Course Descriptions - Math

Selecting Courses
The Henry County School Board supports the use of best practices that research and experience have shown to be effective for high school aged students. Such practices include, but are not limited to, teacher-directed instruction, group work, cooperative learning, peer tutoring, and student-directed learning. The high school offers a minimum of six and one-half hours of instruction each day, exclusive of the lunch period. Classes are arranged in a 4x4 block format schedule. All students will maintain a full day schedule of classes.

The following pages describe high school course offerings. Course selection patterns may affect course offerings. Students registered for a class with an enrollment too small or too large are notified by the school counselor and given the opportunity to make another course selection.

Algebra Readiness — 1 elective credit (Prerequisite: None)
This course is designed for students who wish to enroll in Algebra 1, but require an extension of skills and understanding of concepts in the real number system.  Students will solve first-degree equations and inequalities and perform operations with polynomials.  Functions, relations, and their graphs are introduced.  Manipulatives, graphing calculators, and application software are used for solving problems and verifying solutions.

Algebra I — 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
In Algebra I, students continue the study of algebraic concepts including operations with real numbers and polynomials. They solve first-degree equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, and systems of equations. Concepts associated with functions and relations, including their graphs, are emphasized. A study of statistics and matrices is also included in this course. Manipulatives, graphing calculators, and application software are used for solving problems and verifying solutions.

Geometry Readiness — 1 elective credit (Prerequisite: Algebra I)
This course is designed for students who wish to enroll in Geometry, but require an extension of skills and understanding of concepts needed for the deductive method of proof. Axioms are used to justify theorems and to determine whether conclusions are valid. A gradual development of formal proof is encouraged. A variety of applications and some general problem-solving techniques are used to implement these concepts. Students use graphing utilities and computer software as appropriate.

Geometry — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Algebra I)
This course includes the deductive axiomatic method of proof to justify theorems and to tell whether conclusions are valid. It also includes emphasis on two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. Students use graphing utilities and computer software as appropriate.

Algebra Functions and Data Analysis —1 credit (Does not count as a math credit for an Advanced Studies Diploma) (Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry)
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the standards for Algebra I. Within the context of mathematical modeling and data analysis, students will study functions and their functions and their behaviors, system of inequalities, probability, experimental design and implementation, and analysis of data.  Data will be generated by practical applications arising from science, business, and finance. Students will solve problems that require formulation of linear, quadratic, exponential, or logarithmic equations or a system of equations.

Algebra II — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Algebra I and Geometry)
A thorough treatment of advanced algebraic concepts is provided through the study of functions, polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, matrices, and sequences and series. Oral and written communication concerning the language of algebra, the logic of procedures, and interpretation of results also permeate the course. A transformational approach to graphing functions is used. Students vary the coefficients and constants of an equation, observe the changes in the graph of the equation, and make generalizations that can be applied to many graphs.

Trigonometry/Math Functions — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Algebra II)
Trigonometric and circular functions are introduced in this course. Evaluation of trigonometric functions, use of basic formulas, and laws of cosines and sines are presented. Emphasis is placed on the applications of trigonometry, solutions of trigonometric equations, applications of triangles and vectors, and polar graphing. Advanced topics in algebra, analytical geometry, polynomial functions, and sequences are also included.

DE Math Analysis/Pre-Calculus — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Trigonometry, C or Better in Math Analysis/Pre-Calculus and must have a 3.0 overall GPA)
Students enrolled in Mathematical Analysis are assumed to have mastered Algebra II concepts and have some exposure to trigonometry. Mathematical Analysis develops students’ understanding of algebraic and transcendental functions, parametric and polar equations, sequences and series, and vectors. The content of this course serves as appropriate preparation for a calculus course.

AP/DE Calculus — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Math Analysis/Pre-Calculus and must have a 3.0 overall GPA)
This course extends the theory of elementary functions. Topics include:  derivatives of algebraic functions, and transcendental functions; derivatives of the sum, difference, product, quotient and power of algebraic/ transcendental functions; the definite integral and improper integrals and concepts related to integration; logarithmic differentiation; techniques of integration; differential equations, and applications of the derivative and the definite integral. Both applications and formal proof are emphasized. Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Probability and Statistics — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Algebra II)
Probability and Statistics is a semester course designed to introduce the methods used in the field of applied statistics. Emphasis is given to the basic concepts and techniques for collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and making predictions. The major focus of this course is to provide students with experience in using the computer to solve problems that can be set up as mathematical models.

AP Statistics — 1 credit (Prerequisite:  Algebra II)
AP Statistics is equivalent to a one-semester introductory, non-calculus-based, college course in statistics. Students are introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam.