Course Overview: Algebra III is a continuation of the study of Algebra I and Algebra II, respectively. It goes beyond just solving an equation to being able to manipulate, graph, and explain what the graph of an equation will look like without actually graphing the equation. A strong foundation in algebra is essential for success in Algebra III. That being said, the class will also include a variety of practical math topics, inluding topics on personal finance. The following is the anticipated syllabus for the class:
Unit 1) Algebraic Expressions and Formulas
Linear Equations in One Variable
Applications of Linear Equations
Modeling With Proportions
Modeling Using Variation
Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Points, Lines, Planes, and Angles
Triangles
Polygons, Perimeter, and Tessellations
Area and Circumference
Volume
Right Triangle Trigonometry
Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles
Unit 2) The Fundamental Counting Principal
Permutations
Combinations
Fundamentals of Probability
Probability with the Fundamental Counting Principle, Permutations, and
Combinations
Events Involving Not and Or; Odds
Events Involving And; Conditional Probability
Sampling, Frequency Distributions, and Graphs
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Dispersion
The Normal Distribution
Recommended Supplies:
- Pencils with erasers
- Composition book
- Graphing Calculator (recommended) or a Scientific Calculator (essential)
Grading / Point Distribution:
Grades will be calculated using total points as outlined below.
10 % Homework
70 % Tests and Quizzes (Formative, Summative, and Benchmark)
20 % Final Exam**
**The cumulative final exam will account for 20 % of a student’s overall term grade
Homework:
Homework will be assigned daily and should be completed prior to the next class meeting/due date. It will be assessed in both formal and informal ways, including: collection for scoring, notebook checks, homework quizzes, etc. Please be advised that the work leading to an answer is just as important as the answer. Therefore, ALWAYS SHOW YOUR WORK.
Tests:
We will test frequently throughout the school year on various standards and collections of standards. We will utilize short formative assessments to target very specific concepts as well as larger summative and benchmark tests to analyze our competency in multiple areas. The use of phones during tests is forbidden and therefore need to be put away during testing-violations may result in a zero for that test.
Chromebook Expectations:
- Chromebooks should be brought to class and charged daily
- Forgetting or not having your chromebook charged will result in a zero for the day's activities
Expectations:
- Respect others, the instructor and yourself.
- No food or drink allowed in class except water (all food must be disposed of before entering the class).
- All item (jackets, backpacks, purses, etc), besides those necessary for the class, will be placed on the floor out of the way. Desks need to be clear of everything but what is needed for class.
- No cell phones (for any reason), I-pods, MP3 players or other audio devices allowed except when designated by the teacher.
- Always be in your seat when the bell rings at the beginning and before it rings at the end of class. No one will be released unless everyone is seated.
- If there is a Mindset on the board, begin working as soon as possible.
- Realize that it is YOUR education. It is YOUR GPA. It is YOUR (or perhaps your parents’) money that you may have to spend for remedial classes in college, if required. It is YOUR future. Take it seriously.
Tips for Success:
- Be attentive in class, take good notes and review them as you work through your homework and prepare for assessments. Doing so will help you develop confidence, independence, organization, and other skills you will need to do well in AP Calculus, college, and life.
- Do your homework every day. Math is not a spectator sport. Approach your homework actively, and re-do problems that you have trouble with.
- Don’t view the assignments as just something that needs to be done and gotten out of the way. Instead, use the assignments as a way of checking yourself to see if you know how to do that particular type of problem and as a way of getting practice.
Absences:
Any homework/assignment(s) missed due to an EXCUSED absence should be made up promptly upon your return to school. It is your responsibility to complete makeup assignments and bring them in on time to ensure appropriate credit is given.
- All homework should be neat, completed in pencil.
- Assignments will be posted on the calendar on the class website. Handouts will be uploaded to my website, or our Google Classroom whenever possible.
- Homework missed due to an UNEXCUSED absence will not always be available and may be marked as a ZERO
Tardiness:
Arrive on time, and be in your seat when class begins.
