Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 33

Foundations of Math III
1 credit
Prerequisite: Math II
Since aptitude testing has been shown to be twice
as accurate as job interviews in predicting future
job performance, the use of employment testing has
grown dramatically in recent years. Math III is a
non-college preparatory course in the principles of
Algebra I. The course will include a review of basic
algebraic concepts learned in Math I, such as variables
and order of operations. Students will learn how to
solve linear equations, including multi-step equations,
equations with multiple variables and equations
involving decimals, as well as write a linear equation
based on the graph of a line. A study of exponents
will introduce students to concepts beyond linear
functions.
Foundations of Math IV
1 credit
Prerequisite: Math III
Consumer math is a field of mathematics that applies
Foundations of Math skills to situations common to
daily living such as buying a car, budgeting money,
investing, and paying taxes. This course will prepare
seniors planning to enter the workforce directly after
high school with an introduction to these critical life-
long skills.
The following course sequence is designed to
provide necessary mathematical knowledge and
skills for students who plan to enroll in a two- or
four-year college program following graduation
from Thornton Academy.
Algebra I
1 credit
Algebra I is the foundation for all math courses
students will take in high school. It is imperative
that students have a cohesive and comprehensive
understanding of algebraic concepts. This course
will enable students to extend and strengthen their
understanding of the basic operations related to whole
numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios and percents.
Topics studied also include a review of integer
properties, operation with signed numbers, solving
linear equations and inequalities. Students will gain
skills for graphing linear equations, calculating and
identifying slope, and working with systems of linear
equations. In addition, students will be introduced to
such topics as functions, exponents, and polynomials;
which will be all useful for future mathematics
courses.
Algebra with Discrete Mathematics
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Beginning with a unit on systems of equations, this
course builds on skills learned in Algebra I. Other
new algebraic concepts include factoring, solving by
factoring and an introduction to quadratic equations.
Discrete mathematics topics of statistics and
probability build skills in understanding of survey
methods, analyzing data and graphs found in everyday
life as well as calculating probabilities through the use
of combinations and permutations.
Geometry
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra with Discrete Mathematics,
or Algebra 1 and placement by instructor
In this class geometric concepts will be studied
from an algebraic perspective, sharpening logical
thinking skills. Students will practice problem solving
and become familiar with a core set of geometric
postulates and theorems that detail relationships
about polygons, circles, parallel lines, similarity, and
congruence. 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.
NOTE: This course does not meet the prerequisite
for Precalculus.
Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry
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