TRANSITIONAL MATH

Grades 9-12
1 unit

Transitional Math is a class that weaves three themes - applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry - by focusing on arithmetic operations in mathematics and the real world. Variables are used as pattern generalizes, abbreviations in formulas, and unknowns in problems, and are represented on the number line and graphed in the coordinate plane. Basic arithmetic and algebraic skills are connected to corresponding geometry topics. Scientific calculators are recommended because they use an order of operations closer to that found in algebra and have numerous keys that are helpful in understanding concepts at this level.

Students who take Transitional Math should have the maturity to do homework everyday or night and the expectation of studying algebra the next year, if successful in this course.



CONSUMER MATH

Prerequisites: Transitional Math or Algebra I
Grades 10-12
1 unit

This course reinforces general math skills for student who have previously attained them, may extend the general math skills to cover additional math concepts, and use these skills in a variety of consumer applications



ALGEBRA I

Prerequisites- success (C or better) in 8th grade mathematics or Transitional Math
Grades 9-12
1 unit

Algebra covers a wide range of topics. In addition to writing and solving equations, this course offers introductions in the areas of geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics and graphing. We extensively use calculators and graphing calculators to enhance, not replace a basic knowledge of arithmetic and problem solving strategies. Included are applications and connections with other areas of study, such as biology, geography, health, art, music, athletics, etc as well as from any number of possible careers and with the history of mathematics in many cultures.

Students who take Algebra should have the maturity to complete daily assignments and the organizational skills to take notes and to keep track of notes, assignments, projects, etc.

Goal: We want students to view their study of mathematics as worthwhile, interesting and related to most any interest a student might have or career path they might choose. We also want to provide a solid foundation for future courses in mathematics, sciences or other related areas.



GEOMETRY

Prerequisites: Algebra I
Grades 9-12
1 unit

Geometry is the course in which the student develops his/her logical reasoning skills while learning the fundamental principles associated with geometric concepts. The course will require that the student express his/her ideas clearly and in a logical manner. The student will learn to prove geometric theorems and use those theorems to prove other theorems and geometric ideas. Topics studied in this course include: the study of points, lines, planes, angles, and two and three dimensional figures (triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, etc) associated with geometry. Also the study of transformations associated with translations, rotations, and reflections and proving properties through the use of previously proven theorems. Also applying area, surface area, and volume formulas to various two and three-dimensional figures.

EXPECTATIONS: The student is expected to provide his/her own tools of geometry, which include a COMPASS and a PROTRACTOR



ALGEBRA II
Prerequisites: Algebra I
Grades 9-12
1 unit

Virtually all students who expect to graduate from high school should take this course. College-bound students should take Advanced Algebra because: two years of algebra are required for admission to some colleges and most college majors; algebra is found on all college-entrance examinations; and algebra is necessary to understand science, statistics, computers, economics, medicine, business, and many other disciplines. Without algebra, doors are open to only a few colleges and a student who has had no algebra has the choice of only a few majors. There are just as many reasons for non-college-bound students to take two years of algebra. Technical schools, such as those for trades, require that students be familiar with formulas, graphs, and trigonometry. Computers abound in the workplace; algebra is the language of programs and it underlies the operations of spreadsheets and many other software packages. Algebra is the language of generalization; without it arithmetic is often seen merely as a collection of unrelated rules and procedures; it is no surprise that study of algebra helps competence in arithmetic.

Summary of Course: There is much work with the symbolism of algebra, solving equations, simplifying expressions and functions. It is assumed that the student is rather familiar with linear equations and inequalities, graphing, simple applications of algebra, linear systems and the quadratic formula. Because the approaches taken are highly integrative, knowledge of the standard content of Euclidean geometry and some familiarity with coordinates and transformations in geometry is also assumed. The earlier work with algebra and geometry is reviewed, but more quickly than is appropriate for a first encounter.



MATHEMATICS FOR DECISION MAKING

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry
Grades 11-12
.5 unit (3 credits HCC)

Introduces selected areas of mathematics in familiar settings and develops student’s conceptual and problem solving skills. The course includes a study of mathematical concepts selected from set theory, logic, properties of the real numbers, algebra, probability and statistics. Other topics may be included. Prerequisite: Completion of SC038D or appropriate COMPASS math placement score of equivalent.



FUNCTIONS, STATISTICS AND TRIGONOMETRY

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
Grades 11-12
1 unit

Upon entering the course, students should have a strong background in solving linear and quadratic equations, and linear systems. They should also have studied how to make and read coordinate graphs of linear, quadratic and power functions, and they need to have mastered finding an equation for a line given either the coordinates of two points or a point and the slope of that line. In addition, this course assumes that the student has previously studied exponents, logarithms, triangle trigonometry, and certain geometric transformations (reflections, rotations, translations, and size changes). Some familiarity with a graphing calculator (T-83) is also beneficial. Summary of Course: Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry integrates statistical and algebraic concepts, and previews calculus in work with functions and intuitive notions of limits. Students in plotting functions, analyzing data, and simulating experiments use computers and sophisticated graphing calculators. Enough trigonometry is available to constitute a standard precalculus course in trigonometry and circular functions.



PRECALCULUS AND DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

Prerequisites: Algebra II & FST
Grades 11-12
.5 unit

All students who plan to major in technical fields or who will take college calculus next should take this course. Students should be strong in algebra, functions, and trigonometry. Students should be adept at solving linear and quadratic equations and linear systems. Students need to know how to find an equation for a line given the coordinates of two points on that line. They should know how to use a calculator to evaluate polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. They should be able to make and read coordinate graphs of linear, quadratic, logarithmic, and exponential functions and the power functions f(x)=on, for n a positive integer. Students should have studied the trigonometric functions from two standpoints-right triangle ratios and circular functions. They should be able to solve triangles and graph the circular functions.

Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics integrates the background students must have to be successful in calculus (advanced work with functions and trigonometry, an introduction to limits and other calculus ideas), with the discrete mathematics (number systems, combinatorics, recursion, graphs) helpful in computer science. Mathematical thinking, including specific attention to form logic and proof, is a theme throughout. Students throughout the course use computers and sophisticated graphing calculators.

Enhancement topics: improper integral; multiple integration; sequences and series, including convergence tests and series expansion theorems; antidifferentiation; and differential equations.



CALCULUS

Prerequisites: Pre Calculus
Grades 11-12
1 unit

Calculus courses are intended for students who have attained pre-calculus objectives, including some combination of Trigonometry, Elementary Functions, Analytic Geometry, and Math Analysis, or Pre-Calculus. They include the study of derivatives, antiderivatives, differentiation, integration, the definite and indefinite integral, and applications of calculus.

Review topics: properties of elementary functions and their graphs,vectors and polar coordinates, and concepts of limits and continuity.

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