Mathematics

This class introduces the basic principles of future mathematics courses. Students transition from the concrete to the abstract through a wide range of problem-solving situations. The class emphasizes the concept of functions and covers the real number system, operations with positive and negative numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, applying rules of exponents, understanding operations involving polynomials, simplifying rational expressions and square roots, and solving both rational and quadratic equations.

This second-year course in algebra aims for a mastery of the manipulative skills in real-number algebra as well as further develop problem-solving skills. Students review and extend their ability to manipulate polynomial and rational expressions and to solve linear, quadratic, fractional, and radical equations and inequalities. The course includes the study of irrational and complex numbers and concludes with an introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions. Placement in this course is based on teacher recommendations following the completion of Algebra I and Geometry.

This second-year course in algebra aims for a mastery of the manipulative skills in real-number algebra. Students review and extend their ability to manipulate polynomial and rational expressions and to solve linear, quadratic, fractional, and radical equations and inequalities. An introduction to the concepts of rational exponents, functions, logarithms, sequences, and series is provided. The course concludes with instruction in elementary trigonometry.

Emphasis in this course is on step-by-step solutions. The pace is set to challenge students with high mathematical abilities. To participate, students must have a strong recommendation from their previous mathematics teachers. This second year of algebra begins with a review of the principles learned in Algebra I and proceeds into greater complexities, with subsequent introduction of the elements of exponents, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, sequences, and series.

This course introduces students to concepts in geometry and teaches how to write a two-column proof. Basic algebraic skills are reinforced throughout this course with special emphasis on applications of congruence and similarity of triangles, properties of circles, areas of plane figures, and volumes of solids.

Geometry Honors is a course for students who have genuine interest and high aptitude in mathematics. In this course, students gain a greater appreciation of the nature of a mathematical system through the study of mathematical proofs. Other topics emphasized are application of congruence and similarity of triangles, properties of circles, areas of plane figures, and volumes of solids. Also, inductive and deductive reasoning are discussed, and algebraic concepts are reinforced through the study of coordinate geometry.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to broaden their mathematic experience, to learn what mathematicians do, and to understand how mathematical thinking may be useful to them in their daily lives. This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra II and wish to further their mathematical studies. Though an interactive exploration of mathematics, students will study and appreciate various aspects of mathematics: the internal structure, the history, problem-posing and problem-solving techniques, and the inherent connections with other disciplines. In addition, students will study the properties of geometric structures through building polyhedra. This will enrich their spatial intuition, and enable them to communicate the joy of artistic creation through mathematics.

The aim of the Statistics course is to introduce students to the major concepts or traditional and modern statistics, to gain the tools for collecting, properly analyzing and drawing conclusions from statistical data, and to gain an understanding of statistical methods relevant to an interdisciplinary application. Descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory; laws of probability, and random variables are among the themes explored in the class. The course is paced in such a way that solid math students will be challenged.

This course is an introduction to analysis. The intent is to utilize all the mathematical concepts developed in previous mathematics courses and to sum up the basic concepts of mathematics. In preparation for college-level calculus, Pre-Calculus integrates a number of topics, including functions, inverse functions, theory of logarithms, functional trigonometry, polynomial equations, probability, and statistics.

Pre-Calculus Honors offers a challenging introduction to the study of analysis after a brief review of basic mathematical concepts. As a sequel to Algebra II Honors, prerequisites include successful completion of the preceding honors courses or a strong recommendation from the algebra teacher in collaboration with the Mathematics Department. This course integrates a number of topics, including an in-depth study of functions, theory of logarithms, trigonometry, polynomial equations, and statistics. Students are also introduced to limits and the interpretation of computation of derivatives.

Calculus provides students with solid preparation for college-level mathematics courses. It begins with a brief reinforcement of skills learned through Pre-Calculus. Major concentration for the rest of the year centers on the study of limits, derivatives, integrals, and their respective applications.

Calculus Advanced Placement AB offers students the opportunity to take a college-level mathematics course and receive college credit with success on the Advanced Placement examination. Using both a calculus textbook and a syllabus set forth for Calculus AB in the College Board's Acorn Book, this course challenges students at a level that prepares them to take advanced mathematics courses in college.

Calculus Advanced Placement BC offers students the opportunity to take a college-level mathematics course and receive college credit with success on the Advanced Placement examination. Using both a calculus textbook and a syllabus set forth for Calculus BC in the College Board's Acorn Book, this course challenges students at a level that prepares them to take advanced mathematics courses in college.