"Mathematics is the key to opportunity. No longer just the language of science, mathematics now contributes in direct and fundamental ways to business, finance, health, and defense. For students, it opens doors to careers. For citizens, it enables informed decisions. For nations, it provides knowledge to compete in a technological economy. To participate fully in the world of the future, America must tap the power of mathematics."

The Mathematics Program helps students develop the understanding and skills needed to solve problems and make decisions. You should study as much mathematics as possible to keep the door open to a wide range of academic and career choices and to prepare for a future which is difficult to predict. The study algebra and geometry builds the foundation for future studies in business, mathematics, and science.

Most college and technical programs require mathematics study for graduation. In their guide for students and parents, the University of Maryland reports that "More than any other subject, mathematics causes trouble in the transition from high school, to college. Lack of adequate performance in mathematics in college is perhaps the single main reason students cannot major in the area they want and/or do not graduate on time. it is important that students finish high school ready to get a good start on college mathematics."2 For these reasons, it is very important that you take a mathematics course in your senior year.

A wide range of courses is offered, including developmental mathematics and advanced mathematics in a sequence from algebra through calculus.

Please refer to the pilot section for courses listed by schools.

In order to prevent repetition in math skill development, courses have been sequenced by content and difficulty. Any student receiving a final grade of "C" or better may not take a course of a lower ranking for credit. Any student receiving a final grade lower than a "C" may take a course of a lower ranking only with permission of the mathematics department chairperson.

1. Basic Skills Math I-IV

2. Introduction to Algebra

3. Algebra 1, Essentials of Algebra

4. Geometry, Essentials of Geometry, Algebra II

5. Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

6. Calculus

Math sequence courses above Algebra I and Geometry by design include "concepts of algebra and geometry'@

The following mathematics course is not part of the sequencing and may be taken as follows:

Statistics and Probability - after Geometry

The following courses are available at the Career and Technology Center (with sufficient enrollment) and may be taken after ninth grade.

Technical Mathematics - Principles of Technology Algebra 1

Geometry

Students who successfully complete Algebra I, Geometry, or other high school math courses prior to Grade 9 will have that coursework noted on their high school transcript. Three additional course credits in mathematics must be earned in high school.

Any student who has not passed the Maryland Functional Mathematics Test by the end of ninth grade must be enrolled in an appropriate mathematics class to receive necessary remediation. The appropriate class shall be designated by the mathematics department chairperson and building principal.
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GEOMETRY (Honors)

Grade 9 231111

Geometry is designed to teach basic geometric concepts as well as logic and reasoning skills through the use of deductive and inductive reasoning. Topics include deductive reasoning, lines and angles, basic postulates and theorems, congruent triangles, transformations, inequalities, parallel lines, coordinate geometry, quadrilaterals, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, concurrence theorems, regular polygons and the circle, and geometric solids. Advanced topics include transformational geometry. Geometry (Honors) continues the sequence which begins with Algebra I and ends with Calculus in Grade 12.

Prerequisite: Math 8 - Honors Algebra I

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ALGEBRA I

Grades 9-12
231201

The language of higher mathematics is introduced through an intensive study of algebraic notation, symbolism, and methods of solving problems. Topics include simplifying expressions, polynomials, linear equations, factoring, working with fractions, inequalities, functions and relations, systems of open sentences in two variables, rational and irrational numbers, applications of fractions, and quadratic equations.

Prerequisite: Math 8 - Pre Algebra or Introduction to Algebra

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ALGEBRA I - Part A

Grades 9-12

231271

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ALGEBRA - Part B

Grades 9-12

231281

Students enrolled in a four period day school may enroll in this intensive algebra study that has two parts: Algebra I - Part A and Algebra I - Part B. Students must register for both courses to be taken consecutively during the fall and spring semesters of the school year to complete all of the essential objectives for Algebra I. Students who successfully complete Part A will receive one credit for their study of algebra topics in algebraic notation and symbolism, simplifying expressions, polynomials, linear equations, and factoring. Students who successfully complete Part B will receive one credit for their study of algebra topics in working with fractions, inequalities, functions and relations, systems of open sentences in two variables, rational and irrational numbers, applications of fractions, and quadratic equations. Students who successfully complete Part A and Part B will have met the high school graduation requirement for the study of algebra.

Prerequisite: Math 8 - Merit Pre Algebra or Introduction to Algebra

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INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA

Grades 9-12

231300

This course is an introduction to algebraic skills for students who need additional preparation prior to taking Algebra 1. Topics include applying proportions, percents, and fractions; analyzing data from geometric figures, making arguments based on data analysis; simplifying algebraic expressions; solving problems involving linear equations; and representing relationships using tables and graphs.

Upon successful completion of this course, students may enroll in Algebra I or Essentials of Algebra.

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ALGEBRA II (Honors)

Grade 9-10

232111

Advanced algebra topics are studied in this course with an emphasis on polynomials, quadratics, and functions. Topics include properties of real numbers, linear open sentences, functions, polynomials, rational expressions, irrational numbers and radicals, quadratic equations and functions, quadratic relations and systems, and exponential functions and logarithms. Advanced topics include sequences and series, circular functions, and conditional probability. Algebra 11 (Honors) continues the sequence from Geometry (Honors) through Calculus.

Prerequisite: Geometry (Honors)

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ESSENTIALS OF ALGEBRA

Grades 10-12

231211

This is the second course in the sequence of algebra study that begins with Introduction to Algebra. Topics include working with variables, solving equations with one or two variables, positive and negative numbers, formulas, working with polynomials, factoring, graphing, solving equations with fractions and decimals, squares and square roots, and quadratic equations.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Algebra

Students who successfully complete this course will receive one credit for algebra.

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GEOMETRY

Grades 10-12

232201

This course is designed to teach basic geometric concepts as well as logic and reasoning skills through the use of deductive and inductive reasoning. Topics include deductive/inductive reasoning, lines and angles, basic postulates and theorems, congruent triangles, transformations, inequalities, parallel lines, coordinate geometry, quadrilaterals, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, regular polygons and the circle, and geometric solids.

Prerequisite: Algebra I or Essentials of Algebra

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STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Grades 10-12

232211

This course is designed to teach modern statistics and probability skills using real data and experiments. Topics include sets, logic, descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, expected value, probability, making statistical decisions, chi-square, statistics with two variables, regression and correlation, working with data, measurement, estimation, hypothesis testing, advanced topics, and Monte Carlo techniques.

Prerequisite: Geometry

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ESSENTIALS OF GEOMETRY

Grades 11-12

232121

Essentials of Geometry is designed to teach basic geometric concepts. Topics include reasoning, lines and angles, basic postulates and theorems, congruent triangles, transformations, inequalities, parallel lines, coordinate geometry, quadrilaterals, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, regular polygons and the circle, and geometric solids.

Prerequisite: Algebra I or Essentials of Algebra Students who successfully complete this course will receive one credit for geometry.

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PRINCIPLES OF TECHNOLOGY

Grades 10-12

232221

This is an applied mathematics course that prepares students to use the basic concepts that are important in applied science and technology. Topics will include basic calculation skills, algebra, trigonometry, and the use of calculators. All topics will be taught as they apply to basic science concepts. Practice in math skills will be provided through laboratory exercises and problems in science and technology. This course is offered at the Career and Technology Center, Frederick High School, and Catoctin High School. Governor Thomas Johnson High School students may enroll in this program and will be transported to Frederick High School.

Prerequisite: Algebra I or Essentials of Algebra (Exceptions may be made for students who have completed Introduction to Algebra).

Successful completion of this course will provide one credit of the Advanced Technology Education requirements for incoming ninth and tenth graders.

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BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

Grades 11-12

232300

Business Mathematics is a course for eleventh and twelfth grade students only. It is designed to improve fundamental mathematical skills and the application of those skills to business transactions, including banking, buying, and personal finance.

(This course will be dropped at the end of the 1996-97 school year.)

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PRE-CALCULUS WITH TRIGONOMETRY

(Honors)

Grades 10-12

233111

This course provides a thorough background in pre-calculus topics. Topics include coordinate geometry of points, lines, and conic sections, inequalities and their graphs, functions, trigonometry - circle and triangle, exponents and logarithms, graphs of functions, techniques of equation solving, trigonometric addition formulas, complex numbers, advanced topics in curve sketching, and polar graphing. In addition, the course will include limits and emphasize theory and the derivation of formulas. Pre-Calculus (Honors) continues the sequence from Algebra H (Honors) through Calculus.

Prerequisite: Algebra 11 (Honors) and Geometry (Honors)

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ALGEBRA II

Grades 11-12

233201

Advanced algebra topics are studied with emphasis on polynomials, quadratics, and functions. Topics include properties of real numbers, linear open sentences, functions, polynomials, rational expressions, irrational numbers and radicals, quadratic equations and functions, quadratic relations and systems, exponential functions and logarithms.

Prerequisite: Geometry or Algebra I (with approval of math teacher)

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS I (AB)

Grades 10-12

234101

This course provides an intensive one-year study of calculus with topics in Cartesian plane and functions, limits and continuity, differentiation with curve sketching, integration, transcendental functions (logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric), and techniques of integration. A college level textbook is used. Completion of this course will adequately prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB Test.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (Honors) or Pre-Calculus

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MATH STUDENT ASSISTANT

Grades 11-12 230000

An assistant is assigned to a teacher to perform non instructional tasks. No credit is awarded.

Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson