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The Upper School mathematics program is designed to give all students a solid foundation in mathematics and to provide the mathematical skills necessary for personal living and informed citizenship. The curriculum includes the formally structured mathematics needed for advanced study at the college level in pure and applied mathematics and in related fields. It prepares students to meet the demands of the standardized tests required for college admission. Students must study mathematics for four years in the Upper School and are grouped according to ability. Topics are developed sequentially beginning with algebra and ending with the calculus. Computers and calculators are used in the investigation of mathematics. Upper School mathematics instruction encourages students to become problem-solvers, to communicate and reason mathematically, to value mathematics, and to gain confidence in their own mathematical ability.
Algebra I: This course deals with the fundamental operations of algebra. Some of the topics included are: algebraic operations, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, word problems, factoring, systems of equations, graphing lines and inequalities, radicals and exponents, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations.
Geometry: This course deals with the study of the properties of two and three dimensional shapes; the symmetry, congruence and similarity of these shapes and uses logical argument in formulating deductive proofs.
Geometry - Advanced: This in-depth formal study of Euclidean geometry is supplemented by topics in analytic and transformation geometry, trigonometry and algebra. Emphasis is placed upon developing both appreciation of the axiomatic structure of mathematics and ability to think logically through the construction of formal proofs. Topics include lines and angles, parallel and perpendicular lines and planes, congruent and similar polygons, right triangles, circles, area and volume, construction and loc
Algebra II: Prerequisite: a grade of C in Algebra I. Algebra II begins with a review and extension of topics from Algebra I and then proceeds to complex numbers, quadratic functions, powers and roots, conic sections, systems of equations and inequalities and probability. Students completing this course may take the SAT in Mathematics, Level I.
Algebra II - Advanced: Prerequisite: a grade of B in Algebra I. This course, designed to give the student the necessary background for mastery of more advanced mathematics, is a rigorous and accelerated exploration of advanced algebra and trigonometry. Emphasis is on using sophisticated techniques to solve complex word problems with real world applications.
Precalculus: Prepares our students for the study of the calculus of a single variable. The course includes an in depth study of functions. Rates of growth are discussed, and graphing skills are emphasized. Students use functions to model real life situations in the context of word problems. The graphing calculator is used to enrich students understanding of each type of function and to widen the range of possible applications.
Precalculus AB: This one year course is a prerequisite for AP Calculus AB. In addition to preparing students for calculus, this course introduces the student to a variety of mathematics topics not immediately related to the study of calculus.
Precalculus BC: This one semester course is the prerequisite for AP Calculus BC. Its emphasis is on material directly related to the preparation for calculus
Trigonometry/College Algebra: This one-year course is for students who have completed Algebra II. The curriculum involves the study of topics common to trigonometry and college algebra courses as well as elementary statistics concepts. In addition, there is review for the SAT I and SAT II, Level I examinations. (Not offered in 200-2010)
AB Calculus AP: This course follows the College Board’s recommended curriculum and it prepares students to take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam.
BC Calculus AP: This course follows the College Board’s recommended curriculum and it prepares students to take the Calculus BC Advanced Placement exam.
Discrete Mathematics: Discrete mathematics has close ties to computer science. It involves the study of objects that can be counted. This branch of mathematics allows students to explore problems that are not approachable through equations and formulas. Topics include: management, science, social choice and decision making, coding information, probability and statistical analysis. Ability in algebra and geometry is expected. This course is an elective and is open to all students who have completed the study of trigonometry or who have the permission of the department. (Not offered in 200-2010)
Statistics: This introductory course in statistics emphasizes working with data and statistical ideas. The course includes: data analysis (the methods and ideas used for organizing and describing data), data production (the methods used for selecting and designing experiments), and statistical inference (the methods used for drawing conclusions and testing the reliability of them.) Some students decide to take the AP examination at the conclusion of this course.
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