Advanced Functions, Grade 12, University Preparation

Code: MHF4UGrade: 12Type: University PreparationCredits: 1.0
Course description

This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university program and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.

Overall expectations

By the end of this course, students will develop the following skills in these different areas:

1. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
1.1demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between exponential expressions  and logarithmic expressions, evaluate logarithms, and apply the laws of logarithms to  simplify numerical expressions; 
1.2identify and describe some key features of the graphs of logarithmic functions, make  connections among the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of  logarithmic functions, and solve related problems graphically;
1.3solve exponential and simple logarithmic equations in one variable algebraically,  including those in problems arising from real-world applications.
2. Trigonometric Functions
2.1demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and application of radian measure;
2.2make connections between trigonometric ratios and the graphical and algebraic  representations of the corresponding trigonometric functions and between trigonometric  functions and their reciprocals, and use these connections to solve problems;
2.3solve problems involving trigonometric equations and prove trigonometric identities.
3. Polynomial and Rational Functions
3.1identify and describe some key features of polynomial functions, and make  connections between the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of  polynomial functions; 
3.2identify and describe some key features of the graphs of rational functions, and  represent rational functions graphically; 
3.3solve problems involving polynomial and simple rational equations graphically and  algebraically;
3.4demonstrate an understanding of solving polynomial and simple rational inequalities.
4. Characteristics of Functions
4.1demonstrate an understanding of average and instantaneous rate of change, and  determine, numerically and graphically, and interpret the average rate of change of a  function over a given interval and the instantaneous rate of change of a function at a  given point;  
4.2determine functions that result from the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and  division of two functions and from the composition of two functions, describe some  properties of the resulting functions, and solve related problems; 
4.3compare the characteristics of functions, and solve problems by modelling and  reasoning with functions, including problems with solutions that are not accessible by  standard algebraic techniques.
Outline Of Course Content
Time Allocated
1. Skill Building

A solid foundation of skills is required to succeed in Advanced Functions. This  unit focuses on acquiring and mastering skills such as: dividing polynomials and  factoring higher degree polynomials; multiplying and dividing rational functions;  writing exponential equations in logarithmic form and applying logarithmic rules.  Students will learn to use radians as an alternative unit to the degree for angle  measurement, understand the relationship between degrees and radians and  apply trigonometry skills with radians. Logarithm rules are applied to evaluate  logarithms and exponentials. Proper formatting and communication are  emphasized including interval notation.

15 hours (6 hrs online/ 9 hrs offline)
2. Characteristics and Transformations of Functions

This unit investigates the key properties of parent functions (polynomial,  exponential, logarithm, rational, square root) reviewing domain, range, and intercepts, as well as introducing positive/negative intervals, asymptotes, end  behaviours and symmetry. Students will learn to interpret piecewise functions and  find the inverse of a given function. 

Students also review transformations of functions and extend their knowledge to  higher degree polynomial, rational and logarithmic functions. Graphing software  is used to investigate the characteristics of functions.  

The characteristics of trigonometric functions are investigated leading to the  graphing of trigonometric functions using radians.

12 hours (6 hrs online/ 6 hrs offline)
3. Graphing Rational and Polynomial Functions

In this unit, students will use the skills acquired in the previous unit to graph  polynomial and rational functions. The key features of a function are analyzed separately before putting them all together into a full sketch of a curve. Domain  and range, intercepts, positive/negative intervals, asymptotes, holes and end  behaviours used to analyze a given equation and create a graph. Reciprocal  functions of linear and quadratic functions are explored to make connections  between the properties of the original and reciprocal graphs. Graphing  technology is used to explore the graphs of different functions.

12 hours (6 hrs online/ 6 hrs offline)
4. Solving Polynomial and Rational Functions

Now that students have an understanding of polynomials and rational functions, we take the next step and use the skills to solve equations and inequalities. Interval charts or number lines are introduced to solve inequalities. The skills  obtained in previous units are used to algebraically manipulate polynomial and  rational equations in order to solve for unknowns. The relationship between  algebraic and graphical solutions is explored using graphing technology.

10 hours (4 hrs online/ 6 hrs offline)
5. Solving Trigonometric, Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

Students will build upon the foundational skills and learn to solve  trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions. The periodicity of  trigonometric functions is explored algebraically and graphically to find  multiple solutions to trigonometric equations. Students will use their  knowledge of trigonometry and solving equations to solve linear and  quadratic trigonometric equations. Logarithms and logarithmic rules are  applied to exponential equations to solve exactly. Logarithmic rules are also  applied to logarithmic equations to create single logarithms on both sides of  an equation in order to solve.

12 hours (5 hrs online/ 7 hrs offline)
6. Applications and Problem Solving

The skills of previous units are reviewed and reinforced in problem solving  and applications. Students will use critical thinking to explore concepts from  different angles, such as using the factor and remainder theorem to solve for  an unknown coefficient in a polynomial function. Students learn to interpret  real life situations and create representative equations. Polynomial equations  and inequalities are used to solve volume, surface area, profit and revenue  problems. Work rates and other applications are represented by rational  equations and both equalities and equalities are solved. Radians are used to  solve arc length and angular velocity problems. Trigonometric equations are  created to represent periodic situations such as circular motion, simple  harmonic motion, seasonal changes in temperature or daylight hours, etc.  Students will use logarithms to solve loudness, Richter and pH scale  problems. Exponential applications from grade 11 are expanded upon to  solve more complicated growth and decay problems.

15 hours (6 hrs online/ 9 hrs offline)
7. Trigonometric Equations and Identities

Special triangles and transformations of trigonometric functions are  investigated to recognize equivalent trigonometric expressions. Compound  angle formulas are developed and used to find exact values for non-special  angles. Double Angle formulas are derived from the compound angle  formulas. Pattern recognition is emphasized in using formulas to simplify  expressions. Students will learn to prove trigonometric identities using the  Pythagorean identities as well as compound and double angle formulas.

12 hours (5 hrs online/ 7 hrs offline)
8. Combining Functions

Students will determine functions that result from the addition, subtraction,  multiplication, division and composition of two functions. Properties of the  combined functions will be analyzed such as domain and range, intercepts,  positive and negative intervals and asymptotes. Graphing technology will be  used to explore the properties of the combined functions. Equations that  cannot be solved through standard algebraic methods are solved using a  Guess and Improve strategy and graphing technology.

10 hours (4 hrs online/ 6 hrs offline)
9. Rates of Change

Rates of change are explored both algebraically and graphically. Students will  gain insight into the relationship between average rate of change and slope of  a secant, and instantaneous rate of change and slope of a tangent. Average  rate of change will be calculated over an interval and various methods will be  used to calculate the instantaneous rate of change at a point, such as  centered interval method, preceding and following method and difference  quotient. Rates of change will be applied to real life situations such as  distance-time problems.

9 hours (4 hrs online/ 5 hrs offline)
10. FINAL EXAMINATION

This is a proctored exam worth 30% of the final grade.

3 hours
Total110 Hours
Teaching and learning strategies

This course is organized into a semester format. Lessons and activities will be presented to  students via the online learning platform. Lessons will be provided on-line, with regularly  scheduled student teacher conferences and student to student discussion forums.  

A variety of strategies will be used in the online delivery of this course. Instructional strategies  will include but are not limited to: 

  • Teacher directed lessons 
  • Cooperative learning  
  • Independent research 
  • Peer to Peer learning 
  • Multi-media presentation 

Learning goals will be discussed at the beginning of each lesson and success criteria will be  provided to students. The success criteria are used to develop the assessment tools in this  course, including rubrics. 

The over-riding aim of this course is to help students use the language of mathematics  skillfully, confidently and flexibly. A wide variety of instructional strategies are used to provide  learning opportunities to accommodate a variety of learning styles, interests, and ability levels.  The following mathematical processes are used throughout the course as strategies for  teaching and learning the concepts presented.

Strategies for assessment & evaluation of student performances

A variety of assessment and evaluation methods, strategies and tools are required as appropriate  to the expectation being assessed. These include diagnostic, formative and summative within the  course and within each unit.  

Assessment FOR Learning and Assessment AS Learning is obtained through a variety of means,  including the following:  

  • Ongoing descriptive feedback, including descriptive feedback on students’ practice  activities 
  • Self-assessment 
  • Peer assessment 
  • Student/Teacher Conferences with on a regular basis to: 
    • o verbalize observations 
    • o ask questions 
    • o clarify understanding 

Evidence of student achievement (assessment of learning) is collected through ongoing  observations of most consistent work, with consideration given to most recent work from various  sources. 

Assessment and evaluation in this course will be based on the provincial curriculum expectations.  Students will be provided with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of  their achievement. Categories of assessment and breakdowns are as follows: 

  • Knowledge 30% 
  • Thinking Inquiry 25%  
  • Application 25%  
  • Communication 20% 

A final grade will be determined as follows:  

Term Work 70% Final Examination 30%

Consideration for program planning

Students with special needs and English Language Learners will be provided with  accommodation, including additional time, assistive technology and scribe where available.

Learning skills

Learning Skills listed below are key to student success. Learning Skills are assessed  independently of achievement and are determined through observation and participation. A  check list and student conference will be used to determine the level in each category. 

  1. Responsibility  
  2. Organization  
  3. Independent Work  
  4. Collaboration  
  5. Initiative  
  6. Self-Regulation
Resources required by the student
  • Scientific calculator.
Resources provided by the student
  • PowerPoint and video lessons 
  • Activities 
  • Supplementary lessons. 
  • Links to simulations and interactives

Buy course

$549.00

🇨🇦 Canadian Student Price

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