MATHEMATICS
The Mathematics Department of Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School offers courses which are sequential, with each course building upon the preceding one. Logic, recognition of mathematical patterns, computation, critical thinking, and mathematical insight are stressed in all aspects of the math program. Students must complete two credits in mathematics as the minimum graduation requirement. A typical college preparatory math program will include Advanced Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Trig/Pre-Calculus. Students who are accelerated in middle school and who complete the above courses before 12th grade are encouraged and expected to take Advanced Placement Calculus.
ALGEBRA 1, PART 1
Prerequisite: placement test
1 Credit
Grade 9
** This course is open to
students in grade 9 by placement who due to poor preparation may not be able to
complete the Advanced Algebra 1 curriculum with the standard pacing. The
Algebra 1, Part 1 course allows for the full presentation of the first semester
of Advanced Algebra 1 (computations with signed numbers, linear equations,
polynomials, graphing lines and systems of linear equations, and solution of
some quadratic equations), albeit at a slower pace. Calculators are not used in
Algebra 1, Part 1. Students need to demonstrate a pencil and paper proficiency with
basic number facts, relationships, and computations. Freshmen in Algebra 1,
Part 1 are to continue as a sophomore with the Algebra 1, Part 2 course.
Algebra 1 Part 1 and Algebra 1 Part 2 complete the entire curriculum of
Advanced Algebra 1.
ALGEBRA 1, PART 2
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Part 1
1 Credit
Grades 9-10
** This course is open to
students grades 9-10 who have successfully completed Algebra 1 Part 1. The
Algebra 1 Part 2 course begins with an abbreviated review of the first Algebra 1
Part 1 course (computations with signed numbers, linear equations, polynomials,
graphing lines and systems of linear equations, and solution of some quadratic
equations), then continues with the full presentation of the second semester of
Advanced Algebra 1 (linear inequalities, rational expressions,
rational/irrational numbers, and the quadratic formula), albeit at a slower
pace. Calculators are not used in Algebra 1 Part 2. Students need to
demonstrate a pencil and paper proficiency with basic number facts, relationships,
and computations. . Algebra 1 Part 1 and Algebra 1 Part 2 complete the entire
curriculum of Advanced Algebra 1.
ADVANCED ALGEBRA I
Prerequisite: Placement Test
1 Credit
Grades 9-12
** This course is open to all students grades 9-12 who have no previous Algebra 1 credit, dependent on a qualifying test score. In the first semester, this course treats computations with signed numbers, linear equations, polynomials, graphing lines and systems of linear equations, and solution of some quadratic equations. The second semester material includes linear inequalities, rational expressions, rational/irrational numbers, and the quadratic formula. Calculators are not used in Advanced Algebra 1. Students need to demonstrate a pencil and paper proficiency with basic number facts, relationships, and computations.
STATISTICS 1 First Semester only
Co-requisites: Algebra 2.
1/2 Credit weighted
Grades 9-12
** This course covers the topics of exploring data, describing patterns and departures from patterns in both univariate and bivariate data, sampling and experimentation, planning and conducting a study, and simple probability. A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required.
STATISTICS 2 Second Semester only
Prerequisites: one semester of Algebra 2 with “B,” or College (Advanced) Algebra with “C”
1/2 Credit weighted
Grades 9-12
** This course treats the statistical topics of anticipating patterns, exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and statistical inference, estimating population parameters, and testing hypotheses. These topics, together with those from Statistics 1 should provide sufficient preparation for the AP Statistics examination—if desired. A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required.
DEDUCTIVE GEOMETRY
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Advanced Algebra 1
1 Credit
Grades 9-12
** This college preparatory
course is open to students who have completed Algebra 1 or Advanced Algebra 1.
This course of study of plane and solid figures and their applications is based
on the deductive process of axiom-theorem-proof. The deductive approach is most
beneficial for students who hope to major in Mathematics, Philosophy, Law or
the Applied Sciences (e.g. Medicine and Engineering). Note: Students will not
be able to transfer between this course and Inductive Geometry since the two
courses use different textbooks with different instructional approaches.
INDUCTIVE GEOMETRY
Prerequisite: Algebra I or Advanced Algebra 1
1 Credit
Grades 9-12
** This college preparatory course is open to students who have completed Algebra 1 or Advanced Algebra 1. The course is based on an inductive study of plane and solid figures and their applications. Geometric constructions, the use of the Geometers’ Sketchpad and formal geometric proof are also included. Throughout the course students are required to engage in hands-on experiences and in cooperative group work. The Inductive approach in most beneficial for students who hope to major in the Liberal Arts or the Pure Sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics.) Scientific calculator is required.
GEOMETRY/ALGEBRA 2 “DOUBLE MATH”
Prerequisites: “A-” average or higher each semester in Algebra 1 or Advanced Algebra 1 and department contract
2 credits (Algebra II weighted)
Grades 10-12
** Only those students who
have shown exceptional abilities in Algebra 1 or Advanced Algebra 1 are considered for the
option to double up with these two math courses. Without the Algebra 1/Geometry
double math option, it is unlikely for a student beginning in Algebra 1 as a
ninth grader to reach the Calculus level of math in high school. Taking
Geometry or Algebra 1 in summer school to accelerate is specifically not
recommended. The double math option requires a strong student commitment to a
copious amount of out-of-class work. Students who fail to maintain minimum
averages of “B” in both courses are moved to Geometry only at semester time.
NOTE: The students enrolled in this combination are placed in two separate math
classes. Students enrolled in “Double Math” are expected to complete through
Calculus.
DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry
1 Credit
Grades 10-12
** This topical survey mathematics course teaches students how to make observations, discover relationships, and solve problems in the context of ordinary experience. The course covers the following: mathematical ways of thinking, number sequences, functions and their graphs, large numbers and logarithms, symmetry and regular figures, mathematical curves, methods of counting, the mathematics of chance, an introduction to statistics, and topology. A scientific calculator is required.
ALGEBRA 2
Prerequisites: Placement Test and Completion of Geometry
1 Credit
Grade 10-12
** This is course extends the topics introduced in Algebra One (linear and quadratic relations and functions) as well as applications of these concepts. Additional topics include three variable systems, the imaginary number system, the complex number system, and rudimentary probability and sequences/series . A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required, as is a suitable e-reader/tablet/device for the required e-text.
ALGEBRA 2 HONORS
Prerequisites: Placement test AND Completion of Geometry
1 Credit weighted
Grades 10-12
** This is an advanced math course dealing in an extended study of linear and quadratic relations and functions,specifically the conic sections, as well as applications of these concepts. Additional topics include three variable systems, the imaginary number system, and the complex number system. Also included are topics in probability, series and sequences, and applied trigonometry.A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required,as is a suitable e-reader/tablet/device for the required e-text.
COLLEGE ALGEBRA - First Semester only
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 with “C-” each semester
½ Credit weighted
Grades 10-12
**
This is a one semester course similar in content to college algebra. It covers
topics in discrete functions, data exploration, and right triangle
relationships. This course is designed for Algebra 2 students who do not meet
the prerequisites for Trigonometry. Successful completion of College Algebra
will enable students to take Pre-calculus. A TI-83or 84 graphing Calculator is
required. The content is closely aligned with a one semester College Algebra
course.
TRIGONOMETRY First Semester only
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 with “B” each semester or College (Advanced) Algebra with “C”
½ Credit weighted
Grades 10-12
** This course approaches Trigonometry through the introduction of circular functions and extends the study through right triangle trigonometric functions. Study continues to an introduction to vectors. A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required. Trigonometry is required for students who intend to complete through the level of AP Calculus. It is also strongly recommended for students who plan to complete Calculus in most post-secondary programs.
PRECALCULUS Second Semester only
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 with “B-” each semester or College (Advanced) Algebra with “C”
½ Credit weighted
Grades 10 –12
** This course treats the topics of mathematical induction, graphing, equation solving and functional notation, groups, probability and statistics, matrices and determinants, exponential and logarithmic functions, limits, and simple derivatives. These topics (together with Trigonometry) should provide a solid background for AP Calculus. A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required. This is an advanced math course dealing in an extended study of linear and quadratic relations and functions as well
AP CALCULUS AB
Prerequisites: Trigonometry AND Pre-Calculus with at least a “C-” Average in each course
1 Credit weighted
Grades 11-12
** This two-semester course covers the typical material in a first semester college calculus course. Topics include limits, derivatives, and integrals of algebraic, trigonometric, and exponential relations. Successful completion of the AP test in May typically results in one semester of college credit. Students enrolled in AP Calculus are required to take the AP exam in the spring. A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required.
AP CALCULUS BC
Prerequisites: Trigonometry AND Pre-Calculus with at least a “C-”Average in each course
1 Credit weighted
Grades 11-12
** This two-semester course covers the typical material in two semesters of college calculus. The course deals with all of the topics of the AB course and the additional topics of differential equations, analytic geometry, parametric and polar equations, and infinite series. Successful completion of the AP test in May typically results in two semesters of college credit. Students enrolled in AP Calculus are required to take the AP exam in the spring. A TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required.
MULTIVARIATE CALCULUS/LINEAR ALGEBRA
Prerequisite: Completion of BC AP Calculus
1 Credit weighted
Grade 12
** This course allows exploration of college level mathematics beyond single-variable calculus. Topics typically include multivariate calculus (third semester calculus), linear algebra, and differential equations. Individualization of instruction may include statistics, computer programming or other topics.
INDEPENDENT ADVANCED STUDY IN MATHEMATICS
Prerequitite: Completion of Multivariate Calculus/Linear Algebra
1 Credit weighted
Grade 12
** This is an open-ended course to address the needs of students who complete Vector or Multivariate Calculus. The course will include continued study in Linear Algebra and applied Ordinary Differential Equations.
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