Mathematics is approached not only as a set of basic skills required to solve problems but also as a language and as a means of developing reasoning skills. The application of mathematics is an important aspect of the program; thus, the department uses a variety of methods and resources to bring mathematics to life. Students are asked to work independently on open-ended questions and to think creatively about possible solutions. Problem solving, using real-life data and mathematical modeling, is integrated into every aspect of the curriculum. The mathematics department strongly believes in the increasing importance of mathematics and financial literacy in our constantly changing world and of technology as an integral part of our curriculum. Students master skills, which enable them to question, plan, carry out, verify, and interpret results. Courses are taught at two levels, college preparatory and honors, depending on the learning style and the background of the student. The difference between the levels is in the depth and the rigor of the material covered.
INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA
This course prepares students for the more abstract Algebra I course. It explores such topics as the patterns and language of algebra, proportions, percent, and probability. Concepts in geometry are further developed, with emphasis on coordinate geometry and its applications. Students solve problems and use computer programs and graphing calculators to enhance their experiences as they are introduced to algebra.
ALGEBRA I
College Preparatory and Honors
Algebra I develops the students’ ability to work with abstractions and to reason. Linear, quadratic, and exponential equations and inequalities and their graphs are among the topics studied. Algebraic processes are used in data analysis. The computer and the TI-84 graphing calculator are used to make the study of these concepts more meaningful.
GEOMETRY
College Preparatory and Honors
Transformations, area, volume, symmetry, congruency, and similarity are the main topics of this Euclidian geometry course. These topics are investigated with the aid of Geometer’s Sketchpad, construction tools and hands-on experiences. Conjectures are drawn from these investigations, and theorems are proven either formally or informally. The course helps students understand the importance of geometry and its applications.
ALGEBRA II & TRIGONOMETRY
College Preparatory and Honors
Algebra II expands on the concepts studied in both Algebra I and Geometry. Functions and their applications are studied extensively. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, trigonometric, and piecewise defined functions are analyzed graphically, algebraically, and numerically. Applications, in terms of word problems and data analysis, are an important part of the curriculum. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on developing critical-thinking skills through the use of the graphing calculator, computer programs, writing, and problem solving.
PRE-CALCULUS
College Preparatory and Honors
This course studies functions and emphasizes the fact that they provide an algebraic description of real-life phenomena. The use of mathematics to model a wide variety of data is central to the course. In addition to the in-depth study of the functions, topics such as analytic trigonometry, vectors, sequences and series, probability, finance, conics, polar coordinates, and matrices are explored. The concept of the limit of a function is introduced.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB, BC
Calculus AB is a college-level mathematics course in which differential, integral calculus and series are studied. The course develops the students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and provides experience with its methods and applications. Graphing calculators and computer programs are used for investigatory purposes throughout the year. Students take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Calculus BC, which covers more material in greater depth, is offered for students who are ready for more advanced college-level work.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS
This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The course is built on four main topics: the exploration of data, the planning of a study, probability as it relates to the distribution of data, and inferential reasoning. Statistical thinking is emphasized throughout the course. Students take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
FINITE MATHEMATICS
The course is an introduction to the theory of linear systems and discrete probability applications to business, social science and other fields. We study widely used mathematical topics such as matrix algebra, solutions of linear equations, linear programming–including Markov Chains and Game Theory, complex counting, elementary combinatorics and probability. Prerequisite: Precalculus