MATH IV

Spring 2017

Teacher: Mr. Plaugher

Contact: Edline

**At any point, I reserve the right to amend the syllabus as I see fit for the benefit of the class as a whole**

Course Description:
The fundamental purpose of Mathematics IV is to generalize and abstract learning accumulated through
previous courses and to provide the final springboard to calculus. Students take an extensive look at the
relationships among complex numbers, vectors, and matrices. They build on their understanding of functions,
analyze rational functions using an intuitive approach to limits, and synthesize functions by considering
compositions and inverses. Students expand their work with trigonometric functions and their inverses and
complete the study of the conic sections begun in Mathematics II. They enhance their understanding of
probability by considering probability distributions. Previous experiences with series are augmented.

Outside of class you will be responsible for any and all homework or research assignments. During class
we will often do in-class activities/problems to enforce and extend the content. You will be expected to
participate in class by answering questions, asking questions, working problems, interacting during group work,
etc.

Text: Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (Seventh Edition)

Required Technology: You will possibly use a graphing calculator for this class, but you are not required to
buy one. For tests/quizzes, you will be provided with the necessary technology, but you will not be permitted to
use your own calculator.

Text Coverage: Chapters 1,4,5,7 and other topics will be added as time allows.

Evaluation: Grades will be calculated according to the points earned throughout the semester. I will explore
the possibility of weighting certain grades over others as the semester progresses. DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA
CREDIT-The answer is NO!

Homework
There will be homework assignments made for each section. Your homework grade will be based on the
percentage of homework points earned (completion grade at the due date added to the grade after coverage).
Most assignments will be handwritten, collected, and graded. (If an assignment is to be typed, it will be
specified,) Use pencil, use non-spiral bound paper, and write legibly! You are encouraged to check your answers
with other students after you have completed your homework alone. DO NOT COPY HOMEWORK! This will
result in an immediate zero, and possible consultation with administration.

Tests
There will be tests after each chapter. Make plans accordingly so you can be in class! If there is an emergency,
please call me before the time of the exam. Please use the restroom before beginning your test, and bring
tissues/water if you are likely to need these items.
Comprehensive Final Exam
The final will the last day of classes. Finals will be given in our regular classroom. If you need to have the final
moved, provide evidence of the reason you are missing, and contact me prior to the exam. This is NOT the same
as the final given for attendance, a separate final will be given during the final period.

Make-Up Work
Late work will lose 10 percentage points per day late, and after 5 days it becomes a zero. If you foresee yourself
missing class when work is due, you must get it to me before class that day. Work may be given to another
student to be turned in to me. However, an extra day will be given for those with an excuse. It is your
responsibility to get your work in on time. Make up work will be assigned as I deem appropriate.

Attendance
Attendance will be taken daily. For each absence over 5, you will be required to take the final exam during the
final exam period. However, absences with a legitimate excuse may be waived.

Academic Honesty
If you violate this policy (e.g., cheating, plagiarizing, submitting duplicate copies of work in different courses
without instructor permission, sharing, selling, or purchasing assignments, etc.), you will be subject to
disciplinary action. All work shall be the original work of the student that has not ever been submitted to
meet the requirements of any activity/assignment in this course or any other course.

You are expected to attend class faithfully and take responsibility for your own learning. If you are caught
cheating on homework, your final grade will be reduced by one letter grade. If you are caught cheating on a test
or quiz, you will be dealt with accordingly.

Grade Scale

A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 65-74
F 0-64

Professional Conduct
Cell phones are not to be audible or visible during class. DO NOT TEXT DURING CLASS. During a test or
quiz, the use of cell phones (EVEN TO CHECK THE TIME) or any electronic device other than a calculator
will be considered cheating and will be dealt with accordingly.

It is rude and inconsiderate to be tardy without an exceedingly good reason. It is disruptive to fellow students
and to me as a teacher. So please be on time.

During class, you are expected to focus your complete attention on this class. Do not work on assignments for
other classes, e-mail, text, internet surf, etc. If you are caught doing these things, you will be subject to
disciplinary action.

Please keep all graded papers so that you can calculate your current grade. If you wish to double-check your
grade with my records, please stop by and ask.
Learner Outcomes:

Building Relationships among Complex Numbers, Vectors, and Matrices

Students analyze complex numbers geometrically and draw on analogies between complex numbers and vector
quantities. Students utilize vectors to model physical phenomena and solve related problems. Vectors are then
generalized to matrices, with emphasis on utilizing matrices in transformations and applications. Matrices are
additionally developed as a tool for solving systems of equations. The fundamental idea of this unit is the
development of new arithmetic operations that have a commonality with each other and are a precursor to the
algebraic thinking in linear algebra.

Analysis and Synthesis of Functions

Students have previously analyzed the graphs of polynomial functions. Students extend their experiences to
describe the properties of rational functions. They also explore composition of functions to generalize the
concept of inverses developed in Math II.

Trigonometric and Inverse Trigonometric Functions of Real Numbers

Students advance their thinking about trigonometric functions to a more abstract level. They blend the more
concrete trigonometric ideas developed in Math II and III with the general function concepts in Unit 2.

Derivations in Analytic Geometry

Students extend their understanding of the definitions of the conic sections to include ellipses and hyperbolas
and use them to model physical phenomena. Students develop informal arguments justifying the formulas for
the volumes of more complex solids.

Modeling with Probability

Students interpret geometrically probability concepts developed since the middle grades. They then examine the
role of expected value in decision making.

Series and Informal Limits

Students develop sigma notation and infinite geometric series building on ideas from Math I and Math III. This
unit provides an opportunity for students to deepen their informal understanding of limits while developing
formulas used in Calculus.