Pre-Calculus – Year (5250)
The demands of our present technological world require successful individuals to think flexibly about and model a variety of complex situations. Many of these problem situations can be modeled using the advanced families of functions that will be studied in Pre-Calculus. These functions include exponential, power, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, piece-wise, trigonometric functions and their inverses. Other problem situations require knowledge of the discrete mathematical concepts of sequences and series as well as an understanding of statistics and probability. Pre-Calculus is a culminating high school mathematics course and a preparatory course for calculus and statistics. In preparation for this course students should have mastered linear and quadratic functions and have the algebraic skills for working with rational exponents, radical expressions, and rational expressions. Students will investigate and explore mathematical ideas in order to obtain a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations, and acquire appropriate technological skills. Students will analyze situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically and will learn to communicate their ways of thinking about and represent their thinking. Students who master these concepts will be better prepared to effectively deal with a technologically advanced society. While math skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts, with depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections in life’s experiences. A graphing calculator is recommended. Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra (5240).

Intermediate Algebra – Honors – Year (5220)
Intermediate Algebra will build upon the knowledge previously learned in elementary algebra and geometry. It will provide students with the reasoning skills necessary for many careers and the mathematical tools they will need to be successful in advanced mathematics classes. The study of functions is the primary focus of Intermediate Algebra. Exploring functions, investigating their behaviors, and making and verifying reasonable guesses about those behaviors will develop students’ reasoning and thinking skills. To develop these important skills, students will study functions algebraically by traditional methods as well as numerically and graphically using technology and manipulatives. While math skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts, with depth, enabling students to apply math skills and make meaningful connection in life experiences. A graphing calculator is recommended. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.