To learn Mathematics is to partake of a subject that is both an Art and a Science, an enterprise that is both discovered and invented, a unique field that, according to Bertrand Russell, “possesses not only truth but supreme beauty.” To study Mathematics is to align yourself with the greatest minds of all past civilizations in the never ending quest of understanding our physical world. To some the motivation is practical, to solve some immediate problems; while to others, the attraction is pure curiosity and fascination. To all who have the perseverance to delve beneath the surface, Mathematics offers rewarding insights and surprising inter-dependencies.
- 202 Algebra 1 – Freshman (required) – 1 credit/full year
This course provides a thorough foundation in elementary algebra by developing an understanding of the central ideas of variable and function, and the ability to use the language and tools of algebraic thinking to describe mathematical relations and analyze problems of many types.
- 204 Algebra 1 (Y) – Freshman – 1 credit/full year
Students will be selected for this course. Algebra 1(Y) is a version of Algebra 1, course 202, (see above) designed to support students with mathematical learning needs. It is a college preparatory course that is offered to students who will benefit from a different strategic approach to learning math concepts and from three additional periods of math per cycle (from six to nine) per six-day cycle.
- 205 Algebra 1 Honors – Freshman – 1 credit/full year
This is an accelerated course in elementary algebra intended for students who have a high degree of ability and interest. The usual topics of algebra are treated with an emphasis on concepts and
structure rather than on how to proceed. Most important is that this course introduces the student to abstract mathematical thought and also to solving non-routine problems. A lot of time
is spent on supplementary problems taken from various contests which enhance a student’s perception and problem solving skills. By the end of the year, the students should reach a level of insight and mathematical instinct that will enable them to proceed comfortably through the upper level advanced courses. Student placement in Algebra 1 sections is based on the entrance exam and/or a placement test.
- 208 Algebra 2 – Freshman/Sophomore – 1 credit/full year
This course continues the arithmetic generalizations begun in Algebra 1 and explores more deeply the operations that relate numbers to one another. The student is encouraged to think of algebra as a symbolic language and to use it as a modeling tool to explore other areas of mathematics. He gains an understanding of number systems by examining and using the operations for relating numbers. The use of calculators and computers in the modeling process is stressed. This course is available to freshmen who qualify.
- 213 Algebra 2 Honors – Freshman/Sophomore – 1 credit/full year
This is an accelerated algebra course intended for students who have a high degree of ability and interest. The usual topics of Algebra 2 are treated, along with topics in Probability, Mathematical
Modeling, Data Analysis and Matrix Theory. One of the goals of this course is to move students to
a more independent learning style. There is emphasis on integrating skills and procedures with the logical thinking needed in solving the more challenging problem. The skills acquired during this course enable the student to advance to Geometry/Precalculus and Advanced Placement Calculus.
Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Algebra 1 Honors; department approval.
- 215 Geometry (Y) – Recommended Sophomores – 1 credit/full year
This is a Geometry course offered to Sophomores who have had Algebra 1 or 1(Y) and are recommended for a four year math program ending with Algebra 3/Trigonometry. Sophomores
selected for this course will take Algebra 2 in Junior year and Algebra 3/Trigonometry in Senior year. This is a college preparatory course that is offered to students who have demonstrated difficulty in the area of Mathematics.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1Y only with teacher recommendation
- 216 Geometry – Junior – 1 credit/full year
In this third year course in mathematics, students learn the tenets of Euclidean Geometry and apply these concepts to the solution of physical problems. Emphasis is placed on the development
of inductive and deductive reasoning skills. Effective communication of topics is facilitated by
correct use of the vocabulary and symbols of mathematics, as students interpret diagrams and
describe their findings. Exploration of parallel lines and planes, circles, area and volume, and the
congruence, similarity, symmetry, and transformation of plane and solid figures is the content core of the course. Students learn to recognize these features in both physical and artistic applications.
Plane and solid figures are constructed through compass, straight-edge tools and computer simulations.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
- 220 Geometry/Precalculus Honors – Sophomore/Junior – 1 credit/full yea
This is a pre-calculus course which blends plane Euclidean geometry with an analysis of functions.
It synthesizes numbers and number sets with properties of lines, circles, and other geometric figures. It discusses polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
with emphasis on their geometric representations.
Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Algebra 2 (Honors); department approval
- 221 Algebra 2 (Y) – Junior – 1 credit/full year
Students will be selected for this course. This course is a continuation of the core curriculum designed for those students who will continue to benefit from a different strategic approach to
learning math concepts. This is a slower paced Algebra 2 course, beginning with the development of both linear and quadratic functions. Sets of real and complex numbers will be developed as well as systems of equations and matrices.
Prerequisite: Geometry (Y)
- 223 Algebra 3/Trigonometry – Senior (elective) – 1 credit/full year
This course continues the study of functions begun in Algebra 2 in junior year, and includes other
topics such as quadratic relations, sequences and series, and an introduction to probability and
statistics. A comprehensive course in Trigonometry is included. The six functions of angle measurements within the triangle, graphing the trig functions, and the properties of right and
oblique triangles will be studied.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (Y)
- 224 Trigonometry/Statistics – Senior (elective)– 1 credit/full year
This is a fourth-year mathematics course for college-bound students who are not expecting to take
Calculus at the collegiate level. The trigonometry portion of the course includes the study of
trigonometric functions and their graphs, solving trigonometric equations, and applications of the
trigonometric functions to real life problems. The non-calculus based statistics portion of the
course includes the study of data collection and analysis, probability, and statistical inference.
Note: Students intending to major in Mathematics, Engineering, Science, or Business are strongly
encouraged to take Precalculus so that they are prepared to take Calculus in college.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Geometry, and departmental approval
- 225 Precalculus – Junior/Senior (elective) – 1 credit/full year
This is the traditional precalculus course for college bound students. After reviewing real and complex numbers and functions, this course deals with the trigonometric functions and their applications, polar coordinates and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions. Among the topics covered in the second semester are: sequences, algebraic functions, vectors, matrices, and conic sections.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Geometry, and department approval.
- 229 Advanced Placement Statistics – Junior/Senior (elective) – 1 credit/full year
The course is equivalent to a one-semester introductory, non-calculus based college course in
statistics. The AP student is introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. This course is useful to almost any college major. The four broad conceptual themes for the course are:
1. Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns, 26
2. Planning a Study: Deciding what and how to measure,
3. Anticipating Patterns: Producing models using probability and simulation,
4. Statistical Inference: Confirming models.
Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Algebra 2 Honors, minimum A in Algebra 2, and department approval.
- 230 Calculus – Senior (elective) – 1 credit/full year
This course begins with a review of analytic topics and proceeds to study differential calculus with applications to curve sketching, maximum and minimum problems, related rates problems. Integrals are studied as they relate to derivatives with applications to area and volume. The calculus of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are examined.
Prerequisite: Department approval.
- 232 Advanced Placement Calculus AB – Junior/Senior (elective) – 1 credit/full year
This course is a preparation for the advanced placement Calculus AB examination. The syllabus is that prescribed by the College Board in their Calculus AB program. The ideas of limit, derivative,
and integral are rigorously defined, with appropriate applications and techniques. Students taking this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Test in May.
Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Geometry/Precalculus; department approval.
- 234 Advanced Placement Calculus BC – Senior (elective) – 1 credit/full year
This course is a more intensive examination of the basic concepts of Calculus for students who have already had Calculus AB or Introductory Calculus. The syllabus prescribed by the College
Board in their BC program is covered in depth. Besides a deepening of understanding of basic
Calculus through challenging applications, a wide scope of additional topics are examined,
especially infinite series and differential equations. Students taking this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Test in May.
Prerequisite: Introductory Calculus or Advanced Placement Calculus; department approval.