Mathematics
The Mathematics Department views its subject as both a process and skill – a process of intuition, logical deduction and synthesis, and a skill that is necessary to be a mathematically literate woman who has the ability to solve problems in both theoretical and real world situations. The Mathematics Department strives to provide courses, instructional activities, and technology that meet the common and specific needs of students attending the Academy. Throughout diversified and individually adapted courses of study, the program is designed to achieve two goals: an immediate goal of acquiring the fundamental skills necessary to analyze and solve problems, and a longer term goal that prepares our students for a constantly changing society increasingly dominated by quantitative methods, data analysis, and the use of technology.
Principles of Algebra
Year - 5 Credits - Grade 9
Prerequisites: MSMA entrance test; department recommendation. Fundamentals of Algebra is designed to strengthen mathematical skills while providing a strong foundation in algebra. The first trimester begins with a review of the real number system and focuses on mathematical operations. The course then introduces operations with signed numbers using a number line. The concepts of variables, expressions and equations are presented to introduce algebraic problem solving. The basic tools for working with linear equations and linear inequalities in two variables are presented in the second trimester. Algebraic and graphical solutions are emphasized. Operations with polynomials, factoring, and exponents are included in the third trimester. Test-taking skills are emphasized.
Algebra I
Year - 5 Credits - Grade 9
Prerequisites: MSMA entrance test; department recommendation. Algebra I introduces and develops the following topics: operations with signed numbers and variables, solutions of linear equations and inequalities, writing equations from word problems, operations with rational numbers and polynomials, functions, graphs, irrational numbers, and quadratic equations.
Intergrated Geometry
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10,11
Prerequisite: Department recommendation. Integrated Geometry is offered to 10th and 11th graders. The course introduces the basic topics of plane geometry while reinforcing algebra skills. The concepts of parallel lines, congruence, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area, and basic right-triangle trigonometry are covered. SAT test-taking skills are emphasized. This course is offered every two years commencing with 2007-2008.
Geometry
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: Algebra I. This course introduces the basic topics of plane geometry. It begins informally and intuitively with gradual introduction to proving theorems followed by a development of concepts including parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area, and introductory concepts of coordinate geometry.
Geometry (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 9, 10
Prerequisites: A in Algebra I; department recommendation. This course for the self-motivated and high ability student includes a more thorough treatment of the material in Geometry. An increased emphasis is placed on logical reasoning and the method of proofs.
Intermediate Algebra II
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Department recommendation. This course is offered every two years commencing with 2008-2009 and is open to 10th and 11th graders. The course focuses on SAT and HSPA preparation while building on the concepts from algebra and geometry. The following topics are studied: solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing, direct and inverse variation, data analysis, statistics, probability, normal distribution, sequences and series. Problem-solving and test-taking skills are emphasized.
Algebra II
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Geometry. Algebra II builds on the concepts taught in Algebra I by adding these areas: solutions to complicated word problems, imaginary numbers, functions, graphs and solutions of quadratic functions and inequalities, solutions of polynomial functions, graphs of conic sections, and probability and statistics. Preparation for standardized testing is an integral part of the course.
Algebra II (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 10, 11
Prerequisites: B in Geometry Honors. In addition to the traditional Algebra II content, this course includes in-depth coverage of radical expressions and equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational expressions and functions, the binomial theorem, and sequences and series.
Pre-Calculus
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: B in Algebra II. This course extends Algebra II to include trigonometry, reflections and transformations of graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, linear programming, and SAT II preparation.
Pre-Calculus (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: B in Algebra II Honors; A in Algebra II. This rigorous course extends and unifies mathematical principles for advanced studies in calculus and abstract algebra. It requires above-average mathematical reasoning and a desire and ability to master difficult problems. The course emphasizes advanced algebra and trigonometric functions and incorporates SAT II preparation.
Discrete Mathematics
Year - 5 Credits - Grade 12
Prerequisites: Algebra II; department recommendation. This course is designed for seniors who plan a college major that does not require pre-calculus as a prerequisite, or who wish to take a second mathematics as an elective. The course emphasizes the real world applications of mathematical concepts. Relatively recent topics in mathematics are explored such as circuitry and path analysis, fair division problems, graph theory, sequences and series, and fractal geometry. The course also includes an introduction to statistics. Topics include sampling, probability, descriptive statistics and normal distributions.
Financial Math
5 Credits - Grade 12
This course surveys the application of concepts from algebra, geometry, probability and statistics to real world applications and practical decision-making. Topics include data display and analysis, survey techniques, and financial literacy. The course also offers an intense review of basic skills and algebraic concepts used on standardized tests.
Advanced Placement Statistics
Year - 6 Credits - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: B+ in Algebra II; B in Algebra II Honors. This course for the self-motivated student will follow the syllabus outlined by the College Board and prepare students for the Advanced Placement Statistics Exam, which they must take. Topics include examination of the proper ways to collect and report data, the various statistical tools that are used to analyze data, the measurement of uncertainty that is inherent in statistical data, and how to draw meaningful conclusions from statistical information.
Calculus (Honors)
Year - 5 Credits - Grade 12
Prerequisites: A in Pre-Calculus; B in Pre-Calculus Honors. This course is an introductory single-variable calculus course designed to cover many of the topics covered in Advanced Placement Calculus AB, but at a less intense pace. The course includes a brief review of elementary functions and limits, techniques and applications of differentiation, and techniques of integration applied to problems of area and volume.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Year - 6 Credits - Grade 12
Prerequisites: A- in Pre-Calculus Honors. This course will follow the syllabus outlined by the College Board and prepare students for the Advance Placement Calculus AB Exam, which they must take. Included are limits and continuity of functions, derivatives and their applications, definite integrals and their applications, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and separable differential equations and slope fields.
