Department of Mathematics Course Offerings

Introduction to Algebra I

Algebra I

Algebra X

Geometry

Introduction to Geometry

Geometry X

Algebra II

Trigonometry

Algebra II / Trigonometry

Probability and Statistics

Mathematical Analysis

Advanced Placement Statistics

Advanced Placement Calculus AB

Advanced Placement Calculus BC

Advanced Placement Computer Science

Computer Programming

Discrete Mathematics

INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA I (MA 3155)

One credit

One year

Introduction to Algebra I is the first of three courses designed for students to satisfy the requirements for graduation. The content is the same as part of Algebra I. The course helps students to understand the basic structure of algebra and acquire facility in applying algebraic concepts and skills. Topics include equations, inequalities, and word problems in one variable; functions and graphs; statistics; polynomials; and problem solving. Graphing calculators are used as a tool to assist in problem solving and to enhance the understanding of functions, graphs, equations, and inequalities.

Option for next course: Algebra I (X) (MA 3156)

(To be offered in school year 1999-2000)

 

ALGEBRA I (MA 3130)

One credit

One year

Algebra I is designed to help students understand the basic structure of algebra and acquire facility in applying algebraic concepts and skills. Topics include functions and graphs of lines; equations, inequalities, and word problems in one and two variables; systems of equations and inequalities; statistics; polynomials; quadratic equations; and problem solving. Graphing calculators are used as a tool to assist in problem solving and to enhance the understanding of functions, graphs, equations, and inequalities.

Option for next course: Geometry

 

GEOMETRY (MA 3143)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Geometry is designed to provide topics which ensure thorough treatment of standard geometry skills and concepts. Opportunities are provided for the students to gain an appreciation of the structure of geometry, to develop powers of spatial visualization, and to appreciate the need for clarity and precision of language in mathematics. Geometry is the second course in the college-preparatory sequence. Students who have successfully completed Algebra I may enroll. Geometry counts toward fulfilling the mathematics requirement for graduation.

Options for next course: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II

 

ALGEBRA II (MA 3135)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Geometry

Algebra II is for the students who do not expect to take Mathematical Analysis. Students who take this course, followed by semester courses in trigonometry and probability/statistics, will be prepared for typical college mathematics courses below the level of calculus. It is an alternative to Algebra II/Trigonometry for those college-bound students who do not intend to choose careers specifically emphasizing mathematics. Continuing the study of algebraic equations, verbal problems, graphing, and other topics treated in Algebra I, this course introduces and develops new topics including complex numbers, fundamental concepts of analysis logarithmic and exponential equations, analysis of conic sections, sequences, and series. Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II is required for the advanced studies program.

Options for next course: Trigonometry and/or Probability and Statistics

 

TRIGONOMETRY (MA 3150)

One-half credit

One semester

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Trigonometry complements Algebra II by providing preparations for typical college mathematics courses below the level of calculus. It is not intended for students who have passed Algebra II/Trigonometry (MA 3137). The course offers a thorough treatment of trigonometric and circular functions. Graphs and properties of the six functions are presented in depth. Other topics include trigonometric equations, inverse trigonometric functions, identities, solutions of triangles, and applications of trigonometry.

Options for next course: Trigonometry and/or Probability and Statistics

 

ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY (MA 3137)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Geometry

Algebra II/Trigonometry is for students planning to take Mathematical Analysis. Students who do not expect to take Mathematical Analysis will be better prepared for college mathematics by taking Algebra II followed by the semester courses in Trigonometry and Probability and Statistics. This course continues the study of topics treated in Algebra I. New topics include complex numbers, fundamental concepts of analysis logarithmic and exponential equations, analysis of conic sections, sequences, and series. Topics from trigonometry include circular functions, graphing techniques, and applications. Algebra II/Trigonometry satisfies one of the mathematics requirements for the advanced studies program.

Options for next course: Mathematical Analysis and/or Probability and Statistics

 

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS (MA 3190)

One-half credit

One semester

Prerequisite: Algebra II or Algebra II/ Trigonometry

Probability and Statistics is designed to introduce the basic concepts of statistics, the foundation of which lies in probability theory. This course provides an understanding of the kinds of regularity that occur in random functions and also provides experiences in associating probabilistic mathematical models with phenomena in the real world. Topics include average, measure of variation, frequency distributions, probability functions associated with random variables, binomial distributions, sampling, the normal curve, and statistical methods available for decision making. The course can be taken at any point after the completion of Algebra II or Algebra II/Trigonometry. This course provides excellent preparation for statistics courses that are required for many college majors.

MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS (MA 3162)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry

Mathematical Analysis is designed to prepare students for calculus. This rigorous course extends concepts of intermediate algebra while introducing various topics of college algebra. Topics include functions, theory of equations, matrices, sequences and series, polar coordinates, exponential and logarithmic functions, and limits. Topics of trigonometry are extended.

Option for next course: AP Calculus

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS (MA 3192)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry

Advanced Placement Statistics is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. It is taught on the college level and the topics meet the requirements set forth in the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board. In exploratory analysis, students will generate conjectures about relationships among variables and should understand the difference between association and causation. From data collection plans, models will be formulated from which inferences can be drawn. Probability will be used to anticipate the distribution of data under given models. Inferential and diagnostic methods will be applied to data and probability will be used to describe confidence intervals. A student cannot receive credit for the one-semester Probability and Statistics course and for Advanced Placement Statistics.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB (MA 3177)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Mathematical Analysis

Advanced Placement Calculus AB is designed for students who have completed four years of mathematics and in the advanced studies program. It is taught on the college level and closely follows the recommendations of the Committee on Mathematics of the Advanced Placement Program. Topics taught in this course meet the requirements set forth in the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board. Advanced Placement Calculus AB is a study of differentiation and integration techniques with the emphasis on applications. It is equivalent to first-year calculus courses offered by many colleges. College-level performance and work habits are expected.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC (MA 3178)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Mathematical Analysis

Advanced Placement Calculus BC is more rigorous than Calculus AB and includes more topics. It meets the requirements set forth in the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board. Topics include differentiation and integration techniques; vector functions and parametric equations; polar graphs and area bounded by polar curves; length of a path; work as an integral; improper integrals; and sequences and series. A satisfactory grade on the Advanced Placements Calculus BC test usually receives more college credit than a similar grade on the AB test. College-level performance and work habits are expected. A student cannot receive credit for both Calculus AB and BC.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE(MA 3185)

One credit

One year

Prerequisite: Algebra II or Algebra II/Trigonometry

Advanced Placement Computer Science is an introductory college-level course designed for students who plan to major in computer science as well as those who plan to major in other disciplines that require knowledge or computing. The course will also prepare the students to take the Advanced Placement test given by the College Board. Course content includes the study of programming methodology, algorithms, data structures, and data abstraction. Responsible use of computers and computer software are addressed. Javais the language used to introduce universal programming concepts.

Students should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per week outside the regular class periods in the computer lab and three-to-five per week on outside reading and writing assignments. Good reading and writing skills and a solid foundation in logical reasoning and problem-solvihng techniques are essential for success in this course.

 

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