Meet the Mathematics Faculty

Algebra I

Students will be introduced to basic and advanced aspects of Algebra through intense practice and repetition. Through this, students will become stronger math students as well as independent learners.

Geometry

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for more advanced mathematics and problem-solving by building a solid base of comprehension in the fundamentals of logic and geometry. The word geometry is derived from the Greek words for “earth” and “measure.” Geometry was founded in the measuring of shapes and figures, but it has expanded into understanding properties and relationships dealing with space, shapes, figures, and numbers. Students will review the basic geometric concepts learned in previous math classes, and learn to apply their skills to prove why certain geometric theorems are true.

Algebra II

In this course, fundamental concepts learned in Algebra will be taken to the next level and applied in more critical thinking and problem solving situations. The course will emphasize solving quadratic equations through factoring, completing the square, graphing, and the quadratic formula. Systems of linear equations with two and three unknowns and nonlinear systems (conic sections) will be covered. Also included in the course is an introduction and limited application to trigonometry, logarithms, probability, logic, and calculus.

Introduction to College Algebra (E.G. Algebra III)

This course uses a modeling approach. Problems that can be solved using linear, quadratic and other non-linear functions, higher-degree polynomial and Rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions are explored. An introduction to probability theory, matrices and preparing for Calculus is included. The TI-83/84 or TI-83/84 plus calculator is required.

This course and text are designed for a course in algebra that is based on real-life applications from the management, life, and social sciences, and on data analysis and modeling. The text is designed to show students how to analyze, solve, and interpret problems in this course, future courses, and in future careers.

Course Objectives:

To understand and analyze systems of equations, their algebraic and graphical representations, and their use in practical applications.
To understand, analyze and interpret linear, power, exponential and logarithmic functions, their graphs, and their use in practical applications.
To understand and analyze polynomial and rational functions, their algebraic and graphical representations, and their use in practical applications.
To be able to use graphing and algebraic techniques to solve problems.
To be able to use counting techniques and determine simple probabilities.

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is not a distinct field of mathematics. It is a combination of everything needed for a student to take calculus. Therefore, we will jump between many different topics. However, our common theme throughout the course will be attention to functions. Most of first semester will be spent mastering the concepts and properties of functions, especially polynomials. We will devote second semester to studying exponential and logarithmic functions and trigonometry.

Calculus

The two courses and the two corresponding exams are designated as Calculus AB and Calculus BC.

The Calculus AB Exam will be primarily devoted to the topics in differential and integral calculus. These topics are the focus of the AP Exam questions.

Calculus BC is a full-year course in the calculus of functions of a single variable. It includes all topics covered in Calculus AB plus additional topics.

Both courses are intended to be challenging and demanding; they require a similar depth of understanding of common topics. They both represent college-level mathematics for which most colleges grant advanced placement and/or credit. These courses are the culmination of the study of algebra, geometry, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry, with the addition of advanced topics in algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. With a solid foundation in courses taken before AP, students will be prepared to handle the rigor of a course at this level.

Mathematics