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Course Descriptions
Algebra I (Part 2) is an in-depth review of Algebra I as well as the
introduction of more complex topics. The first semester includes simplifying
expressions, properties of real numbers, solving linear equations, factoring
and simplifying polynomials, and word problems. The second semester covers
simplifying and solving fractional expressions and equations, functions,
solving systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational
numbers, the complex number system and solving quadratic functions by
numerous methods. This course is designed to reinforce the student’s
algebraic skills to meet the demands of a rigorous upper school mathematics
curriculum.
Geometry is an enriched and accelerated course that begins the year
with a focus on points, lines, planes, and angles, deductive reasoning,
parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, and
inequalities in geometry. The second semester covers similar polygons, right
triangles, circles, construction and loci, areas of plane figures, area and
volumes of solids, coordinate geometry and transformations.
Algebra II begins with an in-depth review of some of the concepts
covered in Algebra I, such as simplifying expressions, solving equations and
inequalities, linear equations and functions, factoring polynomials,
positive and negative exponents, sums, differences, products and quotients
of rational expressions, radicals, irrational and complex numbers and all
methods of solving quadratic equations. The second semester covers solving
cubic and higher degree equations using the tools of synthetic division,
interpolation, the remainder and factor theorems, and Descartes rule of
signs, conic sections (parabolas, ellipses, circles and hyperbolas), both
centered at the origin and shifted, exponential and logarithmic functions,
sequences and series, statistics and probability and matrices and
determinants.
Pre-Calculus Honors is an extremely rigorous program that begins the
year with Trigonometry (triangle trigonometry, trigonometric graphs and
identities, and trigonometric applications), vectors, and polar and
parametric equations. The second semester covers the topics of limits,
functional analysis including the derivative, and differential Calculus with
and without the graphing calculator. This course is structured for those
students who will be taking AP Calculus in their senior year.
Pre-Calculus Non-Honors begins the year with an in-depth review of
some of the topics of Algebra II such as: conic sections, exponential and
logarithmic functions, sequences and series, statistics and probability and
matrices and determinants. Vectors, polar and parametric equation, and
limits are also introduced. The second semester studies Trigonometry
including triangle trigonometry, trigonometric graphs and identities, and
trigonometric applications. This course is designed for those students who
will be taking Calculus in college.
AP Calculus provides
an opportunity for an in-depth learning of Differential and Integral
Calculus and prepares the students to pass the spring AB or BC AP Calculus
test.
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