MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

 

            Although only three math credits are required for graduation (four for the Class of 2008), it is strongly recommended that all students take four years of math. In order to achieve certification of the Maine Learning Results all students must reach a level of at least Advanced Algebra.  Scientific calculators are required for all math students.  Graphing calculators are recommended for students taking the college preparatory course of study.  Graphing calculators are available for use in all math classrooms.

 

Students taking maximum advantage of our math department’s course offerings may take five levels ending with calculus in their senior year. In order to take calculus as a senior, students who take algebra as freshmen may opt to also take Geometry or double up with Geometry and Advanced Algebra their sophomore year or Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus their junior year by recommendation of their teacher and permission of the department chairperson.

 

Colleges expect students to take a “senior math”.  Taking Geometry as a freshman or doubling up should be used only if students intend to take calculus their senior year.

 

ALGEBRA  9 - 10 This is the traditional algebra course.  Topics of discussion include variables, operations involving linear sentences and inequalities, slopes and lines, exponents and powers, probability, statistics, patterns and functions.

 

GEOMETRY  9 - 10  This is a traditional geometry course designed for students who plan to attend college.  Topics of discussion include logic, polygons, circles, proofs, transformations, symmetry, perimeter, area, three dimensional figures, congruence and similarity, surface area and volume.

 

ADVANCED ALGEBRA    10 - 12 This is a course intended to follow a course in algebra and geometry.  It is designed primarily for juniors who have demonstrated ability in mathematics.  Some of the topics covered are:  functions, variation, matrices, systems, quadratics, exponential functions, logarithms, and complex numbers.  Other topics may be included depending upon the individual class.  Math IA and Math 2A or Math I, Math 2 and Math 3 must be taken prior to enrolling in Advanced Algebra.

           

ADVANCED ALGEBRA B 11-12 This course is a slower paced version of Advanced Algebra. It is designed to address those topics in Advanced Algebra that are required to certify achievement of the Maine Learning Results. Math 1, 2 and 3 must be taken prior to enrolling in Advanced Algebra B. 

 

Math 1, 2, 3, and 4.  9-12  This is a four year math program which covers the same content as the traditional three year course of study of Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra.  The content is spread over four years for the benefit of students who need or want more time to fully develop their understanding of the math concepts presented.

 

TRIGONOMETRY/PRE-CALCULUS 11 - 12 This is a course designed for the college preparatory student who has mastered Math IA, Math 2A, and Advanced Algebra.  It will prepare a student for a first-year course in calculus during the first year of college.  Topics of discussion include data analysis, scale changes, logarithms, trigonometric functions, circular functions, probability sequences and binomial distributions.

 


CALCULUS 12  This course is open only to students who have completed Trigonometry/ Pre-Calculus or its equivalent.  It will cover the normal topics covered in a high school calculus course, such as, functions, derivatives, applications, integrations, continuity, differential, definite integral, and techniques of integration.