Mathematics

2 terms, solid 2 credit, B

This course is for students who need strengthening in basic skills before beginning a study of algebra. It provides background needed for a successful study of algebra and promotes a mastery of math techniques. This course does not count toward fulfilling the graduation requirement and is offered when there is sufficient need.

2 term, solid, 2 credit, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This introductory algebra course encourages students to develop mathematical skills, techniques, and concepts through applications, hands-on experiences, and collaborative group work. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are developed though mathematical modeling, evidence-gathering, critical analysis, and reasoning.  Topics to be explored include basic algebraic operations; graphical representation of functions including linear, quadratic, and exponential equations; and the solving of linear, non-linear, radical, and complex equations.  

2 term, non-solid, 1 credit, B 

This course is intended for the student who has completed Algebra I.  The course focuses on the strengthening of specific mathematical skills in order to more fully develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills in preparation for Intermediate Algebra.  This course is differentiated to meet the needs of the individual class makeup.  Topics may include algebraic operations; graphical representation of functions including linear, quadratic, and exponential equations; and the solving of linear, non-linear, radical, and complex equations.  

2 terms, solid, 2 credit, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This course builds on the Algebra I foundation. The emphasis is on the traditional topics in plane, solid, and coordinate geometry. Students are also introduced to concepts in mathematical logic and trigonometry.

2 terms, solid, 2 credit, D, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This course is for students with above average math ability and background. It covers plane, solid, and coordinate geometry using deductive and inductive reasoning. Algebra skills are reviewed and trigonometry is introduced.

2 terms, solid, 2 credit, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This course focuses on the conceptual understanding of traditional algebra topics. After concepts and skills of Introductory Algebra  are reviewed and extended, new topics of algebra are introduced. In particular, polynomial, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions are emphasized.

2 terms, solid 2 credit, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Algebra and trigonometry are integrated in this course for students with strong records in mathematics. Concepts and techniques of algebra and trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions are studied.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, B, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This course covers topics found in an introductory college course in probability and statistics. There is an emphasis on practical applications and the appropriate handling of data. Computers and calculators are used extensively throughout the course. Prerequisite is successful completion of Intermediate Algebra or Honors Intermediate Algebra.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

The course will begin with constructing graphs and finding numerical descriptions of data and transformations of data using Fathom and Minitab software.  This will be followed by finding probabilities in the binomial and normal distributions and in combinations of normal distributions.  Finding probabilities in the sampling distributions of the sample mean and the sample proportion will then provide a transition to statistical inference.  The study of statistical inference will begin with interval estimates and significance tests for the population mean and population proportion.  More advanced inferential procedures will include interval estimates and significance tests for matched-pairs designs, two sample procedures for means and proportions, chi-square tests of significance for goodness-of-fit, independence and homogeneity of populations, and one-way Analysis of Variance.  For all procedures emphasis will be placed on conditions for inference, error analysis and power calculations, and interpretation.  Finally, an introduction to linear regression analysis will introduce basic statistical modeling along with inference for the population slope.  Traditional methods as well as modern methods such as bootstrapping will be used to draw inferences using the graphing calculator, Fathom, and Minitab.  Grading will be based on tests and a project.

1 term, solid, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

PreCalculus: Business Functions is a One-Term Solid course that investigates PreCalculus content focused on the algebraic skills necessary in the worlds of business and finance. This course will focus on the following mathematical ideas: Properties of Polynomial, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Piecewise Functions; Analysis of Polynomial, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Piecewise Graphs; Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences; Probability and Expected Value; Mean and Standard Deviation; Normal Distributions. This course is one of two prerequisites for Business Calculus and should be followed by PreCalculus: Business Applications.

Prerequisites: Algebra 2 & Statistics

1 term, solid, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

PreCalculus: Business Applications is a One-Term Solid course that investigates PreCalculus content applications in the worlds of business and finance. This course will discuss the following topics: Business Uses of Polynomial, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions; Simple and Compound Interest; Loans; Annuities; Budgeting; Taxes; Cost, Revenue, and Profit; Supply and Demand; and Analyzing Business Data. This course is a prerequisite for Business Calculus.

Prerequisites: PreCalculus: Business Functions & Statistics or PreCalculus: College Algebra I & Statistics

1 term, solid, 1 credit, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This course extends a student’s work in mathematics beyond the second-year algebra level to include extensive work with linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, including graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions and graphs, and analytic geometry. Extensive use of graphing calculators (TI-83 or 84) is required.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, B, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

The course is the sequel to Precalculus: College Algebra I and is the third leg of the path a student would take from the Algebra II level to the Calculus level. The text is the same as Precalculus: College Algebra I, with additional supplemental material on trigonometry. Polynomial and rational functions are studied, as well as additional work with matrices, sequences and series, the binominal theorem, math induction, probability, and limits. Vectors, complex numbers, parametric equations, and polar equations are also studied. The TI-83 or 84 calculator is used extensively.

Note: Students who complete two Precalculus courses will not be prepared to enroll in Calculus, but will have a solid background in mathematics to be successful in a precalculus course at the college level.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, B, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

The traditional trigonometry functions, identities, and equations are studied extensively, as well as transformations and triangle applications. Again, the TI-83 or 84 calculator is required.

2 terms, solid, 2 credit, D, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Students in this course have studied trigonometry in Honors Intermediate Algebra Trigonometry. The course treats basic mathematical concepts – the number system, vectors, and functions (algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) – from a modern point of view. Graphing calculators are used regularly. There is a substantial amount of analytic geometry.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, C 

Business Calculus is a two-term Solid course that investigates the central ideas of Calculus within the context of applications to the business world. The focus of this course is limited to the concept of Differentiation and limited to working only with polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The major topics will include: Slope, Average and Instantaneous Rate of Change, Elementary Differentiation and Second Differentiation, Extrema Analysis, Marginal Cost and Revenue, Supply and Demand, Product Elasticity, and Optimization. The algebraic manipulation with be kept minimal so that the focus can be on these brand-new concepts and how they are used to answer useful questions in Business.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

This course is offered to students who have completed Pre-Calculus or its equivalent, but who are not ready for, or are not interested in, Advanced Placement Calculus. Coverage is reduced from that of AP Calculus, but topics are covered with similar care and rigor. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to begin the calculus sequence in college.

3 terms, solid, 3 credits, B, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Admission to AP Statistics requires a minimum PSAT score of 1150 plus grades of B+ or higher in Calculus or grades of B or higher in Advanced Pre-Calculus.  Students who have completed the Pre-Calculus series (College Algebra I, Trigonometry and College Algebra II) and wish to take AP Statistics require approval from the Mathematics Department Chair. This course is designed for students who have performed well in earlier mathematics courses and want the challenge of taking a college-level AP statistics course. Students study data collection through the appropriate design of experiments and surveys. There is an emphasis on organizing, summarizing, displaying, and exploring data using descriptive statistics. Students also study and apply the basic principles of probability. In addition, the binomial, normal, t, and Chi-square probability distributions are covered. Finally, there is a strong component of inferential statistics where students draw conclusions about populations from samples. Computers and calculators are used extensively throughout the course.

3 terms, 3 credits, solid, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Admission to AP Calculus AB requires a minimum PSAT Math score of 590 plus grades of A or A- in all three Pre-Calculus courses or grades of A or A- in Calculus.  Students who have earned grades of B or higher in Advanced Pre-Calculus and a minimum PSAT math score of 590 are also eligible for admission to AP Calculus AB.

AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions. Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB examination in May.  The TI-83 or 84 calculator is used extensively. 

1 term, 1 credits, solid

Pre-requisite: At least a score of 3 on the AP Calculus AB test.

Modelling with Differential Equations is a post AP Calculus AB elective course that explores the applications of Differential Equations. This course will not focus on methods for solving different types of equations. The focus on this class is on how to use mathematics to model a real contextual situation. The use and creation of models will be the focus of this course.

The focus is on modelling real, complex situations using an understanding of rates of change. The goal will be on understanding the situation and then creating the differential equation that models the situation. For differential equations that are relatively straight-forward to solve, students will be able to solve these by hand. For many of the differential equations that were created as models, we will rely on computers to provide us with solutions. This course will cater to a somewhat wide range of students by offering options in coursework and project work at different levels of difficulty. 

1 term, 1 credits, solid

Pre-requisite: At least a score of 3 on the AP Calculus AB test.

Linear Algebra is a post AP Calculus AB elective course that explores the applications of Linear Algebra.

The focus of this course on using ideas of Linear Algebra (Vectors and Matrices) to work with real, complex situations. The goal will be on understanding how the mathematics of vectors and matrices can be used to solve interesting applications. There will be a mix of by-hand, algebraic work and work that we use technology to compute. This course will cater to a somewhat wide range of students by offering options in coursework and project work at different levels of difficulty.

3 terms, solid, 3 credits, D, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Admission to AP Calculus BC require grades of A or A- in Advanced Pre-Calculus.  Students who have completed AP Calculus AB in the prior year and earned a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam may enroll in the last 2 terms of AP Calculus BC. Students enrolling in this course need to have demonstrated competence in Pre-Calculus, only a limited review is included.

The syllabus includes the topics recommended for the BC Advanced Placement program of the College Entrance Examination Board, and students are required to take either the AB or BC level A.P. examination in calculus. Some students receive credit for advanced placement when they enter college, while others enter freshman honors sections. The TI-83 or 84 calculator is used extensively.

2 term, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC or AP Stats with a 4 or higher on the AP test and teacher approval. 

The Mathematics Honors Program is for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and interest in mathematics and who are willing to pursue a higher level of achievement. The centerpiece of the HONORS program, the Honors Seminar courses will allow students class time to develop their research topics and learn new content necessary for their projects.

Honors Project

Candidates will select topics to study in depth, to be approved by the HONORS Jury of the Mathematics Department, after which they will be assigned advisors by the Department Chair. Each candidate will write a complete technical report of his or her findings, for presentation to a scholarly forum including faculty members and fellow students.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, C, Approved as Mathematics course by NCAA

Admission to Multivariable Calculus requires students to complete AP Calculus BC and earn a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam as well as receive approval from their AP Calculus BC teacher. 

Pre-requisite: Honors Seminar: Mathematics

Multivariable calculus is the extension of calculus in one variable to calculus with functions of several variables: the differentiation and integration of functions involving several variables, rather than just one.  Students will investigate topics such as partial derivatives, moving frame description for space curves, the analysis of critical points, double and triple integrals, line integrals, vector analysis, Lagrange multipliers, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, and Jacobian matrices.