Mathematics

Departmental Requirements

Each student is required to successfully complete six semesters of mathematics, including two semesters each of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with Trigonometry. Algebra II/Trig is a graduation requirement that must be completed at MHS during an academic year. An additional year beyond the requirement of math is recommended.

A student must earn a passing grade (C- or above) in each semester of the previous course in order to advance to the next course in the sequence.

Some summer work may be required prior to each course. This work includes foundational work in Algebra to strengthen preparation at each level.

Honors/AP Program
Placement in an Honors/AP level course is based on a student’s performance in her current course as well as any previous courses and department approval. To be considered, a student must earn at least a B average on all assessments and exams and obtain a minimum of 80% on the placement test given at the beginning of semester two. Specific qualification criteria can be obtained from the Math Department Chair. Enrollment in an Honors/AP course one year does not guarantee Honors/AP placement the following year. All required minimum grades must be maintained during semester two.

Department Policies
Students may be able to take appropriate summer school courses to advance through the math curriculum during the summer. All classes must be pre-approved by the Academic Dean prior to enrollment. If you have any questions about eligible summer courses, please contact the Academic Dean.

Algebra II/Trig may not be taken for credit during the summer. If a student does not meet the prerequisites for a particular course after the fall semester, they may submit an appeal at the third quarter if they have shown significant progress or meet the prerequisites with the inclusion of those grades. Appeal forms may be obtained by request from the Department Chair.

Similarly, if a student no longer qualifies for a class at the end of the spring semester, they may be removed from the class.

Algebra I

year course
typically open to grade 9 (following placement test results)

This course is designed to develop a student's mathematical comprehension and skills. Special attention is given to the solution of linear equations and inequalities, solutions of quadratic equations, evaluation of algebraic expressions, performance of polynomial arithmetic, operations with rational expressions, operations with radicals, and the solution and graphing of linear equations involving two variables. The analysis and solution of word problems is stressed throughout the course.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Geometry
year course
typically open to grade 9 (after reviewing placement test results) and grade 10
- prerequisite: Algebra I
This course presents concepts of Euclidean geometry as a topic of importance for daily living, for career development, and for the future study of mathematics. It applies the skills of construction, measurement, visualization, inductive and deductive logic, and proof to the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, and solids. It analyzes concepts of similarity, congruence, and isometric transformations of figures. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of right triangles and the area and volume of plane and solid figures as well as algebraic strategies to solve geometric problems including coordinate representations and vectors. Trigonometry of right triangles is introduced and techniques of coordinate geometry are developed. Algebraic representation and deductive analysis of geometric relations are stressed throughout the course.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Algebra II with Trigonometry
year course
typically open to grades 10 and 11 (Incoming 9th grade students may be placed in this course after reviewing placement test results.)
- prerequisite: Geometry
This course reviews and deepens the understanding of Algebra I concepts. Topics covered include the analysis of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and basic trigonometric functions and relations. Students will be able to graph by hand and by using graphing utilities. They will work with polynomial and rational algebraic expressions, binomial expansions, radicals, irrational and imaginary numbers, exponents, and basic trigonometric formulas. Mathematical modeling and applying skills to solve word problems and data sets, including those that use statistical methods, are stressed throughout the course.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Algebra II with Trigonometry Honors
year course
typically open to grades 10 and 11 (Incoming 9th grade students may be placed in this course after reviewing placement test results.)
- prerequisite: 80% on placement test
This rigorous course is recommended for students who seriously wish to further their study in mathematics or science. It emphasizes mathematical modeling and applying skills to solve word problems using appropriate technology throughout the course. Topics covered include the analysis of linear, quadratic, polynomial, radical, and trigonometric functions and relations. Students will be able to graph by hand and by using graphing utilities. They will work with polynomial and rational algebraic expressions, binomial expansions, radicals, irrational and imaginary numbers, exponents, trigonometric identities and formulas, and circular functions. The analysis and solution of data sets, including those that use statistical methods, are stressed throughout the course. Students are challenged to use their developing mathematical skills to generate creative and elegant solutions to a wide range of problems.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Introduction to Statistics and Probability
fall semester course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisite: Algebra II with Trigonometry
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the fundamentals of statistics and probability. Students will learn how statistics are used to measure systems variability, control processes for summarizing data, and to make data-driven decisions. Topics covered will include: how statistical data is collected, organized, and analyzed so that the statistical conclusions derived from them are valid and unbiased; and how probability theory is used in diverse areas.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Discrete Mathematics and Coding: A STEAM-Based Approach
spring semester course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisite: Algebra II with Trigonometry
This course emphasizes the real-world applications of mathematics in today's society, and the mathematical models that can be built from them. It is a project based course that will utilize the M3 Studio for several projects. Topics covered may include: how mathematics analyzes our decisions and makes them quantifiable in diverse areas; how geometric principles are applied in fields as diverse as archaeology, engineering, and art; how mathematical algorithms are used in modern society to program information; and how to use basic coding principles and methods.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Advanced Placement Statistics
year course
typically open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisite: B Algebra II with Trigonometry
AP Statistics can be taken simultaneously with Precalculus or Precalculus Honors in grade 11 and as either a second math course or a stand-alone math course in grade 12. This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. AP Statistics focuses on four conceptual themes, 1: describing patterns and departures from patterns, 2: Sampling and experimentation including planning and conducting a study, 3: Anticipating patterns, including exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and 4: Statistical inference including estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. The course will provide a better understanding of how data, including big data, is used in the "real world." Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Precalculus
year course
typically open to grades 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite: Algebra II with Trigonometry
This course will lay the foundation for calculus by surveying the behavior of the most common functions and relations, and their inverses. Students will review right triangle trigonometry and study trigonometric identities and formulas as well as circular functions. Vectors are introduced and applied to word problems. Students will also use the Law of Sines and Cosines to solve a variety of word problems. Besides the behavior of these functions, the course will explore ways of interpreting graphs, tables, and formulas that represent them. Students will be expected to read graphs and think graphically, and to read tables and think numerically using statistical methods. Students will also study conics, sequences, series and basic probability and will have the opportunity to apply these concepts along with their algebraic skills to many applications and to modeling real-world problems. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of limit, continuity, and derivatives as well as some of the underlying concepts of calculus, which are fundamental to further study in mathematics or science. Applications of all topics are stressed throughout the course, and students will work with appropriate technology. Graphing utilities are used extensively.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Precalculus Honors
year course
typically open to grades 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- 80% on placement test +
- A Algebra II with Trigonometry
- B in Algebra II with Trigonometry Honors
This course is recommended for students who seriously wish to further their study in mathematics or science. This course will lay the foundation for calculus by surveying the behavior of the most common functions and relations, and their inverses, including, conics, powers, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Besides the behavior of these functions, the course will explore ways of interpreting graphs, tables, and formulas that represent them. Students will be expected to read graphs and think graphically, and to read tables and think numerically. Students will also study sequences, series and probability and will have the opportunity to apply these concepts along with their algebraic skills to many applications and to modeling real-world problems. In addition, limits and continuity, derivatives, and definite and indefinite integrals are also covered. Applications of all topics are stressed throughout the course, and students will work with appropriate technology.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Calculus
year course
typically open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisite: Precalculus
This course is a continuation of topics introduced in Precalculus. It is offered as an alternative to the Advanced Placement Calculus course for students who are strong in mathematics, but whose interests are outside of the STEM fields. Topics covered include: algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, limits and continuity, the derivative and applications of the derivative, the antiderivative and applications of the antiderivative, techniques of integration, the definite integral and applications of the definite integral. Students will work with appropriate technology throughout the course and be able to explore topics through projects and discussion without the time restraints needed to prepare for an AP exam.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
year course
typically open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- 80% on placement test +
- B Precalculus Honors
This course is designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam. Topics covered in AP Calculus AB include: algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, limits and continuity, the derivative and applications of the derivative, the antiderivative and applications of the antiderivative, techniques of integration, the definite integral and applications of the definite integral. Students will work with appropriate technology throughout the course. Additional class time may be required.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
year course
typically open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- 80% on placement test +
- A Precalculus Honors
This course is designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam. Topics covered in AP Calculus BC include: algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, parametric, polar and vector functions, limits and continuity, the derivative and applications of the derivative, the antiderivative and applications of the antiderivative, techniques of integration, the definite integral and applications of the definite integral, polynomial approximations and series, and Taylor series. Students will work with appropriate technology throughout the course. Additional class time may be required.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.
Multivariable Calculus Honors
year course
typically open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- completion of AP Calculus AB
  OR
- completion of AP Calculus BC
This course covers differential, integral, and vector calculus for functions of more than one variable. These mathematical tools and methods are used extensively in the physical sciences, engineering, economics, and computer graphics. Topics covered include three-dimensional coordinate systems, vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vectors. The course is considered an honors-level math course.

A TI-Nspire CX calculator is required for this course.