MATHeMATICS DEPARTMENT
Business Math
Prerequisite: none
Elective Course: Full Year
Recommended Grade Level: any
Business Mathematics is a two-semester course of which students learn to use mathematics effectively as a tool in their personal and business lives. Students will review and apply mathematical operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, and percents. They will understand terminology relating to personal and business mathematics applications and apply basic math skills to the solution of both personal and business applications such as analyzing a paycheck and understanding withholdings, deductions, and earnings; comparing checking account options and reconciling a bank statement; and comparing markups based on cost and selling price of retail merchandise and how that affects the profit of a business. They will use common mathematical formulas to solve a variety of personal and business mathematics as well as apply knowledge of computer and calculator use.
Algebra 1
Prerequisite: Pre-algebra
Required Course
Recommended Grade Level: 9
In this first year algebra course, students learn to reason symbolically. Algebra is the study of the variable and variable expressions and methods of manipulating such expressions. Students will study various methods of equation solving and the graphing of linear and non-linear equations, inequalities, functions and their attributes, systems of equations and inequalities, as well as exponential, quadratic and radical expressions. Throughout the course, learned skills will be applied to problem solving in real-life applications including topics of geometry and statistics, using equations to model these situations. Students will build a foundation for their mathematics education, gaining access to skills that will be used in future course work in mathematics and other disciplines. This class is required for Core 40 and Honors Diploma.
Algebra 2
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Required Course
Recommended Grade Level: 10/11
In this second year algebra course, students will build upon previous algebraic skills to investigate more advanced topics of mathematics such as: higher order polynomials, systems of equations, the complex number system, rational, exponential and root expressions, logarithms, as well as a further look into counting principles, probability and data topics. This course will also take a close look at graphing and analysis of the graph and its associated equation. The content of this course is essential for preparation for standardized testing like the SAT or ACT, and is designed to prepare students for upper level mathematics courses such as Pre-Calculus. This class is required for Core 40 and Honors Diploma.
Dual Credit College Algebra
Prerequisite:
Recommended Grade Level: 11/12
This class fulfills the Honors Diploma elective but is not required.
Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Required Course
Recommended Grade Level: 10
Geometry is a one year math course designed to help students understand and use spatial relationships that exist, as well as assisting each student in developing the ability to think rationally using both inductive and deductive reasoning. Students will use logic and the fundamentals of Geometry to prove mathematical principles. Students will learn to identify and describe simple polygons and polyhedrons, finding measures of their sides, angles, areas and volumes. In addition, students will learn to perform basic construction of geometric figures. This class is required for Core 40 and Honors Diploma.
Pre-Calculus
Prerequisite:
Elective Course: Full Year
Recommended Grade Level: 11/12
This course is designed to provide students with a thorough investigation of functions from three aspects: analytical, numeric, and graphical. Students will study the properties and graphs of exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and inverse functions. We will also investigate polar coordinates, parametric equations, complex numbers, vectors, sequence, series, and limits. A portion of this course is also dedicated to the study of trigonometric concepts including the Law of Since and the Law of Cosines and applications of the trigonometric ratios. This course will prepare students to potentially take AP Calculus or Dual Credit Algebra in their senior year, and will also prepare students for college placement exams. If Algebra is taken as an 8th grader, this class is REQUIRED for a core 40 diploma. If Algebra is taken as a 9th grader, this class fulfills the Honors Diploma elective but is not required.
Dual Credit Calculus
Prerequisite:
Elective Course: Full Year
Recommended Grade Level: 11/12
Calculus is a college-preparatory class intended for advanced students who desire to continue in mathematics during high school. This course begins with a comprehensive review of upper level algebra and an introduction to limits. The primary content covered in this course is the two main branches of calculus, which are differential calculus and integral calculus. Problem solving is integrated throughout the entire course. It is desired that students develop a solid comprehension of the underlying logic of limits and continuity, differential calculus, applications of derivatives, integral calculus, applications of integration, mathematical reasoning, problem solving, the symbolic language of calculus, the representative nature of calculus, the connections between calculus and the world around them, and the study skills necessary for college. This class fulfills the Honors Diploma elective but is not required.