Math Courses, News, and Information
see also: Math faculty
Course Offerings
| Course Descriptions |
• Algebra • Geometry • Higher Math |
• Individualized Math • Math Analysis • Trigonometry |
Algebra
ALGEBRA 1 / PART I (313100)
Grades: 9, 10 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Middle School Mathematics
Algebra 1/ Part I extends students' understanding of the real number
system and its properties through the study of variables, expressions,
equations, inequalities, and analysis of data derived from real-world
phenomena. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, properties
of triangles, linear relations and functions, measures of central
tendency (mean, median, mode) and data analysis. Algebra 1/Part
I includes some of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Algebra
1. Students must pass Algebra 1 to receive mathematics graduation
credit for Algebra 1/ Part I.
ALGEBRA
1 (313000)
Grades: 9, 10 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Middle School Mathematics
This course extends students’ knowledge and understanding
of the real number system and its properties through the study of
variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and analysis of
data derived from real-world phenomena. Emphasis is placed on making
connections in algebra to geometry and statistics. Calculator and
computer technologies will be used as tools wherever appropriate.
Use of a graphing calculator is considered essential to provide
a graphical and numerical approach to topics in addition to a symbolic
approach. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, systems
of linear equations, relations, functions and polynomials.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course
Test
ALGEBRA
2 (313500)
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Algebra 2 provides a thorough treatment of algebraic concepts through
the study of functions, polynomials, rational expressions, complex
numbers, exponential and logarithmic equations, matrices, arithmetic
and geometric sequences and series, and data analysis. Emphasis
is placed on the mechanics of algebra with real world applications
and modeling. A transformational approach to graphing is used with
families of related graphs. Numerical, graphical, and algebraic
solutions are considered for all problems as applicable. Graphing
utilities, especially graphing calculators, are integral to the
course.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course
Test.
PRE-IB
ALGEBRA 2 & Trigonometry (313507)
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry with a minimum B average in
both courses or permission of the math department chair or guidance
director.
This course covers 1.5 years of math in one year. Additionally,
the level of understanding expected in Pre IB Algebra 2 is deeper
than for Algebra 2. Students are expected not only to master mechanics
but also to understand the underlying theory and to apply the concepts
to real-world situations in a meaningful way. A thorough treatment
of advanced algebraic concepts is provided through the study of
different number systems, polynomials, functions, matrices, and
sequences and series. Trigonometric topics include circular functions,
solutions and applications to right and oblique triangles, solving
trigonometric equations and verifying identities and applying trigonometric
techniques to solve real-world problems. A transformational approach
to graphing is used with families of related graphs. Numerical,
graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all problems
as applicable. Graphing calculators are required.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course
Test..
Geometry
GEOMETRY (314300)
Grades: 9, 10, 11 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Students investigate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons,
circles, and solids using inductive and deductive reasoning. Conjectures
about properties and relationships are developed inductively and
then verified deductively. Vectors, transformations, algebra, and
technologies are used as tools to solve geometry problems.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course
Test.
PRE-IB GEOMETRY (314307)
Grades: 9, 10 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 with a minimum B average or permission of
the math department chair or guidance director.
Pre-IB Geometry covers topics more thoroughly and at a faster pace
than Geometry. Students must be skilled in applying the algebraic
techniques mastered in Algebra 1 to geometric problems.
Students investigate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons,
circles, and solids using inductive and deductive reasoning. Conjectures
about properties and relationships are developed inductively and
then verified deductively. Vectors, transformations, algebra, and
technologies are used as tools to solve geometry problems. Study
includes an introduction to non-Euclidian surfaces.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course
Test.
IB Math
IB MATHEMATICAL STUDIES
(319608)
Grade: 11, 12 Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Algebra 2/Trig or Trig/Math Analysis or equivalent
The content of this course includes probability and statistics,
sets and logic, basic differential calculus, and mathematical applications
in the natural world. All students in this course must complete
a statistics project for Internal Assessment. Upon completion of
this course, students are required to take the standard level IB
examination.
IB STANDARD LEVEL MATHEMATICS
I (316308)
Grade: 10, 11 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Algebra 2/Trig with a minimum B average or
permission of the math department chair or guidance director.
This course begins with the study of polynomial, rational, logarithmic,
exponential, and inverse functions and their applications. Sequences
and series are investigated to provide a foundation for limits and
continuity. The course includes the study of vectors and differential
calculus and expands on topics of trigonometry introduced in previous
classes. Students will be required to begin a portfolio of problems
for Internal Assessment. This course followed by IB Standard Level
Mathematics II prepares students for the standard level IB examination.
Students are required to take the IB exam upon completion of the
two-year series.
IB STANDARD LEVEL MATHEMATICS
II (319508)
Grade: 12 Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: IB Standard Level Mathematics I (Formerly Math Methods
I) or equivalent
This course concludes the study of the concepts introduced in IB
Standard Level Mathematics I. The course includes the study of limits,
continuity, and both differential and integral calculus of functions
of a single variable with applications. The course also reemphasizes
and expands upon topics in probability, statistics and vectors.
Students will be required to complete a portfolio of problems for
Internal Assessment. Upon completion of this course, students are
required to take the standard level IB examination.
IB HIGHER LEVEL MATHEMATICS
I (317709)
Grade: 11 Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Algebra 2/Trig with a minimum B+ average or
permission of the math department chair or guidance director.
This is the first year of a two-year intensive college-level study
of mathematics. Course content includes an integrated study of topics
from linear algebra and single variable calculus as well as infinite
series, elementary differential equations, and vector analysis.
Students will be required to begin a portfolio of problems for Internal
Assessment. This course followed by IB Higher Level Mathematics
II prepares students for the higher level IB examination. Students
are required to take the IB exam upon completion of the two-year
series.
IB HIGHER LEVEL MATHEMATICS
II (317009)
Grade: 12 Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: IB Higher Level Mathematics I or equivalent
This is the second year of a two-year intensive college level study
of mathematics. Course content includes the study of the theory
and application of probability, random variables, and both descriptive
and inferential statistics. In addition, infinite series, linear
algebra (matrices and determinants), differential equations, and
two- and three-dimensional vectors are reviewed and expanded. All
students will be required to submit a portfolio of problems for
Internal Assessment. This course prepares students for the higher
level IB exam. Students enrolled in the class are required to take
the IB exam.
Individualized Math
INDIVIDUALIZED MATHEMATICS
ESOL (312190)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
The purpose of this course is to provide instruction in elementary
mathematics skills to ESOL or special education students who are
functioning below the sixth grade level in mathematics. The course
is designed to present the elementary mathematics Program of Studies
in a condensed format using manipulatives, special materials, and
adaptive strategies. The course includes number concepts, mental
mathematics, estimation, problem solving, operations, measurement,
geometry, data analysis, statistics, probability, and fractions.
Students may need up to two years to complete the course, but should
move to the next course as soon as their mathematics skills warrant.
For special education students, this course should be reflected
in the student's IEP. Students earn elective credit.
Math Analysis
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
(316234 - spring only)
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one-half
Prerequisite: Geometry & Algebra 2
Mathematical Analysis provides a thorough treatment of functions
through the study of polynomials, transformations, rational functions,
logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions. Topics also include
an intuitive approach to limits, continuity, and maximum and minimum
points and values, sequences and series. A transformational approach
to graphing is used with families of related graphs. Numerical,
graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all problems
as applicable. Graphing utilities, especially graphing calculators,
are integral to the course.
This course is recommended for Juniors who will be taking IB Math
Studies in their Senior year
Trigonometry
TRIGONOMETRY
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Description: Trigonometry topics include circular functions, right
triangle ratios, solving trigonometric equations, inverses, identities,
The Laws of Sines and Cosines, graphing trigonometric functions,
and applying trigonometric techniques to solving real world problems.
A transformational approach to graphing is used with families of
related graphs. Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions are
considered for all problems as applicable. Graphing utilities, especially
graphing calculators, are integral to the course. The TI-83 graphing
calculator by Texas Instruments is strongly recommended. This course
is a prerequisite for IB Math Studies.