass
Ruler
Graphing calculator (TI-83 or 84 only)
1" 3-ring binder with dividers
Optional: spiral-bound notebook
Successful completion of KEYS Algebra II or by permission of the instructor. If students are NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED in a KEYS Math or English class, we require Placement Evaluations to be sure they are placed at the best level to help them be successful in the coming year. Please contact the office to schedule an evaluation prior to class selection.
Parents are responsible for purchasing all textbooks and supplies before the first day of class.
Supply fees are due to each teacher on the first day of class. This fee covers materials, lab supplies, and other expenses incurred by the teacher. They are a one-time fee.
Please note the grade level for this class. Students younger than the recommended grade levels need special permission before signing up for the class. Please contact the office for more information.
What happens if a class is full? You may email administration@keysofva.org to be waitlisted.
