Philosophy
The philosophy of the mathematics program in the Upper School is reflected in its goals, which are to provide the student with the information and skills necessary for advanced work in mathematics and the sciences and for making sensible, responsible decisions in a highly technological society.
Course offerings include geometry in Form III, algebra II in Form IV, precalculus in Form V, and calculus in Form VI, although some students may take a different sequence of courses because of acceleration. A course in statistics may be offered some years. Courses are generally offered at two levels: a standard (B) level and an accelerated (A) level.
Geometry
This is a standard course in Euclidean geometry. Properties such as congruence, similarity, symmetry, and area of plane figures are studied. Two-column proofs are introduced and used extensively. A lab, using Geometer’s Sketchpad, meets on a regular basis in the computer room. Basic trigonometry, polygon vocabulary and properties, circle properties, reflections, rotations, and translations are some of the other topics that are investigated. Text: McDougal Littell, Geometry.
Algebra II
The skills and concepts learned in algebra I are refined and expanded in algebra II. Quadratic equations, complex numbers, coordinate geometry, relations and functions, variation, radicals, and exponential and logarithmic functions are a few of the topics studied. Word problems receive considerable attention. Graphing calculators, the use of which is integral to the course work, are required of all students. Text: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Precalculus
This course is a rigorous study of algebraic and transcendental functions, including polynomial, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions with applications. The limit concept is studied, and the operations of differentiation and integration are introduced. Graphing calculators, the use of which is integral to the course work, are required of all students. Text: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Applied Calculus
This course offers a review of exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and trigonometric functions followed by an introduction to the concepts of calculus: limits, derivatives and integrals. Practical applications are emphasized. Other topics in mathematics, such as probability, statistics, and combinatorics, may be discussed at the instructor’s discretion. This course may not be offered every year. Text: Lial, Calculus with Applications, Pearson, Addison-Wesley.
Calculus AB
This is a standard first-term college course in differential and integral calculus that follows the AP curriculum. Limits are investigated, leading to a study of differentiation and integration. Application problems from physics, engineering, business, and economics are an essential part of the course. Graphing calculators, the use of which is integral to the course work, are required of all students. Text: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Statistics
Topics in this course include collecting data, constructing and interpreting graphical displays, counting techniques, probability, the normal distribution, confidence intervals, measures of spread, correlation and regression, and the mathematics of voting. This course may not be offered every year. Text: Elementary Statistics; Pearson Prentice Hall.
