Memorial High School Mathematics

Mathematics Department Graphing Calculator Policy  

Graphing calculators are required for Algebra 2 (all levels), Math 4, Precalculus, Trigonometry, Calculus-Advanced Placement, and Introductory Calculus.  Students in other mathematics classes are not required to have a graphing calculator and often will not be allowed to use one.  A four-function or scientific calculator is usually allowed for use in classes not requiring a graphing calculator.  

Students in classes which require a graphing calculator will be expected to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, or TI-84 Plus calculator when school begins in August. (TI is the Texas Instruments brand)  The 83 and 84 calculators are keystroke for keystroke compatible.  Teachers will explain keystrokes and provide programs only for these calculator models.  In addition, there may be times when other calculators, such as the TI-89, will not be allowed for use on tests or quizzes.

If purchasing a graphing calculator is a financial hardship on your family, contact the principal for special arrangements.

 

First Year Algebra  

Students entering ninth grade who wish to bypass the first year of Algebra must have a B (4.0) average or above in Algebra 1 to be placed in Geometry –Level III.


Algebra 1- Level 1 & Math Lab
Two Semesters, Grade 9
Prerequisites: Department Recommendation

Algebra 1 – Level I and Math Lab is an Algebra 1 class that meets every day.  This class is designed for students who had difficulty passing Pre-Algebra in 8th grade or passing ISTEP.  By meeting every day, course material can be presented in smaller sections, and students will have time to practice concepts in the classroom with the guidance of the teacher.  This class will cover all of the concepts included in Algebra 1 – Level II.  Supplementary material preparing students for the state required end of the course exam will also be included.  To allow students to earn two credits per semester, this class is listed as two classes – Algebra 1 and Math Lab, however, it will be taught as a single class that meets every day.  Each semester, students will earn one mathematics credit for Algebra 1 and one general credit for Math Lab.


Algebra 1- Level II & Math Lab
Two Semesters, Grade 9
Prerequisites: Department Recommendation

This class is designed for students who are not at risk of failing Algebra 1, but need additional help to be successful.  Students who succeeded in math because of interventions provided by their grade school are recommended for this course. Students will attend a regular Algebra 1 – Level II class one day and Math lab the alternate day.   The Algebra 1 class will cover all the concepts listed in the Algebra 1 – Level II course description.  In Math Lab, a resource teacher will provide students assistance and additional practice with concepts covered in Algebra 1.  Supplementary material preparing students for the state required end of the course exam will also be included in the Math Lab.  Each semester, students will earn on mathematics credit for Algebra 1 and one general credit for Math Lab.


Algebra 1- Level II
Two Semesters, Grade 9
Prerequisites: Freshman Status

Algebra 1 – Level II begins with a quick review of variables and expressions, properties, operations with real numbers, and solving linear equations.  The course then develops concepts related to graphing functions and relations, analyzing linear equations, solving linear inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, quadratic and exponential functions, radical expressions, and rational expressions and equations.  Applications of these topics and connections with other areas of mathematics will be emphasized throughout the course.


Algebra 1- Level III
Two Semesters, Grade 9
Prerequisites: Department Recommendation

This course covers all of the material included in the Level II course, but at a faster pace and in more depth and will devote additional time to applications, connections, and problem solving.  This course is designed for students with a strong mathematics background, but who did not complete Algebra 1 in the eighth grade.  Placement in this course is based on a combination of the EXPLORE placement exam results, academic records in grades six through eight, and eighth grade teacher recommendation.


Geometry- Level 1
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1- Level I or II

In Geometry – Level I students will be challenged to learn, discover, and apply geometry and to make connections from concrete examples to abstract concepts.  Topics included are reasoning, measurement, coordinate graphing, angles, parallels, triangles and congruence, properties of triangles, triangles’ inequalities, quadrilaterals, proportions and similarity, polygons and area, circles, surface area of solids and volume, beginning trigonometry, circle relationships, formal proof, and transformations.  Students will also review and use algebra concepts throughout the course. Note: A grade of 3 or above in Algebra 1 is needed to take Algebra 2 following Geometry.


Geometry- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1- Level I with a 5 or 6; Algebra 1- Level II with a 3 or above;
Algebra 1- Level III with a 2 or above

Geometry is based on principles of logical reasoning.  Students develop their deductive reasoning skills throughout the course by providing informal justifications and informal arguments as well as by writing formal two-column and paragraph proofs.  Topics included are properties of points, lines, planes, angles, reasoning and proof, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, relationships in triangles, proportion and similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, quadrilaterals, transformations, circles, areas of polygons and circles, surface area of solids and volume.  Applications of these topics and their connections with other branches of mathematics will also be explored.


Geometry- Level III
Two Semesters, Grades 9-10
Prerequisites: Algebra 1- Level III with a 5 or 6; Algebra 1- Level II with a 6; or Department Recommendation for incoming freshmen

This course covers all of the material found in Level II, but at a faster pace and in more depth and will devote additional time to applications, connections, and problem solving.  This course is designed for students with superior mathematical ability who want the challenge of a more intense course.  Topics included are points, lines, planes, angles, reasoning and proof, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, relationships in triangles, proportion and similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, quadrilaterals, transformations, circles, areas of polygons and circles, surface area of solids and volume.  Applications of these topics and their connections with other branches of mathematics will also be explored.


Algebra 2- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Geometry- Level I or II and a grade of 3 or above in Algebra 1 (any level)

Algebra 2 – Level II is a lower level second-year algebra course which includes nearly all the topics of Algebra 2 – Level III, but usually covers them in less depth.  As students continue the study of algebra, they relate and apply algebraic concepts to other areas of mathematics through realistic and relevant applications.  Topics of this course include solving equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, linear relations and inequalities, polynomial functions, conic sections, rational expressions and equations, exponential and logarithmic relations, sequences and series, and probability and statistics.  A graphing calculator is required for this class. See Graphing Calculator Policy.


Algebra 2- Level III
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Geometry- Level III or Geometry- Level II with a 3 or above

This course covers all of the material included in the Level II course, but in more depth and will devote additional time to applications, connections, and problem solving.  This course is designed for students who want the challenge of a more intense course in preparation for college mathematics.  Topics of this course include solving equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, quadratic functions and inequalities, polynomial functions, conic sections, rational expressions and equations, exponential and logarithmic relations, sequences and series, and probability and statistics.  A graphing calculator is required for this class. See Graphing Calculator Policy.


Math 4- Level II
Two Semesters, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2- Level III with a 3 or 4; or Algebra 2- Level II with a 4, 5, or 6

Math 4 is a mathematics course which provides a foundation of precalculus concepts, techniques, and applications to prepare students for more advanced work.  Topics included in this course are linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, the nature of graphs, polynomial and rational functions, conics, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions and their graphs, and trigonometric identities and equations.  Students may earn college credit through Ivy Tech State College for this course.  A graphing calculator is required for this class.  See Graphing Calculator Policy.


Trigonometry- Level III
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2- Level III with a 4 or above; or Precalculus with a 3 or above

This course provides for the development of the trigonometric relationships from an understanding of the circular functions and their properties and graphs.  Topics included in this course are the unit circle, trigonometric functions, solving triangles, trigonometric graphs, trigonometric identities and equations, polar coordinates, and complex numbers.  Students are required to take both Precalculus and Trigonometry before enrolling in calculus or introductory calculus.  Precalculus and trigonometry can be taken concurrently.   A graphing calculator is required for this class.  See Graphing Calculator Policy.


Precalculus- Level III
Two Semesters, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2- Level III with a 4 or above

Precalculus is an advanced fourth-year mathematics course with emphasis on theory, method, and application.  This course combined with Trigonometry provides a solid foundation for a first-year course in calculus.  The topics included are linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomial and rational functions, the nature of graphs, polynomial and rational functions, vectors and parametric equations,  conics, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, combinatorics and probability, and statistics and data analysis.  Students are required to take both Precalculus and Trigonometry before enrolling in Calculus or Introductory Calculus.  Precalculus and Trigonometry can be taken concurrently.   Students may earn college credit through Ivy Tech State College for this course.  A graphing calculator is required for this class.  See Graphing Calculator Policy.


Calculus- Advanced Placement- Level IV
Two Semesters, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Precalculus and Trigonometry with a 4 or above

This is a college-level calculus course designed to prepare students to pass the Advanced Placement exam for AB Calculus. Students may also earn college credit through the   University of  Evansville Bridge Program.  Emphasis is placed on the mathematical theory upon which the concepts of calculus are based.  Applications of these concepts will also be emphasized.  Topics will include rate of change, limits, derivatives, curve sketching, related rates, extrema, indeterminant forms, antiderivatives, definite integrals, approximation of definite integrals, areas, lengths of curves, volume and surface area of solids, and methods of integration.  These topics will be applied to algebraic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.  Concepts will be presented analytically, numerically, graphically, and verbally whenever these are appropriate.  A graphing calculator is required for this class.  See Graphing Calculator Policy.


Introductory Calculus
One Semester, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Precalculus and Trigonometry with a 3 or above

Introductory Calculus is a one-semester course designed to give students experience with calculus without the rigors of a college-level calculus course.  The course emphasizes application of concepts and problem solving rather than the mathematical theory of calculus.  This course provides students with an excellent head start into their college calculus program.  Topics include functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, curve sketching, related rates, extrema, antiderivatives, definite integrals, areas, exponential functions, the natural logarithmic function, and, if time allows, techniques of integration.  A graphing calculator is required for this class.  See Graphing Calculator Policy.

     

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