Math
Students must take 3 credits of Math to graduate.
Mathematics is an exciting discipline that requires consistent effort and perseverance. The Math Department works hard to give every student the opportunity to succeed. As you look through the listings for the Mathematics Department, you will notice prerequisites by each title. Under no circumstance may any student go backwards in the progression without the express permission of the Mathematics Department. Please keep this in mind as you choose your classes. If there are any questions or problems talk to your mathematics teacher before you register. Trigonometry/Statistics & Calculus are strongly recommended for students who plan to attend a 4-year college. The content & teaching strategies in all mathematics courses reflect the curriculum, teaching & assessment standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Algebra I
1 credit
Grade 8 (with permission)
Students can earn credit for algebra i in eighth grade by completing the eighth grade curriculum plus showing a high level of mastery in the following algebraic concepts: solving equations and inequalities, writing the equation of a line using slope-intercept form and standard form; graphing equations, inequalities, and functions; operations with polynomials; simplifying radicals; writing and solving systems of equations; solving trinomials by factoring and using quadratic formula.
Algebra I
1 Credit-Required
Grades 9, 10, 11 (if not taken in 8th grade)
Algebra I course outline: 1) emphasizes graphing; 2) uses functions as a unifying theme; 3) integrates technology as a problem-solving tool; 4) connects algebra to geometry, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics. Algebra i is recommended for students interested in post-secondary schooling and for other students of at least average skill in mathematics.
Objectives: This course helps prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world by: 1) involving students in exploring and discovering math concepts; 2) connecting algebra to the real world and to other subjects and math topics; 3) building an understanding of the concepts that provide a strong foundation for future courses and careers; 4) assessing students’ progress in ways that support learning.
Geometry
1 Credit-Required
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Geometry Course Outline: 1) emphasizes reasoning and logical thinking; 2) balances coordinate, synthetic, and transformational geometry; 3) integrates technology as a problem-solving tool; 4) connects geometry to algebra, data analysis, probability, trigonometry and discrete mathematics; 5) incorporates two-column, paragraph, flow and coordinate proof.
Objectives: To help prepare students for tomorrow’s world by: 1) building understanding of the concepts that provide a strong foundation for future courses and careers; 2) connecting geometry to the real world and to other subjects and math topics; 3) involving students in exploring and discovering math concepts; 4) assessing students’ progress in ways that support learning.
Algebra II
1 Credit-Required
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Geometry
Algebra II Course Outline: 1) uses functions as a unifying theme; 2) emphasizes graphing, and the relationship between graphs and equations; 3) integrates technology as a problem-solving tool; 4) connects algebra to geometry, data analysis, probability and discrete math.
Objectives: This course helps students prepare for tomorrow’s world by: 1) building understanding of concepts that provide a strong foundation for future courses and careers; 2) connecting algebra to the real world and to other subjects and math topics; 3) involving students in exploring and discovering math concepts; 4) assessing students’ progress in ways that support learning.
Intermediate Algebra II
1 Credit
Grades 11, 12 (with math department approval)
Prerequisite: Algebra I & Geometry
This course will not meet requirements for those planning to attend a 4 year college.
This course will begin with a review of most algebra i topics including using like terms, solving first and second degree equations, graphing linear and quadratic functions, factoring, and the quadratic formula. It will then expand into topics generally covered in algebra II including exponential functions, conic sections, and possibly logarithms. Objectives: this course helps prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world by: 1) involving students in exploring and discovering math concepts; 2) connecting algebra to the real world and to other subjects and math topics; 3) building an understanding of the concepts that provide a strong foundation for future courses and careers; 4) assessing students’ progress in ways that support learning.
Trigonometry/Statistics
1 Credit-Elective
Grades 11, 12 (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Geometry & Algebra II
This course offers an option to earn 3 Southwest Minnesota State University credits
Students who qualify can earn 3 college credits from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). Trigonometry begins with the fundamental functions of trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent), degree and radian measure, and special angles, followed by graphing, right triangle trigonometry, and basic identities. Also introduced will be complex numbers, inverse trigonometric functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Applications to stress the relevancy of trigonometry in the real world will be covered.
Statistics will help students to discover statistical concepts, explore statistical principles, and apply statistical techniques. This will include random samples, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode), variation and percentiles. Probability theory including the binomial probability and normal probability distribution will be covered as time allows.
Calculus
1 Credit-Elective
Grade 12 (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Trigonometry
This course offers an option to earn 5 Southwest Minnesota State University credits
Calculus students who qualify can earn 5 college credits from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). This course begins by reviewing functions from algebra two including polynomial and rational functions. The study of limits is next followed by derivatives which are rates of change (velocity and acceleration). This also represents the first branch of calculus. Optimization problems can then be studied (e.g., finding the maximum volume of a container made with the minimum amount of material, or maximizing revenue for sales of a particular product).
Integration, the second main branch of calculus, is used to calculate areas of irregular regions such as under a curve. Volumes of solids of revolution will also be studied.
Applications are pulled from current events, world data, industry trends, and more. Understanding where calculus can be used promotes a fuller understanding of material.