Math Courses
Algebra I
Throughout the Algebra I course, students will take a look at the basic principles used in mathematics. Some of the topics that will be covered include: properties of multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, and exponents; solving systems of equations and inequalities; and graphing lines and curves. The class will include many examples of real-life situations in order to answer the question, “When will I ever use this?” Students use skills from Algebra I everyday without realizing it. The goal is to encourage students to continue to use formulas in order to simplify real-life situations.
The grade students will receive in this class will be comprised of daily homework assignments, quizzes, and test scores. Students should expect homework on a daily basis with quizzes over the material at least once a week.
A calculator will prove to be very useful for students, but is not required. Some calculators will be available to students during class time, but they may need them to complete homework at home.
Basic Units of Study: Writing equations, properties of equations, solving equations, graphing linear equations, solving and graphing linear inequalities, polynomials, simplifying square roots, properties of square roots.
Geometry
The following topics will be covered in this class: patterns, points, lines, planes, segments, reasoning and proofs, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, perimeter, properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, transformations, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, area of polygons and circles, surface area and volume, and more.
Basic Units of Study: basics of geometry; reasoning and proof; perpendicular and parallel lines; congruent triangles; properties of triangles; quadrilaterals, transformations; similarity; right triangles and trigonometry; circles;area of polygons and circles; surface area and volume.
Algebra II
In Algebra II, students will pick up where they finished in Algebra I. Solving systems of linear equations and inequalities will be reviewed and expanded upon. Other topics that will be covered include: quadratic equations, logarithms, and trigonometric equations.
A graphing calculator will help to enhance the material covered throughout the course. While graphic skills are necessary for students, the ability to create and investigate trigonometric and quadratic functions in seconds is very useful. Although the calculator is not required, it is strongly recommended.
Basic Units of Study: Solving and graphing linear and quadrate equations, properties of square roots and exponents, factoring and solving polynomials, trigonometric ratios, graphs, functions ad equations, properties of logarithms.
Pre-Calculus
This course strengthens the student’s Algebra and Geometric skills before entering the course of Calculus. It is intended to give the student a wide exposure to fields that use mathematics. Most students that enroll in this course are expected to continue to further their education in mathematics (ex: Calculus or 1 st year college courses). This course will go into more depth in the areas of exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions and discrete mathematics. Through the use of application, problem solving, reasoning, communication, and technology the student will gain further insight into Pre-Calculus.
Basic Units of Study: The study of linear and quadratic functions and their graphs. solving polynomial functions with their graphs. Linear and polynomial inequalities and properties of functions and their inverses, the study and applications of exponents and logarithms. Analytic geometry (ellipses, circles, hyperbolas and parabolas) Trigonometry: The study of the six Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant) with their graphs along with applications to the real world. Formulas that involve the six trigonometric functions. If time exists in the school year, the study of polar coordinates/complex numbers, combinations and probability may be discussed.
Calculus
This class is intended for the most serious mathematics student. It is designed for those who have shown superior achievement in a college preparatory curriculum. Pupils will learn the basic concepts of Calculus, namely differentiation and integration through a variety of functions. Using applications and theory, the student will gain further insight into the structure of calculus. The class will have opportunities to use technology in order to analyze real life applications and model data.
Basic Units of Study: Review Pre-Calculus; finding limits graphically and numerically; evaluating limits analytically; continuity, one-sided and infinite limits; derivative, basic differentiation rules and rates of change; product and quotient rules; higher order derivatives, chain rule, implicit differentiation and related rates; applications of differentiation: extrema, Rolle’s Theorem and the mean value theorem; first and second derivative test, curve sketching, optimization problems and Newton’s Method, antiderivatives and indefinite integration; area, reimann sums and definite integrals; integration by substitution and numerical integration; logarithmic, exponential and other transcendental functions; natural logarithm, inverse functions, growth and decay models; inverse trigonometric functions; area of a region between two curves; volume: the disc method, shell method, washer method; arc lengths and surfaces of revolution, integration by parts.
