HS Math Course Descriptions

HIGH SCHOOL PRE-ALGEBRA

High School Pre-Algebra is designed to assist students who still need to reinforce their pre-algebraic skills before progressing on to Algebra I..  The concepts covered include basic linear relationships, number sense with large numbers, and a reinforcement of mathematical equations and functions.  There is also a strong computational component to strengthen students’ basic mathematical skills in preparation for Algebra I.

ALGEBRA I

Students will study a variety of topics in the course.  Linear equations in one variable will be a focus.  Equation solving and Problem Solving will be primary goals using equations with positive and negative numbers, parentheses, proportions and variables on both sides of the equal sign.  The Distributive Property will be given a major focus.  Polynomials will be studied with an emphasis on factoring for the solutions of quadratic equations and manipulation.  The course will continue with the manipulation of simple fractions and rational expressions with ratios and proportions.  The course will include a major unit on graphing linear functions and systems of liear equations including inequalities.  Finally the course will include a unit on square roots and their manipulation followed by quadratic equations without rational roots.  The Quadratic Formula will be introduced as well as completing the square.

GEOMETRY

Geometry will cover the all the standard planar geometrical objects including lines, angles, circles, and polygons with emphasis on triangles and quadrilaterals. Emphasis will be given to the concepts of congruency and similarity. Geometric Deductive Proof will be a focus of these concepts. Right Triangle Similarity will lead into Trigonometry and Pythagorean Theorem with use in all subsequent measurements, including length, area and volume of three dimensional objects. Constructions using only straight edge and compass will accompany the course material. Finally, Coordinate Geometry will be studied with emphasis on parallel and perpendicular lines, midpoints and distance.

In addition to Geometry subjects, care will be given to thoroughly review the entire course of Algebra so that retention of Algebra One skills is maintained.

ALGEBRA II

Algebra II is a continuation of the study of algebra begun in earlier courses. The course will expand on concepts the students are already familiar with, moving towards data driven examples of how polynomial functions can be used to model relationships. Use of a graphing calculator is essential to the class, as we use it to enter data, create scatterplots, and then decide what types of algebraic functions might be best used to model the data in order to make statements or predictions about the relationship.

Text and Materials:
Algebra 2 - Applications, Equations, and Graphs
Larson, Boswell, Kanold, Stiff 2001

Text and Materials:
Geometry McDougal Little
Calculator with Trigonometric Functions, Compass, Protractor, and straightedge

ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY

Algebra II/Trigonometry is identical in nature to the Algebra II course, except it moves at a bit faster pace in order to include the study of Trigonometry during the final quarter of the school year.  If successful in Algebra II/Trig, students should then have the knowledge and skills needed in order to take higher level math classes such as Pre-Calculus and eventually AP Calculus.

PRE-CALCULUS

The Pre-Calculus course is designed to pull together the concepts learned in earlier algebra and geometry courses so that students can proceed to Calculus. Students study additional functions that can be used to model relationships, including piecewise, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. An emphasis is placed on the trigonometry concepts in the class, including the unit circle, trig identities, and using trig functions to model many different types of relationships. If successful in Pre-Calculus, students should then have the knowledge and skills needed in order to take AP Calculus either here at TAISM or at the university level.

Text & Materials:
Pre-Calculus - Graphing, Data, Analysis - Sullivan and Sullivan 2004

MATH STUDIES

Math Studies will cover most topics of business math including buying and selling from a retail point of view, with trade discounts and mark ups. Maintaining a checking account and reconciling the bank’s statement with own ledger is a main topic. Payroll with normal deductions including taxes and health insurance, unemployment insurance and social security is a major emphasis. Compound Interest as it applies to Certificates of Deposit and also to declining balance loans is a major focus. The course also covers Inventory Depreciation, Financial Statements and Stocks and Bonds.   Additionally the course covers a review of pertinent Algebra II topics to reinforce them in preparation for the SAT examination.

Text and Materials:
Business Math - Cleaves and Hobbs, Prentice Hall

AP CALCULUS AB

AP Calculus is a first-year college level course in mathematics that is intended for students taking higher level Mathematics/Science related courses at university.

Topics Covered
Functions, Limits, Differentiation, Integration and Applications of the derivative and integral.

Evaluation
· Short quizzes based on assigned homework
· Cumulative exams (4 – 5 per quarter)
· Homework assignments
· Assignments given over extended school holidays
· Semester exam in December

All students are expected to write the College Board AP Calculus AB exam in May.

Pre-requisites
Students must have a strong background in mathematics, and have taken a Pre-Calculus (or equivalent) course. Students are expected to be proficient at graphing functions on a graphing calculator.

Course Expectations
Students are expected to do 60 - 90 minutes of Calculus home study every night in addition to regularly assigned homework. Students are also expected to do assignments over extended school holidays.

Text and Materials
Calculus 7th Edition (Larson)