Algebra is a required freshman course, unless the student places into a higher level math course based on the proficiency exam. The following topics are included: the language of algebra, properties of the real number system, solutions to and the graphing of linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials, factoring of polynomials, rational expressions, laws of exponents, radical expressions, and the solution of quadratic equations. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

In addition to the topics in Algebra, a special emphasis is placed on word problems, Venn diagrams, graphing, factoring, solutions of quadratic equations, rational expressions and equations, and radicals. Mathematical proofs are utilized so that students develop the type of reasoning necessary for their later work in mathematics. The nature and depth of the topics covered is sufficient so that students pursuing the honors program have the necessary background in the fundamentals of algebra. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

Please note: If you enroll in AAT, a minimum first semester grade of 75% is required in order to continue in AAT for the second semester. Any student earning below 75% in the first semester will be enrolled in Intermediate Algebra for the second semester and will continue in the college prep track for the following school year (if you will be taking a math course). Students with a grade between 75-80% are allowed to remain in the course for the second semester, but will not qualify for AP Calculus. (Students falling in this category may enroll in AP Statistics for the following school year or Introduction to Calculus second semester of the following school year.)

 

This course is intended for the student who may pursue a program in mathematics or science. A review of the laws of exponents, factoring, and the laws of radicals is given. The course content includes algebraic axioms and proof, the real number system, coordinate geometry and functions, inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, zeros of polynomials, synthetic division, and the fundamental theorem of Algebra, exponential and logarithmic functions, right triangles, trigonometric functions and their ratios, the graphs of trig functions, trig identities and inverse trig functions, oblique triangles, the binomial theorem, systems of equations in two and more variables, complex numbers, matrices and determinants, and sequences and series. Supplementary topics may include

combinatorics and/or probability theory.

The course content includes the material covered in Geometry with additional topics including equidistance and power theorems, and indirect proof. This course is designed to teach students to reason logically through the use of rigorous formal proofs of theorems. The proofs are based on higher level thinking utilizing defined terms, a reasonable set of postulates, and any previously proved theorems. This course endeavors to tie together the elements of geometric figures and objects and at the same time to bridge the gap that exists between students’ current knowledge and their future needs. The intent of the course is to develop the discipline and confidence necessary to solve difficult problems.

Geometry is the required second year course in the mathematics sequence. This course endeavors to tie together the elements of geometric figures and deductive structures while incorporating previously mastered algebra skills. Topics covered include methods of proof, congruence and similarity of plane figures, parallel and perpendicular lines, properties of quadrilaterals and other polygons, right triangle applications, circles, area and volume.

The foundation of AP Calculus AB is the required curriculum set forth by the College Board and is updated periodically in keeping with those requirements. Some additional topics from AP Calculus BC (such as more advanced techniques of integration) may be covered as time permits. The course covers the same amount of material as 1.5 semesters of a typical college calculus class. Course topics include but are not limited to functions, graphs, limits, and continuity, derivatives and applications of algebraic and transcendental functions, integration of algebraic and transcendental functions, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

This course is an extension of the AB Calculus course and includes a number of additional topics, which traditionally are part of a full year of college calculus (two semesters). The course is designed to prepare the student for the BC Advanced Placement examination. It is expected, although not required, that the student will take the AP examination in May. The course is rigorous, fast-paced, and designed for the self-motivated student. Course topics will include functions, graphs, and limits, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their applications, advanced integration techniques, polynomial approximations and functions, parametrics, polar equations, and infinite series. (Refer to the College Board website at http://apcentral .collegeboard.com for BC Examination scope details.) Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for

classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator

(for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

In general, Calculus is the mathematics of change, with both derivatives and accumulating functions serving as two fundamental examples. The first two semesters of a traditional three-course sequence deal primarily with change in two dimensions. In addition to exploring other topics, such as vectors in the plane, the third course, Multivariable Calculus, explores change in three dimensions. Benet’s Calculus III class is a full year (as opposed to the single semester offered in most college curricula) in order to allow for a deep and thorough coverage of the material inherent to the course. These topics include, but are not limited to, the following: vectors, directional derivatives and the gradient, multiple integrals, and integration in vector fields.

This is the required third year course in mathematics. The topics studied are the laws of algebra for the real number system, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities in one variable, synthetic division and solutions of higher degree equations, matrices, relations, functions and their graphs, the equation of a circle, logarithms, systems of equations in two or more variables, complex numbers, sequences and series. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to many of the topics encountered in a full-year calculus course. These topics include a discussion of limits, continuity, the derivative, and the definite and indefinite integral, with the focus on derivatives (but will lack the rigor of an AP approach). The purpose of the course is to give the student an exposure to the topics and techniques used in calculus. The rules for finding derivatives will be discussed but not proved rigorously. The derivative and the relationship to slope will be highlighted as well as applications to rates of change. Rules for evaluating the integral as well as some basic techniques of integration will be covered. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus will be discussed. Students will learn how to find the area under the curve. Derivatives and integrals of exponential and logarithmic functions will also be covered. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

This course provides students with knowledge and use of basic statistical methods. It is designed to give students a broad overview of statistics in the hopes that at least part of what is covered will carry over to their study of statistics in college, regardless of their choice of major. Topics covered throughout the semester include: exploration of data through tables, graphs, measures of central tendency and dispersion; the normal probability distribution; correlation and regression; design of experiments; exploratory data analysis; the Central Limit Theorem; estimation and hypothesis testing, including confidence intervals and margin of error. Students are required to have a graphing

calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

Topics for this fourth year elective course include the definitions of the six trigonometric functions, radian measure and applications, graphs of trig functions, solutions of right and oblique triangles, trig identities, inverse trig functions, and the solutions of trigonometric equations. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed.

This course is a full year, non-calculus based course in descriptive and inferential statistics. It will introduce students to the tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Four broad conceptual themes will be covered: exploratory analysis of data, planning a study, probability, and statistical inference. Students are required to have a graphing calculator, with the TI-84 (any edition) recommended, as this will be the model used by the instructor for classroom demonstration purposes. Any calculator with a symbolic manipulator (for example, the TI-89 or TI-92) is not allowed. For a full list of acceptable calculators, see the College Board website. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Statistics Examination.