Math Department
Course Descriptions:
Pre-Algebra
(Grade 9)
This course is an integrated transition to algebra and geometry. It is a subject for students who need time to gain a better
mastery of basic mathematical concepts, and is intended to give students an
opportunity to demonstrate competency in handling various concrete mathematical
skills before beginning studies in the more abstract field of algebra.
Integrated Algebra Part I
(Grades 10 - 11)
Students will be studying topics in algebra, geometry, probability,
statistics and discrete math and the connections between them.
The course will include the use of variables to solve for unknown
quantities, and laws of operations and their role in solving equations and
inequalities. Students will explore
functions, analyze data using scatter plots, and learn to relate graphs to
events. Number and geometric
patterns will be studied, as well as, segments, rays, angles and
transformations. Students will be
introduced to probability, simulations, and networks.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Integrated Algebra Part II
(Grades 11 & 12)
This course will continue studying topics of algebra, as well as topics in
probability, statistics, and discrete mathematics.
Students will learn to graph systems of equations and inequalities,
explore exponential functions, learn operations with exponents, and roots.
They will work with algebraic products and factors, and rational
expressions and functions. Topics in probability, statistics, and discrete mathematics
will be integrated throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra Part I
Algebra I
(Grades 9 -12)
Students will be introduced to the use of variables in solving for unknown
quantities. Included are the laws
of operations and their role in solving equations and inequalities. Students will learn operations with signed numbers, exponents
and roots. They will work with
functions, graphs, algebraic products and factors, data analysis, probability,
and discrete math. Technology and
manipulatives are incorporated throughout the program.
Prerequisite: C+ in Pre-Algebra or A in Math 8
Algebra II
(Grades 11 & 12)
This course develops an understanding of more abstract algebraic concepts
and intricate applications. The
study of linear, quadratic, and polynomial equations, the number system
including complex numbers, systems of linear equations, exponential and
logarithmic functions, and introduction to trigonometry is emphasized. The study of conic sections through the use of coordinate
geometry is included. Elements of
statistics are integrated throughout the curriculum; also, topics from discrete
mathematics and sequences and series will be studied.
Prerequisite: C in Algebra I
and course experiences consistent with the geometry curricula.
Algebra II Honors
(Grade 9)
This course is for students in the accelerated mathematics program. This course expands upon the concepts listed in the Algebra
II course description.
Prerequisite: B in 8th grade Algebra I Honors
Geometry
(Grades
10 - 12)
This course covers fundamental geometric concepts and their application.
It emphasizes an introduction to mathematical proof through the use of
general logic, critical thinking, and deductive and inductive reasoning.
The program includes a study of two-dimensional figures, circles,
congruency, similarity, and areas.
It also includes a study of the volume and surface area of three dimensional
figures.
Prerequisite: Algebra I or C in Integrated Algebra Parts I & II
Comprehensive Geometry
Grade 10
In this course, students benefit from concrete experiences with geometric
shapes. Through manipulating
physical models and computer-constructed figures, they discover geometric
relationships. Students become more
skilled in mathematical thinking as they work cooperatively in a stimulating,
problem solving environment, that requires them to make, support, and prove
conjectures. The objectives of this
course include the traditional goals of logical thinking skills, geometric
relationships of the real world, and the mathematical concepts needed for more
advanced math classes.
Prerequisite: C+ in Algebra I
Comprehensive Geometry Honors
(Grade 10)
This course expands the goals of the Comprehensive Geometry course.
It is unique in the process it uses to reach these goals as students are
actively involved in creating the rules and theorems of geometry.
This is achieved through a "guided-inquiry" approach, a cooperative
learning environment, and a problem - solving focus.
Prerequisite: B in Algebra II Honors
Mathematics Review
(Grades 11 & 12)
This course provides an opportunity for the reinforcement of the concepts
learned in Algebra I and Geometry. It serves as a review course to
strengthen mathematical skills and to prepare students for state testing and
college entrance examinations.
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
Trigonometry and Related Studies
(Grades 11 &12)
This course offers students exposure to trigonometry and other mathematical
topics for a college preparatory program.
Right triangle trigonometry, circular functions, and practical applications are
included. This course does not meet
the prerequisite for Calculus.
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
Pre-Calculus
(Grade 12)
This course involves an introduction to areas of mathematics likely to be
encountered in advanced mathematical courses. This course covers
mathematical induction, the algebra of factors, and plane analytic geometry of
points and lines. Students are introduced to functions: exponential,
trigonometric, and logarithmic. This course is intended to prepare
students for Calculus.
Prerequisites: at least a C+ in Algebra II and C+ in Comprehensive
Geometry.
Pre-Calculus Honors
(Grade 10 & 11)
This course is intended for students in the accelerated math track. It
expands upon the concepts in Math Analysis. This course may be combined
with Physics II Honors.
Prerequisites: B in Comprehensive Geometry Honors.
(This course may be taken simultaneously with Comprehensive Geometry Honors.
A prerequisite to take both courses at once is a grade of A or better in Algebra
II Honors and teacher recommendation.)
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
(Grades 11 & 12)
This course involves the fundamental concepts of mathematics as well as the
development and application of a different mathematical system used in college
math programs. It covers
inequalities, relations, functions, graphs, limits and continuity,
differentiation of algebraic functions, trigonometric and exponential functions,
parametric equations, polar coordinates, vectors, and integration.
Students who do well may take an Advanced Placement Test.
Prerequisite:
B in Pre-Calculus Honors
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
(Grade 12)
This course is the second level calculus in the Honors track.
Successful completion of all honors math courses is required.
In addition to the continuation of the topics covered in the Calculus
Honors course, the students will successfully complete the array of advanced
concepts, as prescribed by the College Board through the Education Testing
Service. The students are expected
to take the Advanced Placement Exam AB or BC, depending on their proficiency.
Prerequisite: B in Advanced
Placement Algebra AB
Probability and Statistics
(Grades 11 & 12)
This course is an introduction to statistics and probability.
Skills are developed using mathematical tools of high school algebra.
This course is offered to students who plan to enter fields such as
economics, business, education, psychology, sociology, biology, medicine, and
any other profession that requires an understanding of statistics.
Successful completion of this course will be adequate preparation for
college courses that require statistical knowledge.
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.
Business Calculus
(Grade 12)
Students in this course will study the theories and techniques of
differential and integral calculus as well as its applications in business,
economics and life/social sciences.
Topics will include limits, continuity, first derivative, maximum and minimum
points, Newton's Law, concavity and integration.
Calculators and computers will be used as tools in solving real world problems
such as those dealing with free falling bodies and applications of integration
such as finding the area between curves.
Prerequisite: C in Pre-Calculus or teacher recommendation
S.A.T. Prep Semester
(Grades
11-12)
This course will review the following topics as they
appear on the SAT: numerical operations,
Algebra I and functions, Geometry and the coordinate
plane, data analysis, probability, statistics and
some Algebra II. by doing practice exams,
students will learn important test-taking skills
appropriate to the s.A.T.
NOTE: This course will include an S.A.T. Prep
verbal Component.