Mathematics Department
Precalculus & Calculus Courses
(All Courses Above are Included in GPA)
Introduction to Precalculus L3
MA334 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 11-12
Prerequisite:
- C- or better in Algebra II L3; OR
- Successful completion of Algebra II L4
(Previously named Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry L3)
This course aligns with the Algebra, Functions, and Geometry components of the state frameworks for Precalculus. The course is structured around an integration of the units which emphasizes underlying patterns of behaviors in the functions. Topics covered throughout the year include transformations of graphs, logarithmic and exponential functions, polynomial functions, trigonometric functions, conic sections, and series & sequences. Complex numbers and vectors are not addressed in Introduction to Precalculus.
This course aligns with the Algebra, Functions, and Geometry components of the state frameworks for Precalculus. The course is structured around an integration of the units which emphasizes underlying patterns of behaviors in the functions. Topics covered throughout the year include transformations of graphs, logarithmic and exponential functions, polynomial functions, trigonometric functions, conic sections, and series & sequences. Complex numbers and vectors are not addressed in Introduction to Precalculus.
Precalculus L4
MA341 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 11-12
Prerequisite:
- C+ or better in Algebra II L4; OR
- Successful completion of Algebra II L5; OR
- Recommendation of current Math teacher AND either: A or better in Algebra II L3, OR B or better in Introduction to Precalculus L3
This course consists of topics from two major areas: trigonometry and analytic geometry. The course begins with the study of the six trigonometric functions. Topics studied include right triangle trigonometry, graphs of the trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, fundamental identities, trigonometric equations, and the laws of sines and cosines. The second part of the course includes a study of functions. Exponential and Logarithmic functions will be investigated and graphs of straight lines and conic sections will be developed. Applications and problem solving involving coordinate geometry will also be included. The course will conclude with an introduction to limits. Students are encouraged to purchase a TI-84 graphing calculator for this course.
Precalculus L5
MA350 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 11
Prerequisite:
- B- or better in Algebra II L5; OR
- Year average of 95 or better in Algebra II L4
The first part of this course includes a full semester of trigonometry, math induction, and sequences and series. The second part of the course concerns itself with an analysis of elementary functions, an introduction to the theory of equations, and translations of the conic sections. The course will conclude with an introduction to calculus topics, including limits and derivatives. Since an integral component of this course is the use of the graphing calculator, students are encouraged to purchase a TI-84 graphing calculator.
Calculus L4
MA440 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12
Prerequisite:
- C or better in Precalculus L4; OR
- Successful completion of Precalculus L5
This course will familiarize students with the main topics covered in a first full year college level calculus course. Students will be introduced to the concepts of limits and continuity, as well as the applications of derivatives and integrals. The content of the course will be similar to that of the AP class, although not to the same depth. Whereas AP Calculus prepares students to enter a college level Calculus II course, Calculus L4 will prepare students to enter a college level Calculus I course.
AP Calculus AB
MA450 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12
Prerequisite:
- C+ or better in Precalculus L5; OR
- A- or better in Precalculus L4 AND recommendation of current Math teacher
AP Calculus AB is structured around three big ideas: limits, derivatives, and integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. It is equivalent to a semester of calculus at most colleges and universities. The syllabus for AP Calculus AB is consistent with the AB level of AP Calculus as recommended by the College Board and this course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in Calculus AB. All students are expected to take the exam. Students are required to purchase a graphing calculator (recommended: TI-84).
AP Calculus BC
MA451 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12
Prerequisite:
- A- or better in Precalculus L5 AND recommendation of current Math teacher
AP Calculus BC includes all topics in AP Calculus AB, plus other topics such as parametric, polar, and vector functions, and series. It is equivalent to one year of calculus at most colleges and universities. The syllabus for AP Calculus BC is consistent with the BC level of AP Calculus as recommended by the College Board and this course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Calculus BC. All students are expected to take the exam. Students are required to purchase a graphing calculator (recommended: TI-84).