ALGEBRA 1

full year

1 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Pre-Algebra; Minimum grade 80% or Integrated II.

This course is designed to prepare a student for higher level mathematics. It contains a review of the real number system followed by units on solving linear equations in one variable, operations with polynomials, and exponential properties. The student is expected to solve linear equations in two variables, graph linear equations and work with operations dealing with square roots. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking in the classroom.

 

 ALGEBRA 2

full year

1 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Algebra I and Geometry; minimum grade 70%; Teacher Recommendation.

Algebra 2 reviews and strengthens the skills learned in Algebra I. The course introduces the solutions of systems of equations in more than one variable, quadratics, factoring polynomials, operations with rational and irrational expressions, complex numbers, exponents, and logarithms. The concepts of relations and functions are introduced along with the use of the function notation. Also to be introduced will be matrices, determinants, and parabolas.

 

one semester

1/2 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Algebra 2 and Geometry; minimum grade 80%; working knowledge of Trigonometry; Teacher Recommendation.

This course is designed to prepare students for the study of calculus and linear algebra. Included is a study of the algebra and geometry of two-dimensional vectors, a topic new to many students. Vector methods are then used in developing the concepts and techniques of analytic geometry. An understanding of the traditional Cartesian methods, however, is still important to students, and is included in tandem with the vector approach. This course, as presented, gives students an opportunity to see how two apparently diverse branches of mathematics are, in reality, closely related, and to appreciate the value of having more than one method available for solving a given problem.

 

PERSONAL AND BUSINESS MATHEMATICS FINANCE

full year

1 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Successful completion of Algebra 2; Teacher Recommendation.

This course is designed for juniors and seniors that are interested in enhancing or learning skills for personal and small business finance. Emphasis is placed on the mathematics needed for checking accounts, credit cards, federal and state taxes, budgeting, loans, mortgages, stocks and bonds, and large money purchases. Problem solving is included throughout the course.

 

 CALCULUS

full year

1 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Trigonometry; minimum grade 80%; Teacher Recommendation; suggested course: College Algebra.

This course is designed for the college bound senior. It includes the study of coordinate geometry, functions, and limits. Special emphasis is given to differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Applications of all topics are emphasized throughout the course. The content of this course is very similar to the content of Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (Math 0220) as offered at the University of Pittsburgh. A graphing calculator is required for this course. This course may be taken for college credit through the University of Pittsburgh by paying the appropriate tuition. The anticipated fee for those choosing to take the course for college credit is $125. Four college credits may be earned if the tuition is paid.

 

 COLLEGE ALGEBRA/TRIGONOMETRY

full year

1 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Algebra 2; minimum grade 75%; Teacher Recommendation.

The goal of this course is to review and elaborate on skills begun in Algebra 2 and to study relationships of trigonometry. Linear functions, quadratic functions, polynominal functions and rational functions are studied with emphasis on graphing. Additional topics include radicals, complex numbers, composite functions, inverse functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. Concepts of trigonometry are studied emphasizing the unit circle, trigonometric ratios and their graphs, and application of these skills. Theory is emphasized to build a strong foundation for advanced mathematical courses. This course is important for those taking calculus.

 

PLANE GEOMETRY

full year

1 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Algebra 1; minimum grade 70%; Teacher Recommendation.

In this course the student will learn to define terms, read symbols and diagrams. Although rigorous proofs will not be stressed, two column proofs will be written involving perpendicular lines, parallel lines, congruent and right triangles, similar polygons and circles. Also covered will be problem solving using the Pythagorean Theorem, perimeter, area, volume, and circles.

 

 PROBABILITY & STATISTICS

one semester

1/2 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Algebra 1; minimum grade 80%; Teacher Recommendation.

This course is designed to enable students to be wiser users and more critical consumers of statistical material. Students who may eventually enter such fields as economics, business, education, psychology, sociology, and medicine are greatly encouraged to enroll in this course. Upon successful completion of this course, students gain a basic understanding of both statistics and probability so that the pursuit of a college level course will not be extremely difficult. This course includes compilation and interpretation of numerical data, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersions, and basic rules of probability and their applications. The use of a scientific calculator is essential for this course.

 

TRIGONOMETRY

one semester

1/2 credit

5 periods/week

Prerequisite Requirement: Presently enrolled in Algebra 2, or completed Algebra 2; minimum grade 80%; Teacher Recommendation.

The goal of this class is to provide a comprehensive course with a balanced coverage of the theory and skills together with the applications needed to build a strong foundation for more advanced mathematical courses. The course is designed for students who have a strong working knowledge of Algebra and Plane Geometry. A scientific calculator is very helpful in this course. The course is a must for those taking Calculus.