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Algebra I studies the concept of using variables to represent numbers and generalize arithmetic equations. Students spend time developing arithmetic and problem-solving skills while covering the following topics: properties of the field of real numbers, basic operations, writing and solving algebraic equations in one and two variables, polynomials and factoring, first- and second-degree functions and their graphs, quadratic equations, irrational numbers, and applications of problem-solving skills. [Full year. One credit.]
Geometry covers much of the traditional course content: topics may include properties of equality, parallel and perpendicular lines and segments, congruance and similarity, polygons, circles, trigonometry, area and volume, and three-dimensional and coordinate geometry. There is emphasis on geometry as a unified, axiomatic system through the construction of proofs, as well as on practical applications of geometry. While the major portion of the course will involve plane geometry, there will also be some study of non-Euclidean geometry. [Full year. One credit.]
Algebra II looks at topics both symbolically and graphically. Major topics include polynomials (linear, quadratic, and higher degree), powers and roots, exponentials and logarithyms, and trigonometry. Within these areas, transformations, systems of equations, inequalitites, applications, and modeling are addressed. The use of a calculator is an integral part of the course, and students are strongly encouraged to purchase a TI-83 graphing calculator. [Full year. One credit.]
Advanced Algebra II covers topics from Algebra II and Precalculus in a single year. Topics include functions, inequalities, polynomials, exponents and logarithms, trigonometry, and an introduction to traditional calculus topics, such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. The course prepares students for placement in traditional Precalculus, Calculus, AP AB Calculus,
AP
BC
Calculus, or AP Statistics. [Department approval required. Full year. One credit.]
Functions, Statistics, & Trigonometry (FST) uses the study of functions to expose students to limits, tangents to curves and area under a curve while, at the same time, building stronger algebraic skills. Trigonometry and statistics are also explored with an analytic approach. Right and non-right (oblique) triangles are investigated, as are trigonometric equations and identities. The statistics portion of this course covers single variable statistics and works toward data analysis and hypothesis testing. This course prepares students for Precalculus, Calculus (non-AP), or AP Statistics. We strongly encourage students to purchase a TI-83 calculator for this class. [Full year. One credit. Prerequisite: Algebra II.]
Precalculus stresses the modeling of data with equations by using graphing calculators. This course emphasizes the ability to learn conceptually and supplies students with real-world problems that employ technology as a tool in problem solving. This course covers a variety of topics: linear, quadratic and polynomial functions; trigonometry; sequences and series; limits of sequences series, and functions. We strongly encourage students to purchase a TI-83 calculator for this class. [Full year. One credit. Prerequisite: Algebra II and departmental approval.]
Calculus studies rates of change and their application to many physical and social phenomena, such as the velocity of a satellite or the profits of a corporation. This course covers such topics as functions, limits, differentiation and basic integration, and emphasizes practical applications of calculus in business, economics, science and engineering. We strongly encourage students to purchase a TI-83 calculator for this class. [Full year. One credit. Prerequisites: Precalculus, Advanced Algebra II, or FST and departmental approval.]
AP AB Calculus examines such topics as limits, differentiation, applied maximum/minimum problems, related rates, transcendental functions, and techniques of integration. This course, which follows the AP syllabus, is designed to be roughly equivalent to a semester and a half of a college calculus course. Students enrolled in this course commit to taking the AP examination. Consult the LFA math department for the appropriate calculator to purchase for this class. [Full year. One credit. Prerequisites: Precalculus or Advanced Algebra II and departmental approval.]
AP
BC
Calculus includes all topics covered in AB Calculus as well as
Taylor
series, vectors, and parametric functions. This course, which follows the AP syllabus, is designed to be equivalent to slightly more than two semesters of a college calculus course. Students enrolled in this course commit to taking the AP examination. Consult the LFA math department for the appropriate calculator to purchase for this class. [Full year. One credit. Prerequisites: Precalculus or Advanced Algebra II and departmental approval.]
AP Statistics introduces the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students learn four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical interference. Students enrolled in this course, which follows the AP syllabus, commit to taking the AP examination. The purchase of a TI-83 calculator is suggested. [Full year. One credit. Prerequisites: Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II and departmental approval.]
Computer Science I introduces computer science tools and methods as students learn algorithms, data structures, and control structures such as recursion and iteration. Through hands-on, lab-oriented instruction, students become familiar with basic programming techniques in HTML, JavaScript, and Java. [Full year. One credit.]
AP Computer Science reviews topics from Computer Science I and introduces program testing, numerical accuracy, pointer and reference variable, and object-oriented programming. Students explore data structures such as arrays, stacks, matrices and queues, and become familiar with the Java programming language. This course prepares students to take the A Computer Science AP examination, which is required. [Full year. One credit.]
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