Aiken
Preparatory
School

Established in 1916

SAIS SACS Accredited



 

 

Mathematics

bulletAlgebra I (College Prep or Honors)

Prerequisites: Prealgebra or recommendation of previous instructor; Demonstrated facility with basic computations (whole numbers, decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, and integers)

Text: Merrill Algebra I: Applications and Connections

In Algebra I students develop the skills necessary to progress to higher-level mathematics and science courses. These skills include the analysis and organization of data, the observation and identification of patterns, and the ability to reason mathematically and present solutions clearly. Topics include rational numbers and radicals, linear equations and inequalities, ratio and proportion, graphing, operations with polynomials, factoring, and quadratic equations. The course also includes an introduction to Geometry. Student progress is evaluated through homework, quizzes, tests, and cumulative semester exams.

bulletIntermediate Algebra (College Prep)

Prerequisites: Algebra I or recommendation of previous instructor

Text: A Review of Algebra (Howard); Reference to Mathematics (Cleaves & Hobbs)

Intermediate Algebra is an optional bridge course, whose purpose is to review and strengthen the skills students acquired in Algebra I and to maximize the potential for student success in Geometry and Algebra II. The topics addressed include rational numbers and radicals, linear equations and inequalities, ratio and proportion, graphing, operations with polynomials, factoring, and quadratic equations. The course also incorporates introductory topics drawn from both Geometry and Algebra II. Student progress is evaluated through homework, quizzes, tests, and cumulative semester exams.

bulletGeometry (College Prep)

Prerequisite: Algebra I or permission of department chair

Text: Geometry (Glencoe)

The Geometry course begins by introducing students to the “undefined” terms: point, line, and plane and continues with the study of angles and triangles. Throughout the year formal written proofs are studied and practiced. Additional topics include angle relations, triangle congruencies, and parallel and perpendicular line relationships. Also included are similarity, proportions, polygons, area, and volume. Student progress is evaluated through homework, quizzes, tests, and cumulative semester exams.

bulletGeometry Honors

Prerequisite: Algebra I and permission of the department chair

Geometry (Glencoe)

The course begins by introducing students to the axiomatic and deductive systems that are part of all mathematics, as well as the “undefined” terms: point, line and plane, and continues with the study of angles and triangles. Throughout the year formal written proofs as well as indirect proofs are studied and practiced. Topics include angle relations, triangle congruencies, and parallel and perpendicular line relationships. Also included are similarity, proportions, circles, areas, volumes, and transformations. As time allows, there will be coverage of introductory trigonometry topics. This course is an honors level prerequisite for Algebra II Honors. It differs from the regular Geometry course in that it has faster pacing, greater depth of analysis, and more challenging problems. Tests, quizzes and homework assignments will evaluate a student's progress. Cumulative exams will be given each semester.

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Algebra II

Prerequisite: Geometry or permission of the department chair

Focus on Advanced Algebra  (Glencoe)

Building upon concepts learned in Algebra I, this course expands upon concepts such as linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, quadratic and polynomial functions, and roots. Additional topics include matrices, probability, sequences and series, imaginary numbers, conic sections, composite functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Tests, quizzes and homework assignments will evaluate a student's progress. Cumulative exams will be given each semester.

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Algebra II Honors

Prerequisite: Geometry Honors or permission of the department chair

Text: Algebra and Trigonometry, Structure and Method (Glencoe)

Building upon concepts learned in Algebra I, this course expands upon concepts such as linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, quadratic and polynomial functions, and roots. Additional topics include probability, sequences and series, imaginary numbers, conic sections, composite functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. The course is an honors level prerequisite for Pre-Calculus Honors. It differs from the regular Algebra II course in that it has faster pacing, greater depth of analysis, and more challenging problems. Tests, quizzes and homework assignments will evaluate a student's progress. Cumulative exams will be given each semester.

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Pre-Calculus

Prerequisite: Algebra II or permission of the department chair

Text: Advanced Mathematics: Precalculus with Discrete Mathematics and Data Analysis (McDougal Little/Houghton Mifflin)

This course offers a review of algebra skills with emphasis on problem solving. The student studies polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and sequence functions. The student explores practical applications using these functions, related equations, and graphs. Logical thinking, correct mathematical expression, and the development of abstraction are stressed throughout the year. Written and oral presentations will be required. The course is a college preparatory level prerequisite for Calculus.
Tests, quizzes, projects, homework assignments, and cumulative exams will evaluate a student's progress.

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Pre-Calculus Honors

Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors or permission of the department chair

Text: Advanced Mathematics: Precalculus with Discrete Mathematics and Data Analysis (McDougal Little/Houghton Mifflin)

Students study polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and sequence functions, polar coordinates, and methods of proof. Practical applications of these functions, related equations, and graphs are investigated. Logical thinking, correct mathematical expression, and the development of abstraction are stressed throughout the year. The course is an honors level prerequisite for AP Calculus. It differs from the regular Pre-Calculus course in that it has faster pacing, greater depth of analysis, and more challenging problems.

Tests, quizzes, projects, and homework assignments will evaluate a student's progress. Cumulative exams will be given at the end of each semester.

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Statistics Honors/CP

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Text: Stats: Modeling the World, 2nd ed. (Pearson)

This course is an introduction to the methods of statistics and statistical reasoning. The goal is to enable students to think critically about statistical information. Topics include sampling and experimentation, descriptive statistics, probability, binomial and normal distributions, estimation, single sample and two sample hypothesis tests for means and proportions. Additional topics include experimental design, descriptive methods in regression and correlation, and contingency table analysis.

bulletAP Calculus AB

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors

Text: Calculus (Houghton Mifflin)

Students who take this course are required to take the College Board AP Calculus AB exam. This course is designed to prepare them for this exam and to give the students a sound basis for advanced college mathematics. Areas covered include graph sketching and analysis of graphs; limits and their applications; introduction to the derivative and applications of the derivative; introduction to the fundamental theorem of calculus and definite and indefinite integrals. Applications of integrals, use of integrals to find volumes of solids, advanced integration techniques, and logarithmic functions are explored. Students are provided with in depth problem-solving practice.