| Mathematics Curriculum
It is the goal of the Mathematics Department to accomplish at least five objectives in its courses: to show that mathematics is not merely a subject for rote memorization but is, in fact, a logical system; to prepare its students adequately for future work in mathematics; to instill in its students an understanding and an appreciation of the basic processes of mathematics; to integrate the tools of technology in a working partnership with theory and applications; and ultimately to meet the entrance requirements of the major colleges and universities. Placement in the appropriate course is made by the department. All students in courses from Algebra II (Grade 9) on are required to have a graphing calculator.
Prealgebra (Grade 7)
This course is designed to strengthen and expand the student's background in the fundamentals of arithmetic, as well as to prepare the student for the study of algebra. Properties of real number systems, binary and decimal numeration, operations with real number systems, problem solving, percentage, geometry, statistics, operations with variables and solutions of simple algebraic equations are included.
Algebra I Part A (Grade 8)
This eighth grade course is the first of a two-part Algebra I sequence. In this course, students will study the basic concepts of the real number system through the topics of functions. Attention is also given to linear functions and systems of linear equations and inequalities. A lab pack of graphing calculators is used in the study of graphing and solutions of systems, as well as in data analysis and mathematical modeling in problem solving.
Algebra I Part B (Grade 9)
This ninth grade course is the second of a two-part Algebra I sequence. The curriculum includes a review and expansion of algebraic concepts and skills and introduces: polynomials, quadratic equations, quadratic formula, rational expressions, absolute value, roots and radicals, exponents, and complex numbers. A lab pack of graphing calculators is used in the study of graphing as well as in data analysis and mathematical modeling in problem solving.
Algebra I (Grade 8, 9)
In this course, students will study the basic concepts of algebra through the topic of elementary quadratics. These topics include a thorough study of polynomials. Attention is also given to linear functions and systems of linear equations and inequalities. A lab pack of graphing calculators is used in the study of graphing and solutions of systems, as well as in data analysis and mathematical modeling in problem solving.
Algebra II (Grade 9)
The curriculum includes a review and expansion of algebraic concepts and skills and introduces: rational expressions, absolute value, roots and radicals, exponents, complex numbers, an introduction to function theory and conic sections. Although the course is traditional and rigorous in its approach, it incorporates numerous practical applications, using the graphing calculator as a tool.
Honors Algebra II (Grade 9)
This course covers the same topics as Algebra II (Grade 9) but in more depth, at a faster pace and with less emphasis on a review of Algebra I skills. More responsibility is placed on the student. Additional topics may include Sequences and Series, an introduction to Probability and Data Analysis, and Trigonometry.
Geometry (Grade 10)
This course in plane and solid geometry evolves primarily as a deductive system. However, it explores new concepts inductively through the software program The Geometer's SketchPad. Tools of compass, straight edge and protractor are also used in helping a student make a conjecture from examples. Topics include: congruency, inequality, similarity, parallelism, quadrilaterals, properties of right triangles and right triangle trigonometry, regular polygons and the circle, areas of plane figures, and areas and volume of solids. A research project is required during fourth quarter.
Honors Geometry (Grade 10)
This course covers the concepts of Geometry in more depth and at a faster pace. More responsibility is placed on the student. Additional topics of transformations, concurrency and coordinate geometry are included. Students are required to read Flatland, and a formal research paper is required in the fourth quarter.
Intermediate Algebra (Grade 11)
This course is sequential to Algebra I (9) and covers topics similar to those in Algebra II, but it employs a different text.
Precalculus (Grade 11)
Preparation for calculus is accomplished through a thorough study of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, fully integrating the graphing calculator. The study includes basic characteristics, transformations, models and applications of these functions.
Honors Precalculus (Grade 11)
This course covers the same topics as Precalculus in greater depth, at a faster pace, and with more responsibility placed on the student. Additional topics of analytic geometry and limits are included.
Precalculus (Grade 12)
This course will be offered on a need basis for seniors who have successfully completed Intermediate Algebra. The content is similar to that of Precalculus 11 but the presentation is less theoretical.
Differential Calculus (Grade 12)
Differential calculus, as well as analytic geometry, is presented in this course with the objective of preparing the student for a college calculus course. Content includes the following topics: continuity; limits; derivatives and their applications; indefinite and finite integrals and their applications; and transcendental functions.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB (Grade 12)
This advanced course follows the prescribed AP Calculus (AB) syllabus in preparation for the AP Exam. The department carefully selects students for this course, and they must understand that additional responsibilities may be demanded.
Advanced Placement Calculus BC (Grade 12)
This advanced course follows the prescribed AP Calculus (BC) syllabus in preparation for the AP exam. In addition to topics from the AB Calculus, the BC course will include: integration by parts, partial fractions, Power Series, Taylor Series, radius of convergence and parametric, vector and polar functions. The course is open to students who have successfully completed the AP Calculus (AB) course.
Introduction to Statistics (Grade 12)
This course may be taken by any student who has completed Algebra II or Intermediate Algebra, either as an elective or as a semester component for the mathematics requirement. The topics will include: frequency distributions; statistical descriptions; probability; discrete and normal probability distributions; sampling; inferences and testing; and regressions and correlations.
Senior Functions (Grade 12)
Twelfth graders may take this course. The topics will include linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and a study of their characteristics, graphs, and applications.
Mathematics Elective
Introduction to Statistics (Grade 10, 11, 12)
As described above, also open to Grades 10, 11, and 12.
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