Course Descriptions

This is the first course in a two-course sequence designed to prepare students for success in mathematics courses by providing a strong foundation for Algebra and Probability and Statistics. Foundations of Algebra includes the study of algebraic concepts, including operations with real numbers and polynomials, relations and functions, the creation, graphing and application of linear functions and relations and an introduction to nonlinear functions. Topics also include the study of exponential growth and decay functions, polynomials, quadratic functions, scatter plots, correlation and linear regression. Instruction will focus on a balance between procedural and conceptual understanding to prepare students for Intermediate Algebra, the next course in the sequence. Appropriate technology, calculators and application software will be used regularly for instruction and assessment.

Intermediate Algebra is the second course in a two-course sequence that includes Foundations of Algebra. It is designed to emphasize more conceptual understanding with modeling of mathematics in real-world situations that may arise in different disciplines. The key concepts covered are relationships between quantities, expressions and equations, understanding functions, quadratics, complex numbers, polynomials, rational functions, radical functions, exponential functions, mathematical modeling and sequences. Appropriate technology, calculators and application software will be used regularly for instruction and assessment. Every student is required by the state of SC to take the Algebra 1 End of Course Exam at the completion of the course. The exam is counted as 20% of the final course grade.

This course prepares students for more abstract algebraic thinking in mathematics by performing problem solving techniques that are more intensive in preparation for Geometry and Algebra 2. Concepts covered include representing relationships, linear functions, linear equations/inequalities, systems of equations/inequalities and, nonlinear functions, exponential functions, polynomial expressions, quadratic functions, quadratic equations, linear modeling and regression. Every student must take the Algebra 1 End of Course Exam. The exam is 20% of the final grade for the course.

Algebra I Honors requires students to complete lessons that meet all SC Algebra 1 standards plus additional lessons and concepts beyond the state requirements. Students completing this challenging course will earn honors credit and the affiliated elevated grade point average. This course prepares students for more abstract algebraic thinking in mathematics by performing problem solving techniques that are more intensive in preparation for Geometry and Algebra 2. Concepts covered include representing relationships, linear functions, linear equations/inequalities, systems of equations/inequalities, nonlinear functions, exponential functions, polynomial expressions, quadratic functions, quadratic equations, linear modeling and regression. Every student must take the Algebra 1 End of Course Exam. The exam is 20% of the final grade for the course.

Algebra 2 builds on concepts first introduced in Algebra I. The course begins with a review of relationships between quantities, understanding functions and quadratics. The course then goes in depth on concepts including the fundamental theorem of algebra, graphing polynomial functions, composite functions, inverse functions and rational functions. The second half of the course covers radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, piecewise functions, joint and combined variation and sequences.

Honors Algebra 2 is an intensive and rigorous course designed primarily for students who plan to major in mathematics or science in college or who are talented in mathematics. This course contains an in depth study to include linear, quadratic, absolute value and radical functions, systems of equations and inequalities, inversions, compositions, concepts of number systems with an emphasis on critical and analytical thinking, rational decision- making and inductive and deductive reasoning as well as exponential and logarithmic functions, probability distributions, trigonometric functions and mathematical modeling. Study includes both math theory and real-life application of concepts. Appropriate technology, including calculators and application software, are used regularly for instruction and assessment.

This course formalizes what students have learned about geometry in the middle grades, with a focus on reasoning and making mathematical arguments. Concepts covered include foundations of Euclidean geometry, geometric transformations, constructions, angles and lines, triangles, triangle congruence, and similarity transformations. Concepts in this course build on each other. Students will be expected to apply definitions, axioms, theorems, postulates, etc., throughout this course once they have been introduced. The course also includes the study of right triangle relationships, trigonometry, quadrilaterals, coordinate algebra, circles, geometric modeling in two dimensions, three-dimensional geometry, surface area, and volume. The course winds up with some data analysis to include measures of center, box plots, and standard deviation.

This is a college-preparatory course designed primarily for students who plan to major in mathematics or science, a related field in college, or who are talented in mathematics. This rigorous course utilizes advanced analytical methods to prove geometric relationships. Strong emphasis is placed on deductive methods of proofs. Students must be strong problem-solvers who can reason through given information to make valid conclusions with independence. Topics include foundations of Euclidean Geometry, geometric transformations, angles, lines, triangles, triangles congruence, similarity transformations, right triangle relationships, trigonometry, quadrilaterals, coordinate algebra, circles, conics, geometric modeling, surface area, and volume.

With an emphasis on function families and their representations, Precalculus is a thoughtful introduction to advanced studies leading to calculus. The course briefly reviews linear equations, inequalities, and systems and moves purposefully into the study of functions. The course then covers analytic trigonometry with circles, complex numbers, polar coordinates, rational functions, radical functions, exponential functions, vectors, matrices, and analytic geometry.

With an emphasis on function families and their representations, Precalculus is a thoughtful introduction to advanced studies leading to calculus. The course briefly reviews linear equations, inequalities and systems and moves purposefully into the study of functions. Topics covered include analytic trigonometry with circles, vectors, law of sines and cosines, dot products, matrices, solving systems with matrices, conic equations, analytic geometry, sequences and an introduction to calculus.

This course is designed to give students the tools to be successful at data analysis and inference. The course encompasses descriptive statistics, probability theory, and inferential statistics. Students are expected to utilize scientific calculators, graphing calculators and/or computer software throughout the course. Topics covered include data analysis, the normal distribution, simple linear regression, random variables, sampling and sampling distributions, estimating proportions with confidence, testing claims, estimating means, experimentation and probability.

The purpose of this course is to provide a study of elementary functions and introductory college calculus. Course content corresponds to the syllabus established by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB Examination in May from which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is obtained. Content covered includes a review of precalculus concepts, limits and continuity and differentiation. Students will work with a variety of functions including polynomial, trigonometric and logarithmic. Emphasis will be placed on applications. In the second half of the course, topics will include integration, modeling using differential equations and applications of definite integrals. Students will have an extensive review and take several practice exams in preparation for the AP exam.

AP Statistics is a college level course that focuses on the use of tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Course content corresponds to the syllabus established by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB Examination in May from which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is obtained. Concepts covered include displaying data, measures of variability, normal and sampling distributions, simple linear regression, sampling and experimentation, an introduction to probability, estimating and testing claims about proportions and means, inference for distributions and relationships. Students will have an extensive review and take several practice exams in preparation for the AP exam.