Mathematics Department

The Mathematics Department

Ms. Brenord, Assistant Principal

Ms. Bacchus, Teacher

Mr. Dey, Teacher

Ms. Alexis, Teacher

Mr. Palacios, Teacher

 

Courses Offered

Integrated Algebra

This is the first mathematics course in the high school. The focal point of this course is the algebra content strand.  Algebra provides tools and ways of thinking that are necessary for solving problems in a wide variety of disciplines, such as science, business, social sciences, fine arts, and technology.  This course will assist students in developing skills and processes to be applied using a variety of techniques to successfully solve problems in a variety of settings.  Problem situations may result in all types of linear equations in one variable, quadratic functions with integral coefficients and roots as well as absolute value and exponential functions.  Coordinate geometry will be integrated into the investigation of these functions allowing students to make connections between their analytical and geometrical representations.  Problem situations resulting in systems of equations will also be presented.  Alternative solution methods should be given equal value within the strategies used for problem solving.  For example, a matrix solution to a system of equations is just as valid as a graphical solution or an algebraic algorithm such as elimination.  Measurement within a problem-solving context will include calculating rates using appropriate units and converting within measurement systems.  Data analysis including measures of central tendency and visual representations of data will be studied.  An understanding of correlation and causation will be developed and reasonable lines of best fit will be used to make predictions.  Students will solve problem situations requiring right triangle trigonometry. Elementary probability theory will be used to determine the probability of events including independent, dependent and mutually exclusive events. Students will take the integrated algebra regents in June.

Geometry
This course is intended to be the second course in mathematics for high school students. There is no other school mathematics course that offers students the opportunity to act as mathematicians. Within this course, students will have the opportunity to make conjectures about geometric situations and prove in a variety of ways, both formal and informal, that their conclusion follows logically from their hypothesis. This course is meant to employ an integrated approach to the study of geometric relationships. Integrating synthetic, transformational, and coordinate approaches to geometry, students will justify geometric relationships and properties of geometric figures. Congruence and similarity of triangles will be established using appropriate theorems. Transformations including rotations, reflections, translations, and glide reflections and coordinate geometry will be used to establish and verify geometric relationships. A major emphasis of this course is to allow students to investigate geometric situations. Properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles should receive particular attention. It is intended that students will use the traditional tools of compass and straightedge as well as dynamic geometry software that models these tools more efficiently and accurately, to assist in these investigations. Geometry is meant to lead students to an understanding that reasoning and proof are fundamental aspects of mathematics and something that sets it apart from the other sciences.


Mathematics B

Prerequisite: Math B is offered to students who have taken and passed both the Math A class and regents with at least a 75.

Math B covers trigonometry, complex numbers, relations and functions, probability and statistics, transformational geometry and regressions. Applications are emphasized. The Math B Regents exam is taken after the third semester. The third semester in the Mathematics B sequence has a strong focus in Euclidean geometry and its corresponding proofs while also highlighting the geometry of a circle. Students will explore concepts and/or proofs pertaining to each of the following topics: triangle congruency, congruency of corresponding parts of triangles, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, and properties of special quadrilaterals. A two-column style of proof will be adopted for all the geometric proofs that students encounter. In addition, students will discover the following topics related to the geometry of a circle: inscribed angles, arcs, chords, and tangent/ secant lines with angles that are formed by them. Throughout the course, students will undergo extensive review of the previous two semesters of Mathematics B, as this course culminates in the Mathematics B Regents Exam. Graphing calculators (TI-83/4) are required and provided by the school. 

PreCalculus

Pre-requisite: Math A and Math A regents with a score of 75+, Math B and the Math B regents.

Pre-Calculus blends the concepts and skills that must be mastered before enrollment in a college-level calculus course. The course includes the study of (1) relations and functions, (2) exponential and logarithmic functions, (3) trigonometry in triangles, (4) trigonometric functions, (5) trigonometric identities and equations, (6) polar coordinates, (7) sequences and series, and (8) data analysis.

Advanced Placement Calculus

Prerequisite: PreCalculus

This is the first course in the calculus sequence. It covers algebraic and transcendental functions, rate of change, limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic, trig, exponential, logarithmic, and hyperbolic functions, differentials, applications of differentiation, definite and indefinite integrals, area between curves, volumes and other applications of integration, indeterminate forms, and L'Hopital's Rule.  This class culminates in students sitting for the AP Calculus Exam.

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