Mathematics

Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra brings the entering student up to the level of mastery needed to study Algebra I as a sophomore. The student will become comfortable with manipulating negative numbers, fractions and decimals in a variety of algebraic and mathematical contexts. Graphing points, lines and equations will be taught and used to demonstrate various topics. Students will learn to use exponents and roots and be shown the basic facts of logarithms.

Algebra I

Algebra 1 is a first-year algebra course in which students will learn to reason symbolically. The key content will involve writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. Students will solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, graphing, and by applying the quadratic formula. The course also will include the study of monomial and polynomial expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions, rational expressions, ratio, and proportion. Algebraic skills will be applied in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.  Students also will identify and apply real-life applications of the mathematical principles to science and other disciplines.*

Geometry

Geometry will focus on deductive reasoning and proof.  Equally important will be the development of students’ skills in visualization, pictorial representation and the application of geometric ideas to solve real life problems.  The interplay between geometry and algebra will be stressed. Students will analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships. Topics will include symbolic logic, parallel/perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, proportion, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, circles, area, surface area, volume, coordinate geometry and transformations.*

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 will review and extend concepts and skills learned in previous grades and new, more abstract concepts in algebra. Students will gain greater proficiency in solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems of linear equations. Concepts will include solving quadratic equations with complex solutions, inequalities, conics, complex fractional equations, matrices, discrete math and probability. Students also will investigate functions including composition, inverse, exponential and logarithmic functions.  The course will conclude with a unit on trigonometry which includes the law of sines/cosines and trig identities. The development of problem-solving skills will be a major goal of this course. Instruction in the process of problem solving will help students develop a wide range of skills and strategies for solving a variety of problem types.*

Precalculus

Precalculus will increase the student’s mathematical power and the ability to communicate via mathematics. The course will make connections between mathematics and real-world situations by integrating technology, science, and math in the classroom. Precalculus topics will include: major algebra topics, trigonometric and circular functions, trigonometric identities, exponents and logarithms, polar coordinates, vectors, conics, matrices, higher degree polynomials, rational and irrational algebraic functions, sequences, series, and the binomial theorem.  The course will conclude with an introduction to limits and the derivative. Precalculus will demonstrate the connections between other academic disciplines and to math. Mathematical modeling, practical application problems, various software and the graphing calculator will illustrate the use of and the connections between the concepts learned.*

Advanced Placement Calculus

This is a college level course designed to prepare students to take the AB Advanced Placement Calculus Exam for college credits.  For a complete course description and other information please see the College Board website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_calab.html?calcab

Note: Students will be actively engaged using appropriate technologies such as calculators and computer software. However, facility in the use of technology shall not be regarded as a substitute for a student’s understanding of quantitative concepts and relationships or for proficiency in basic computations.