Program of Studies Program of Studies 2018-19 | Page 33

Application of right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem will enable students to calculate angles of descent for aircraft or to determine the height of a distant object. Algebra II (1 credit) Prerequisite: Geometry and either Algebra with Discrete Mathematics or Algebra I with an A average, or placement by instructor This course is a continuation of the Algebra I and Algebra with Discrete Mathematics sequence. Students will delve into quadratic functions and be able to extend their geometry experience to maximize area of geometric figures. In this age of the greening of America, businesses are using such applications to minimize the amount of plastic used in water bottles. Algebra II will include a study of the operations with real numbers, linear equations and inequality applications, graphs and functions, polynomials, rational expressions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, systems of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and arithmetic and geometric series. require knowledge of elementary algebra. NOTE: This course is not a substitute for Pre-Calculus. Probability and Statistics (0.5 credit) Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry This course, an introduction to the study of probability, interpretation of data, and fundamental statistical problem solving, will encourage student awareness of the importance of mathematics in the modern world by addressing questions like, “Why is my automobile insurance so expensive?” Students will explore and analyze data by observing patterns or the absence of patterns, interpret information from graphical and tabular displays, apply appropriate statistical models including measures of centrality and spread to infer information from data, and learn to use technology in solving statistical problems. Trigonometry (0.5 credit) Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry The following course sequence is designed to provide necessary mathematical knowledge and skills for students who, following graduation from Thornton Academy, plan to attend a four-year college program and may major in a math or science field, or who may apply to a selective four-year college regardless of major. This semester course is designed for the student who intends to further his or her education in a technical field. The six trigonometric functions, which are defined in terms of ratios, are used routinely in calculations made by surveyors, navigators, machinists and carpenters. Trigonometric functions also have many application s in the physical and life sciences. Triangle solution problems, trigonometric identities, and trigonometric equations This fast-paced course will provide students with the skills necessary for the successful transition into Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 and the high order mathematics courses that follow. Students will gain a thorough and extensive study of linear functions and graphing on the xy-coordinate system. Students will learn to graph linear equations, calculate and identify slope, solve and graph inequalities, and work with systems NOTE: This course does not meet the prerequisite for Precalculus. Honors Algebra I (1 credit) www.thorntonacademy.org of linear equations. Students will use equations to model and solve authentic problems, interpret graphs, make predictions based on data, and create graphs from a table or list of values. The course may also include the study of quadratic functions. Honors Geometry (1 credit) Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 1 Students will develop spatial concepts and insight into the relationships between plane figures such as points, lines, polygons, and circles. Students will apply algebraic principles, including the use of coordinates, to geometric problems and explore the measurement of two and three-dimensional figures. The concept of proof is a focus of this course, fostering an appreciation of the power of logic as a tool for understanding the world. Students will be expected to utilize the concepts of Honors Algebra I throughout the Honors Geometry course. Honors Algebra II (1 credit) Prerequisites: Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry, or placement by instructor This course will provide a challenge for the serious and motivated mathematics students by focusing on the study of functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions. When studying quadratic functions students will calculate maximum income of a business by locating the vertex of a parabolic graph. Throughout the year similar examples will give students a more complete understanding of how algebra is applicable to other disciplines. A complete unit on conic sections including ellipses and hyperbolas will be incorporated. NOTE: Honors Geometry may be taken concurrently by placement only. 33