Nonlinear Functions: Precalculus, Part 3
Avrila at Math With Avrila
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(7)
This third month of a full precalculus class will cover polynomial and rational functions and introduce exponential and logarithmic functions.
Class experience
The general key topics for the third month will be nonlinear functions. For details of what will be addressed within these areas, see the learning goals list. We will use the OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry curriculum from Rice University as an outline and reference; while this is not a test prep class, I am mindful of the fact that learners may have passing credit-bearing exams like CLEP Precalculus as a goal, and the scope and rigor will be consistent. (The next month's unit will be...
Learners will calculate, communicate, and apply extrema, ranges, and roots of quadratic and higher-degree polynomial functions. Learners will calculate long-run behavior of power functions. Learners will understand polynomials as sums of power functions. Learners will communicate long-run behavior of functions using limit notation. Learners will use factoring, polynomial long division, synthetic division to write polynomial and rational function in forms revealing roots and asymptotes, and will understand these forms. Learners will calculate inverses of invertible polynomial functions, applying any needed domain restrictions. Learners will solve algebraic and situational problems involving direct, inverse, and joint variation. Learners will be familiar with exponential functions and their graphs. Learners will work with simple exponential application problems such as compound interest and basic population growth. Learners will understand logarithmic functions as the inverses of exponential functions.
I have a master's degree in math education for grades 5-12, as well as further graduate coursework in mathematics, and teach developmental, dual credit, and regular math classes for my local junior college.
Homework Offered
Learners will have practice problems to work in Rover for each lesson. Other assignments, quizzes, and tests will be in TeacherMade. Occasionally, such as in advance to clear group time for interactive tasks or when lecture topics take longer than anticipated, learners will be assigned video tutorials to watch outside class time.2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learners will receive numerical grades for practice and for each major assignment in a written report at the end of the class, and a current draft of their grades so far upon request during the class.Grades Offered
Scratch paper and pencils, or a whiteboard and markers. Learners who are preparing for college admissions are advised to keep a portfolio (digital or on paper) of major assignments and 2-3 different types of problems, fully worked, per routine practice assignment; the materials of the student's choice should be available for this from the beginning of class. Examples include a Google Drive or Dropbox folder, LibreOffice software (Writer and Math), a binder and hole-punched printer paper or a hole puncher, etc. Consider that if you are applying to multiple colleges, a digital portfolio is easier to duplicate, and can be printed out if a physical copy is wanted. For this class, learners can use GeoGebra exclusively as their graphing calculator, but students whose intent is to take a credit-bearing exam should begin practicing with a calculator approved for that exam as soon as possible.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Explain Everything is a shared whiteboard, similar to Google Jamboard but more flexible. Learners do not need an account and can access the board to write on it through a link. Learners who do not specifically want to write on the board don’t need to access Explain Everything at all – I will share the screen in Zoom and they can watch.
OpenStax Precalculus OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(7)
Hello mathematicians, puzzlers, and other curious people! I'm a homeschool graduate, math professor, textile/sewing enthusiast, literary hobbyist, and general curious individual, here to share all of the above with the next generation. Math...
Group Class
$100
for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
1-12 learners per class
