Malvern Preparatory School

Honors Pre-Calculus
Course Syllabus 2024-2025

Instructor: Mrs. Gabriella Toth

Contact Information:
~email: gtoth@malvernprep.org
Classroom: Carney 305

Policy for Honors level courses

Honor students need a B average or higher to continue in the Honors sequence. A student in Academic
level courses may move into one of the Honors sequences if he has an A average in his present course, his
teacher’s recommendation, and the permission of the Curriculum Coordinator.
*Please Note the Pre-requisites for AP Calculus AB :Students must have completed Honors
Pre-Calculus with an average of “B+” or better and must obtain a teacher recommendation.

Objectives
“Why do we study mathematics? It’s a simple answer. We study mathematics so that we may gain a more intimate understanding
of how our world works, and ultimately, a more intimate understanding of ourselves. St. Augustine says that the ultimate goal of
our pursuit of knowledge is the Truth. The Truth is within each of us and it is God. He goes even further in stating that since we
pursue knowledge to discover Truth, then we must pursue that knowledge with a fervent passion our entire lives. Notice that
Augustine was not concerned with grades, or monetary rewards. The pursuit of knowledge is its own reward.”

The curriculum will be presented to the student through a blended learning approach. The student will
learn through face-to-face teacher instruction, collaborative work, and inquiry-based lessons. The purpose
of using this model is to help the student:
● discover what best drives his learning experience, which in turn will help him develop a
self-driving force.
● take ownership of his learning experience and learn how to best work both individually and
collaboratively.
● understand that mistakes are valuable learning tools.
● learn the importance of self-reflection.
● persevere when challenged and learn to apply concepts learned to higher-level questioning.
● develop his curiosity of the world and be able to use skills learned when he leaves the classroom
● prepare for AP Calculus AB course

Skills Students will practice/learn in Honors Pre-Calculus:

● Apply definitions and theorems in the process of solving a problem.
● Develop conjectures based on exploration with technology.
● Use the connection between concepts or processes to solve problems.
● Connect concepts to their visual representations with and without technology.
● Select appropriate mathematical strategies.
● Sequence algebraic/computational procedures logically.
● Complete algebraic/computational processes correctly.
● Apply technology strategically to solve problems.
 ● Attend to precision graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and specify units of
measure.
● Connect the results of algebraic/computational processes to the question asked.
● Develop concepts using graphical, symbolic, verbal, or numerical representations with and
without technology.
● Identify how mathematical characteristics of functions are related in different representations.
● Construct one representational form from another (e.g., a table from a graph or a graph from
given information).
● Know and use a variety of notations.

Course Outline
The following topics will be covered in this Honors Pre-Calculus class:
● Functions and Their Graphs
○ Analyzing Graphs of Functions
○ Parent Functions
○ Combinations of Functions
○ Inverse Functions
● Polynomial and Rational Functions
○ Polynomial Functions of a Higher Degree
○ Polynomial and Synthetic Division
○ Complex Numbers
○ Zeros of Polynomial Functions
○ Rational Functions
● Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
○ Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
○ Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
○ Properties of Logarithms
○ Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
● Trigonometry
○ Radian and Degree Measure
○ Trigonometric Functions: The Unit Circle
○ Right Triangle Trigonometry
○ Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle
○ Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions
○ Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions
○ Inverse Trigonometric Functions
○ Applications of Trigonometry
● Analytic Trigonometry
○ Using Fundamental Identities
○ Verifying Trigonometric Identities
○ Solving Trigonometric Equations
○ Sum and Difference Formulas
○ Multiple-Angle and Product-to-Sum Formulas
● Limits and Introduction to Calculus
○ Introduction to Limits , Technique for Evaluating Limits
○ Limits at Infinity
● If time allows: Vectors, matrices, series and sequences
Required Materials

● Binder or Spiral notebook filled with graph paper to be used for this class only (be prepared to
rip out the homework page for submission)
● TI-84 graphing calculator
● Pencils (sharpened or mechanical with lead)
● Chromebook or laptop
● eBook - available through Textbook Hub

Classroom Expectations and Policies

Student Responsibilities:

● Be the best version of yourself. Put forth your best effort at all times. Always do your own best
work. Put quality ahead of just getting it done.
● Be prepared. Bring all required materials to class daily. Have all homework completed before
entering the classroom. As soon as you arrive for class, take your seat, put your homework on
your desk, and begin the Warm-Up of the day.
● Lateness will not be tolerated. The door will close 5 minutes after the change of classes. Anyone
who arrives to class after this must have a note from another teacher or the attendance office.
Behavior and/or lateness issues result in a deduction of points from the student’s participation
grade.

● Behavior: All students are expected to act with respect toward the teacher and each other.
Cheating will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will be reported to the Dean of Students
and receive a zero for the assignment. Those students who cannot act with respect and/or are a
disruption to the learning of others will receive a phone call home and in extreme cases or after
repeated offenses will be written up according to school policy.

● Cell phone policy: Upon entering the classroom, all students should place their cell phones in a
designated area (cubby or pocket holder). Students are not permitted to access their phones
throughout the class and all phones should be completely silent when in a cubby or pocket holder.
Students can retrieve their phones once they are dismissed by their teacher. Students who do not
place their phones in the designated space or who do not silence their phones will receive an
infraction.

Grading Policy
● Tests are given approximately every 2-3 weeks. There will be no test corrections for extra credit
or retakes. Quizzes are given every week. Both quiz and test questions are frequently based on
homework and in-class assignments.
● The Final Exam will be given at the end of the year and is a cumulative assessment of the
material presented.
● Practice/ Homework is assigned daily. In addition to written homework, students should review
notes each night. All written work must be shown in order to receive full credit (3 points). Points
will be deducted if all problems are not complete or if work is not shown. All homework must
have the correct heading which includes date, assignment title (page and number problems).
Students should answer all questions to the best of their ability. If all questions are not attempted,
 points will be deducted. Students who may have had trouble with specific problems should ask
questions in class and then make corrections. Students may also email me with questions or
arrange to work with me during community time. Homework may also include watching videos
or powerpoints and taking notes in order to be prepared for full participation in class the next day.
● Homework assignments are due by the beginning of each class. Late homework will not be
accepted for credit; however, students are still required to submit it the next day.
● In case a student is absent from class, it is his responsibility to finish the homework by the time
he returns to class. See “Absences” below for more information.
● Some homework will be collected and graded for correctness without prior announcement.

The breakdown of the grades:

Tests - 35%
Quizzes - 30%
Exit ticket (Checkpoint) - 20%
Homework - 15%

Homework Rubric:
3 points: correct heading included, all problems completely worked out, all work is neatly
shown
2 points: most problems were attempted, one or two were not attempted, all work shown
1 point: a few problems were attempted, OR no work shown
0 points: very little effort OR no homework

● Class participation is vital for a successful year in class. This includes volunteering answers,
working on the board, asking questions, actively participating in collaborative work, completing
warm-ups and exit tickets, and coming to class prepared to learn, with all required materials and
homework, being actively engaged in meaningful mathematical dialogue as well as attentively
and respectfully treating others, and not using your cell phones in class. An organized and
complete binder/ folder and notebook greatly contributes to success in the math classroom.
The final grade will consist of 50% of each term grade. The midterm assessment,
and the final assessment will be incorporated into the final grade at the end of the school year.
● Topics section: Class notes, video links, resources and updates will be posted in the Topics
section of MyMalvern for your quick reference.
● Bridge Days: Monday’s classes will be Bridge Days which means that I meet students only once
a week in their non-intensive terms. Students will be receiving homework assignments, quizzes
and exit tickets; however, unit tests will not be administered during Bridge Day classes.

Absences
● If a student is absent from class, he is responsible for making up all assignments. Homework will
be posted on MyMalvern, and the absent student is responsible for handing in the work in a
timely fashion upon his return to class. If he needs extra help with the missed material, it is the
student’s responsibility to make an appointment to meet with me so help can be provided.
● If a student is dismissed early for sports or another extra-curricular activity, he must give
me 24-hour notice. He must submit his homework the following day. Homework submitted
days later will result in loss of points.
Academic Honesty
● All work, including class work, homework, tests, quizzes, and exit tickets should reflect each
student’s level of understanding. In addition, the statement will be presented before each major
assignment for you to sign as a reminder of your commitment to academic honesty.

Academic Integrity Statement: By signing under this statement, I acknowledge that the work on
this assessment is my own and it is original. In completing this assessment, I did not have, nor did
I give, any inappropriate help, aid, or assistance from any source. I understand that a
consequence of asking for and/or giving assistance on this assessment may result in a Dean’s
Warning and may be reported to any colleges to which I have or I may one day apply.

Teacher Availability
I encourage students to seek help if they do not understand something. I am available daily during, before
or after school at a mutually agreed-upon time. Please see the box at the beginning of the syllabus for
contact information. Our Peer-to-Peer Tutoring is open in CSI to seek additional help from Malvern Prep
students who are attending advanced math classes.

Special Note: Students should consult the handbook for specific school guidelines regarding academics,
attendance, and behavior.

Please sign the next page and hand it in during the first week of school. Thank you! Now let’s
have a successful and fun school year!

-Gabriella Toth, M.A. Mathematics

 Malvern Preparatory School
Honors Pre-Calculus
Course Syllabus 2024-2025

It is important that all students and parents/guardians read the course syllabus and sign their
acknowledgments and understanding of the information and policies listed there.

Please complete and return to Mrs. Toth by the end of the 1st week of school for 10 credits towards the
1st assignment.

“ I pledge to pursue all of my academic endeavors with honesty, integrity and passion. Knowing that
Malvern Preparatory’s core values are the pursuit of Truth, Unity and Love, I will strive to always act
honorably and earnestly. I have familiarized myself with the ACADEMIC INTEGRITY policy of
Malvern Preparatory School and fully accept responsibility for my actions in my time as a member of the
Malvern Brotherhood.”

I have read and understood Mrs. Toth’s Honors Pre-Calculus Course Syllabus for the 2024-2025 school
year.

Student print name: ________________________________________

Student signature: __________________________________________

Date: _____________________

Parent/guardian print name:____________________________________

Parent/guardian signature: _____________________________________

Date: ___________________