Students are required to take four full credits in math to earn their diploma.
Mathematics 1 – one credit
Prerequisite: Based on teacher recommendation and formal/informal testing
Text: Pre-Algebra, Holt
This is a developmental math course. Emphasis is placed on the building of strengths and remediation of weaknesses. Topics of study include: Integers, Exponents, Plane Geometry, Perimeter, Area, Volume, Ratios, Proportions, Percents, Inequalities as well as Solving and Graphing Linear Equations. Students are required to have a Fractions calculator. Students who complete this course typically move into Integrated Math I and II.
Integrated Math I – one credit
Prerequisite: Passing of Pre-Algebra or Mathematics 1
Text: Algebra One Interactions, Course 1, Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Integrated Math II – one credit
Prerequisite: Passing of Integrated Math I
Text: Algebra One Interactions, Course 2, Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Integrated Math I and II are one-year courses that are recommended for the business student or the college-bound student who is less skilled in mathematics. The two courses together include all of the topics taught in the Algebra I/Geometry course, but at a slower pace and with less complex problems. Students are required to have a four-function algebraic calculator with square roots and powers.
Algebra I – one credit
Prerequisite: C or higher in Pre-Algebra
Text: Algebra 1, Prentice Hall
The solution of linear equations and inequalities together with the graphing of linear functions forms the core of the course. Polynomial operations and factoring are thoroughly developed and applied to algebraic fractions. Within the structure of the real number system, students are introduced to systems of linear equations, radical equations, quadratic equations, and fractional equations. Word problems are used throughout the course to relate algebra to everyday situations and to develop problem-solving skills.
Algebra II – one credit
Prerequisite: C or higher in Algebra I
Text: Algebra 2, Prentice Hall
Recommended to follow Algebra I or Geometry. Logical foundations for concept as well as manipulative skills and problem solving techniques are stressed. The student learns to solve and graph systems of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities. Within the structure of the complex number system, fractional equations, radical equations, and quadratic equations are solved. Additional topics include conic sections, exponential equations, factoring, rational expressions, and matrices.
Geometry – one credit
Prerequisite: C or higher in Algebra I
Text: Geometry, Glencoe McGraw-Hill
Recommended to follow Algebra II. The focus of the course is on the properties of plane geometric figures: triangles, circles, parallelograms, and other polygons. The concepts are presented in the framework of a deductive logical system. The student is taught to write proofs involving congruence and similarity of geometric figures. Formulas for area and volume of geometric figures are developed and applied. Additional topics include three-dimensional space and coordinate geometry.
Consumer Math – one credit
Prerequisite: Integrated Math 1 or Department Head approval
Text: Mathematics with Business Applications, Glencoe McGraw-Hill
The goal of Consumer Mathematics is to prepare the student for managing family financial affairs by teaching skills, knowledge, and behaviors that allow a student to make informed decisions regarding money. Operations with fractions and decimals are reviewed and then applied to topics in banking, investment, stock market, merchandising, insurance, home ownership, automobile ownership, and income taxes. The class culminates in a final budgeting project. Calculators are used for most of the course.
NOTE: Many four-year institutions do not recognize Consumer Math as an academic math. While Towle values the life skills that Consumer Math offers, and it can fulfill a math credit at Towle, if one is pursuing college, they should plan on enrolling in four academic math courses in addition to Consumer Math in their high school years.
Trigonometry – one credit
Prerequisite: C or higher in Algebra II and Geometry
Text: PreCalculus: Blitzer, (Pearson/Prentice-Hall)
The goal of this course is to help students develop their proficiency in trigonometry, and so strengthen their understanding of the underlying concepts. The course will cover the following topics: angle and radian measure, the unit circle, right triangle trigonometry, trigonometric functions along with their graphs and inverses, trigonometric identities and formulas, trigonometric equations, Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. In addition, the following precalculus topics will be covered: matrices, sequences and probability. Graphing technology is used throughout the course; therefore, students are required to purchase a TI-83 or above graphing calculator. (This course offered during odd numbered graduating years.)
PreCalculus – one credit
Prerequisite: C or higher in Algebra II and Geometry
Text: Precalculus: Blitzer (Pearson/Prentice-Hall)
Topics in advanced algebra and analytic geometry are related to prepare the student for calculus and other college mathematics courses. This course will cover the following topics: functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, conic sections, and an introduction to finding limits. Graphing technology is used throughout the course; therefore, students are required to purchase a TI-83 or above graphing calculator. (This course offered during even numbered graduating years.)
Calculus – one credit
Prerequisite: B or higher in PreCalculus and Trigonometry
Text: Calculus, Larson/Hostetler/Edwards (Houghton Mifflin)
The goal of this course is to help students develop proficiency in the fundamentals of single-variable Calculus. The course will cover the following topics: limits, derivatives as the slope of a tangent line, implicit differentiation, related rates, optimization, curve sketching, antiderivatives, integrals as area under a curve, volumes of rotation, differentiation and integration of logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions, first-order differential equations. Graphing technology is used throughout the course; therefore, students are required to purchase a TI-83 or better graphing calculator. A second 1 hour class may be an option during the week.
