MATHEMATICS

The recommended sequence for students planning to attend college is Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Three credits of mathematics are required for graduation. A student must pass Algebra 1, Algebra 9, or Informal Algebra and Geometry, Geometry 10, or Informal Geometry before graduation. A student entering the ninth grade is placed in the appropriate math class as determined by the math department, ie. General Math, Algebra 9, Algebra 1, Informal Algebra, Geometry.

INFORMAL ALGEBRA- Elective 9-10 - 1 credit

The basic concepts of the following topics will be covered: properties of real numbers, solving, graphing, and writing linear equations, functions, and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, rational equations, radicals, and connections to geometry. Upon completion of this course a student should be ready for informal geometry. Students will be placed in this course only with the recommendation of the Math Department and the counselors.

CONSUMER MATH - Elective 11–12 - 1 credit

This math course is designed to prepare students to function as wise consumers in our society. It is intended primarily for those students planning to enter the world of work immediately upon graduation from high school. Topics include: basic geometry, personal finance, checking and savings accounts, insurance, installment buying, credit costs, investments, taxes, sales commissions, net pay, wages, overtime and other skills required to function as an independent adult. Students will be placed in this course only with the recommendation of the Math Department and the counselors. This course does not meet the math requirements for the ND State Board of Higher Education.

ALGEBRA 1 - Elective 9-10 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: "C" grade or better in previous math course or authorization.
This course is pre-vocational in the sense that it is a prerequisite to further work in preparing for an engineering career or for scientific research. It is an elective for those students who find algebra an entrance requirement for the college of their choice. Algebra teaches the use of letters in the number system and how the laws of arithmetic function with letters used as numbers.

INFORMAL GEOMETRY - Elective 10–11 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 9, Informal Algebra
Students will study the basic concepts of plane and solid geometry which is the study of relationships among points, lines, and planes. Practice is given in the construction of geometric figures with a compass and straightedge. Upon completion of this course the math department will recommend to each student if they should take informal algebra 2 or consumer math. Students will be placed in this course only with the recommendation of the Math Department and the counselors.

GEOMETRY - Elective 9–11 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 "C" grade or better or authorization.
Plane & solid geometry is the study of relationships among points, lines & planes. Logical thinking is learned as step by step proofs are developed in working problems. Practice is given in construction of geometric figures with a compass & straightedge.

INFORMAL ALGEBRA 2 - Elective 11–12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry 10, Informal Geometry
The class is a continuation of mathematical ideas from Algebra 1. The structure of the number system, more symbolism and greater competence in computation, and the application of algebra to real life situations are stressed. Students will be placed in this course only with the recommendation of the Math Department and the counselors.

ALGEBRA 2 - Elective 10–12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 & Geometry "C" grade or better or authorization
This class is a continuation of mathematical ideas from elementary algebra. The structure of the number system, more symbolism and greater competence in computation, and the application of algebra to life situations are stressed.

PRE-CALCULUS - Elective 11–12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, 2, & Geometry "C" grade or better or authorization.
This is basically a college preparatory course. Pre-Calculus is strongly recommended for students planning to enter the world of math, science, or engineering. Some of the topics included are: a continuation of Algebra 2 and analytic geometry, analytic trigonometry, function concepts, and exponential growth.

PROBABILITY & STATISTICS - Elective 11–12 - 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: Completed Algebra 2
This is a college level course for students interested in careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and data analysis. Topics focus on methods of gathering, presenting, and analyzing data. A graphing calculator is required for this class.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS - Elective 12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus prior to senior year.
AP Calculus is taught as a college level Calculus 1 course. This course involves: limits, differentiation of algebraic functions with applications, logarithmic and exponential functions, anti-differentiation, the definite integral with applications, and techniques of integration. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Students who pass the exam can receive college credit at most colleges and universities in the nation.

**If a student passes the first semester of a math course but doesn’t pass the second semester and doesn’t make up the failed semester during summer school, the student will be encouraged to repeat the entire year of the failed course rather than just the 2nd semester. The 1st semester will count as an elective credit for graduation and serve as a review of necessary math concepts to help the student be successful in the 2nd semester of the course.