Mathematics

The Mathematics Department strives to instill mathematical power in students in a technological society. While developing an appreciation for the intrinsic value, structure, and beauty of mathematics, students learn to reason analytically and communicate mathematically. By becoming mathematical problem solvers, students develop strategies for applying mathematics to real world situations and for learning and using mathematics with confidence.

Mathematics: Year Courses

Algebra I
An introduction to functions, modeling data, and variables. Students use graphical, symbolic, tabular, and numerical representations as they solve problems involving unknown quantities. Students are introduced to quadratic equations, factoring, the basics of probability, and counting problems.

Geometry
In this course, students will student parallelism, congruence, similarity, polygons, circles, area and volume, coordinate geometry, and transformations. Particular emphasis is placed on inductive and deductive reasoning, logic, and proof. Students will use traditional constuction tools along with Geometer's Sketchpad to explore relationships and formulate conjectures. Concepts of Algebra I are reinforced, including linear equations, graphing, and soliving systems. Students are introduced to right triangle trigonometry, counting principles, and geometric mean. (Prerequisite: Algebra I)

Honors Geometry
Honors Geometry covers the material addressed in regular Geometry but with added emphasis on concept development, student communication, critical thinking skills, and problem solving. Additional topics covered include advanced logic and triginometry. (Prerequisite: Algebra I)

Intermediate Algebra II
An Algebra II course with a slower pace and more concrete approach. Greater emphasis is placed on mastering fundamental algebraic concepts before moving into more abstract applications of those concepts. Counting principles of probability are reviewed. (Departmental approval required.)

Algebra II
A review and extension of Algebra I and Geometry. New topics include quadratics and higher-order polynomials, exponentialing logarithmic and rational functions. Emphasis is placed on solving equations, transforming graphs, and developing problem solving skills. Fundamental concepts of probability are introduced. (Prerequisite: Geometry)

Honors Algebra II
Includes much of the same material as Algebra II but with more theory and in greater depth. Conic sections and an extension of trigonometry are also parts of the course. Significant emphasis is placed on applications. Probability concepts are reinforced and formalized. (Prerequisite: Geometry)

Algebra III/Trigonometry
A comprehensive review and extension of Algebra II topics with a study of functions and their graphs extended to higher order polynomial and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include matrices, statistics, and probability. Similar content to Precalculus but slower paced. (Departmental approval required.)

Precalculus
A study of functions and graphs including trigonometry, higher order polynomials, exponents, logarithms, analytic geometry, sequences and series, vectors, polar coordinates, and an introduction to limits. Students study the binomial theorem, standard deviation and variance, while also mastering the counting principles. (Prerequisite: Algebra II)

Honors Precalculus
An in-depth examination of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, power, rational, and trigonometric functions (graphs, equations, and applications) in preparation for AP Calculus BC. In addition, students thoroughly explore sequences and series, probability, counting methods, polar graphing, and begin the study of limits, derivatives, and continuity. (Prerequisite: Algebra II)

Discrete Mathematics
A study of traditional math topics including vectors, sequences, series, matrices, and an introduction to combinatorics, probability, statistics, linear programming, curve fitting, and mathematical models. Similar content to Probability, Statistics, and.Finite Math. (Departmental approval required.)

Probability, Statistics and Finite Mathematics
A study of contemporary and traditional mathematics for students who have completed a precalculus course that includes probability, statistics, sequences and series, logic, matrices, graph theory, financial mathematics, number systems and other finite math topics. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

IB Math Studies
Includes much of the same material as Probability, Statistics and Finite Math but with greater emphasis on IB topics. Additional topics include an introduction to calculus, and the IB project is completed. This course prepares students for the IB Math Studies Standard Level Exam. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

AP Statistics
A secondary school equivalent of a one-semester introductory, non-calculus based, college course in statistics. Four broad conceptual themes emerge in the course: (1) Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns, (2) Planning A Study: Deciding what and how to measure, (3) Anticipating Patterns in Advance: Producing models using probability and simulation, and (4) Statistical Inference: Confirming models. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

IB Maths
This one-semester course is designed to cover the topics that are covered by the IB Maths exam and are not in AP Calculus. These topics include statistics, probability, vectors and matrices. Students will also complete two IB portfolio assignments during the course. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

AP Calculus AB
A college-level study that begins with limits and continuity and continues with a study of derivatives and their applications, integration and some applications of definite integrals, as well as a limited number of techniques of integration. A year-long course designed to prepare the student to take the AP Calculus AB exam. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

AP Calculus BC
A college-level study which begins with the applications of derivatives and continues with integrals and their applications, techniques of integration, infinite series, the calculus of parametric and polar functions, as well as the calculus of two-dimensional vectors. The content is designed to place a student in a course that is one course beyond that granted for Calculus AB. (Prerequisite: Honors Precalculus)

Calculus III / IB HL Math
A thorough course in multivariable calculus including vectors and the geometry of space, vector functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector calculus. Other topics necessary to complete the IB HL syllabus will complete the year's work.