Vicki Ober (Guidance Director)
 

Course Descriptions: Mathematics

To see course descriptions, choose one of the options below.

The State of Indiana requires every student to successfully complete two years of high school mathematics. College and universities have traditionally required a minimum of two years of mathematics in high school. Today, most schools require three to four years of mathematics. Pre-Algebra may not satisfy college entrance requirements. Students are encouraged to take as many math courses as they can successfully handle to prepare for the increasing demands of our technological society.

PRE-ALGEBRA I (6112) (6113)
Elective – 9
Credit 2 – Year
PREREQUISITE – None

This course offers specific preparation for taking Algebra I. This course is designed to provide instruction in the basic skills necessary for success in Algebra I, including not only computational skills, but also study skills, organizational skills, and critical thinking and problem solving skills. Topics included are: number sets, basic operations with integers, rational numbers and exponents, order of operations, equations, inequalities, graphing on the coordinate plane, ratios, proportions, and operations with polynomials. Other topics included are measurement, estimation, and geometric concepts. There is a strong emphasis on the use of manipulatives to reinforce number relationships, develop algebraic concepts, and to solve algebraic problems. Students who receive a “B” or higher, and who have the recommendation of the Math Department, may enroll in Algebra I as sophomores.

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ALGEBRA I (6213) (6214)
Elective – 9, 10, 11
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE – None – Should score 26th percentile or higher on Algebra aptitude test and have recommendation of math department and the math department.

Algebra I provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students who will take other advanced college-preparatory courses. In particular, the instructional program in this course provides for the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem-solving situations. The concept of function is emphasized throughout the course. Topics include: properties of real numbers, linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, graphs on the number line and on the coordinate plane, exponents and exponential functions, irrational numbers, polynomial and rational expressions, functions, quadratic equations, power and logarithmic functions and the use of computer and graphing calculators in solving algebraic problems. There is an emphasis on problem solving. REQUIRED: TI-83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR

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ALGEBRA I-HONORS (6202) (6203)
Elective – 9
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: None – Should score 75th percentile or higher on Algebra Aptitude Test and have the recommendation of the 8th grade teacher and the math department.

Algebra I-Honors introduces students to axioms and properties in developing the algebra structure. Topics include: linear equations and inequalities, functions, relations, graphs, systems of linear open sentences, polynomial and rational expressions, irrational numbers, quadratic equations, and functions, statistics and probablility. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving and a major long term inquiry project is required. REQUIRED: TI-83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR

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GEOMETRY (6412) (6413)
Elective – 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I and the recommendation of the math department.

This course is a study in geometric concepts. Emphasis is on the study of the basic properties of lines, angles, triangles, polygons, and circles as well as spatial relationships, geometric problem solving, inductive reasoning, logical thinking, and a variety of forms of deductive proof. Trigonometry will be studied as it relates to right and oblique triangle investigations. Students will use manipulatives and computer software to develop their own geometric conjectures and to investigate geometric aspects of the world in which we live. Students will develop skills in cooperative investigation. Geometry is recommended for college preparatory programs. REQUIRED: TI 83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR.

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GEOMETRY-HONORS (6403) (6404)
Elective – 9, 10, 11,12
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I or Algebra I-Honors and the recommendation of the math department.

Geometry-Honors is an axiomatic, deductive approach to the study of geometry but also includes some inductive and investigative strategies. The fundamental content deals with Euclidean geometry of two and three dimensions, but also includes some non-Euclidian and topological considerations. Emphasis is placed on basic and well as more intricate relationships among lines, angles, polygons, circles and polyhedra. Trigonometry of right and oblique triangles will also be investigated. Some structure and relationships are developed through the use of computer software. Projects including in-depth investigative and research activities along with a variety of evaluation techniques are a part of the learning program. REQUIRED: TI-83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR


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ALGEBRA II (6313) (6314)
Elective –10, 11, 12
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I and Geometry and the recommendation of the math department.

Algebra II is a course which reviews basic algebra and geometry. More advanced topics such as linear relations and functions, quadratic relations and functions, polynomial functions, variation, inequalities, sequence and series, matrices, and complex numbers are investigated with the aid of graphing calculators. The study of trigonometry is extended to include circular functions, identities and polar coordinates. Applications to real world situations are emphasized. A project is required each semester. Students planning to continue in science and/or mathematics should take this class. REQUIRED: TI83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR.

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ALGEBRA II-HONORS (6303) (6304)
Elective – 10, 11, 12
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I-Honors and Geometry-Honors and permission from the math department.

Algebra II-Honors uses an axiomatic approach to develop part of the structure. Topics include: linear functions and relations, systems of linear equations and inequalities, three dimensional graphing, polynomial functions, quadratics functions and relations, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, matrices, probability and statistics. Students are introduced to the basic trigonometric and circular functions. A project is required each semester. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving. REQUIRED: TI83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR.

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DISCRETE MATHEMATICS (6428) (6429)
Elective – 11, 12
Credit 1 – Ea./Semester
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: Algebra II and the recommendation of the math department.

This course may be taken for one or two semesters; the first semester is not a prerequisite for the second semester. Discrete mathematics is an umbrella of mathematical topics. It is a course designed for students who will undertake higher-level mathematics in college which may not include calculus. Topics include election theory, fair division, elementary graph theory, recursion, mathematical modeling, game theory, matrices, inferential and descriptive statistics and probability. In each semester, there is a culminating project which ties together the topics covered in that semester. A problem solving emphasis is used to apply mathematical concepts to business, economics, biological, social and management sciences. This course is recommended for students who are planning further study in business, engineering, math or science. REQUIRED: TI-83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR

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PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS – ADVANCED PLACEMENT (6502) (6503)
Elective 11, 12
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD - Math
PREREQUISITE: Honors Algebra II or Algebra II and the recommendation of the math department

This is an advanced placement course designed for the top math students. This course is a non-calculus based introduction to statistics. Students will be exposed to four broad themes: Exploring data, observing patterns and departures from patterns; Planning a study, deciding what to measure and how to measure it; Anticipating patterns in advance, introducing probability and simulation to analyze data; and statistical inference, confirming models for explanations of patterns. This will be an activity-centered course in which students routinely use technology to construct their own understanding of the principles and practices of statistics. REQUIRED: TI-83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR

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CALCULUS – ADVANCED PLACEMENT (6602) (6603)
Elective – 11, 12
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – Math
PREREQUISITE: Honors Algebra II or Algebra II and written recommendation of the Math Department. It is strongly recommended that students were successful in the math Honors program at least one year.

Calculus is a course which provides students with the content that follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines for advanced placement mathematics. It begins with a general overview of the properties of functions and their graphs and a review of circular functions. Other major topics include the theory of limits and continuity, differentiation, integration and applications of the above. Four projects are required and some review work is expected PRIOR to the beginning of the course. This rigorous course if the equivalent to at least the first semester of college calculus and my be taken for cllege credit through the Advanced Placement AB-Level Calculus test. REQUIRED: TI-83+ GRAPHING CALCULATOR

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Last updated Wednesday, January 31, 2007