Mathematics Department

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

A TI-84 graphing calculator is required for all mathematics courses.

Note: An asterisk (*) following the course title indicates the course meets the

entrance requirements for UC/CSU when passed with a grade of C or better.

INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA 1

Prerequisite: None

Grade 9 1 Year

This course is designed to ease the transition from junior high school math to high school algebra. The text utilizes a problem solving approach, offering many examples and real world applications. Topics covered are: integers, variables and expressions, equations and problem solving, number theory, rational numbers and their applications, inequalities, and linear equations.

ALGEBRA 1 *

Prerequisite: HSPT scores

Grade 9, 10 1 Year

This course is designed to teach students basic algebra skills. Topics of study are: operations and applications of real numbers, equations and problem solving, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, linear equations, probability, quadratic functions and equations, and systems of linear equations.

HONORS ALGEBRA 1 *

Prerequisite: HSPT and Mary Star’s Math Placement Test scores,

8th grade math grades

Grade 9 1 Year

Algebra I Honors is an accelerated and more intensive study of the topics covered in Algebra I. Additional areas of study include: radicals, an introduction to geometry, and an introduction to trigonometry.

GEOMETRY *

Prerequisite: Mary Star’s Math Placement Test scores OR passing grade

in Algebra 1

Grade 9, 10, 11 1 Year

This course emphasizes mathematics as a practical, logical, and coherent subject. Students will develop the ability to create formal arguments and provide theorems using a variety of formats including: traditional two-column proofs, using a coordinate system, and connecting algebraic and geometric definitions. Criteria for similarity and congruence, parallel and perpendicular lines, trigonometric concepts, and the measurement and construction of two-dimensional models are among the concepts mastered. The use of trigonometric concepts to solve problems provides additional preparation for future math courses.

HONORS GEOMETRY *

Prerequisite: HSPT and Mary Star’s Math Placement Test scores,

OR “B” or better in Honors Algebra I with departmental

approval, OR “A” in Algebra I with departmental approval

Grade 9, 10 1 Year

Students in this honors version of this course will cover geometric concepts at a faster pace and in greater depth than in the regular course. Problems solved will require greater mastery of mathematical vocabulary, greater analysis of what is given and what is asked for in a multi-step problem, and more complex constructions. Students will also master solving the problems in a variety of ways to judge the best approach.

ALGEBRA II *

Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra 1 and Geometry

Grade 10, 11, 12 1 Year

This course is an extension and expansion of Algebra I. Concepts include linear equations, linear inequalities, functions, linear systems, polynomials, higher degree equations and inequalities, rational expressions, radicals and rational exponents, complex numbers, polynomial equations and functions, coordinate geometry, quadratic functions, logarithms, graphing transformations, probability, domain, and range.

HONORS ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY *

Prerequisite: “B” or better in Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry OR

“A” in Algebra I and Geometry with departmental approval

Grade 10, 11, 12 1 Year

This course serves as a precalculus class. Topics from algebra include logarithms, exponential growth and decay, linear systems, polynomials, quadratic systems, coordinate geometry, radicals, rational expressions, graphing transformations, probability, domain, and range. Trigonometry topics include the six trigonometric functions and their inverses, graphing, identities, evaluating trigonometric expressions, and solving trigonometric equations. Emphasis is placed on numerical, graphical, algebraic, and verbal expressions of functions.

TRIGONOMETRY/PRECALCULUS *

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: “B” or better in Algebra II with departmental

approval, OR “C” or better in Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry

Grade 11, 12 1 Year

This course covers the concepts and skills necessary for success in a college advanced math class. Students study the six trigonometric functions, solve triangles, verify identities, solve trigonometric equations and use polar coordinates. They also study exponents, logarithms, sequences, polynomial equations and functions, conics and matrices.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PRE-CALCULUS *

Prerequisite: “B” or better in Honors Algebra II / Trigonometry OR “A” or

better in Algebra II and Geometry with departmental

approval

Grade 11, 12 1 Year

Students will understand the following topics graphically, algebraically, and numerically: probability, polynomial equations, logarithms, trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, matrices, sequences and series, and vectors. Students will be able to solve problems with and without technology. Students are challenged to think critically and “outside the box.”

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS *

Prerequisite: “A” in Honors Algebra II / Trigonometry with departmental approval, OR “B” or better in Honors Trigonometry/Precalculus or Trigonometry / Precalculus

Grade 11, 12 1 Year

Students will understand the following topics graphically, algebraically, numerically, and verbally: limits, derivatives, integrals, maximum/minimum problems, area, volume, and differential equations. Students are challenged to think critically and “outside of the box.” Students are encouraged to take the AP Calculus AB Exam. Students who do not pass the AP Exam may still be able to test out of a partial sequence of calculus in college, depending on the university.

CONSUMER MATH *

Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Algebra 1

Grade 11, 12 1 Year

This class is designed to help students meet the challenges of financial everyday life. Mathematics is interwoven into almost every aspect of our lives and the ability to solve everyday math problems is considered a basic skill. Among the skills students will learn are those needed to: find the best deal shopping; estimate tips; understand credit cards; figure loans, repayments, and interest; determine the nutritional value of foods; determine the Calories burned in activities; take and use measurements for clothing and recipes; understand tax brackets; prepare a budget; interpret pie charts and tables; understand some retirement plan investing; travel in a foreign country; and understand odds/probability in games of chance.