Aiken
Preparatory
School

Established in 1916

 

 

Annual Fund
Goal
$350,000

 

 

Mathematics

bulletAlgebra I

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 (Glencoe)

In Algebra I students develop the algebra 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 functions. The course also includes an introduction to Geometry. Student progress is evaluated through homework, quizzes, tests, and cumulative semester exams.

bulletIntermediate Algebra

Prerequisites:Algebra I or recommendation of previous instructor

Text: A Review of Algebra (Howard)

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 functions. 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.

bulletAdvanced Algebra

Prerequisites:Geometry and Algebra II, or recommendation of previous instructor

Text: Reference to Mathematics (Cleaves & Hobbs)

In Advanced Algebra students review and reinforce the skills acquired during high school mathematics classes in preparation for college-level mathematics. Topics include operations on whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals; using percents, ratio, and proportion; solving linear and quadratic equations by a variety of methods; writing equations of lines; graphing lines, circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, and parabolas; graphing inequalities and solving problems using linear programming; determining perimeter and area of polygons; operations involving polynomials, radicals, and exponents; using synthetic division, complex numbers, the laws of logarithms, and trigonometric functions; and solving absolute value inequalities. Student progress is evaluated through homework, quizzes, tests, and cumulative semester exams.

bulletGeometry

Prerequisite: Algebra I or permission of the department chair

Text: 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 and paragraph 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.
Tests, quizzes and homework assignments will evaluate a student's progress. Cumulative exams will be given each semester.

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 and paragraph 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.

bulletAlgebra 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, permutations and combinations, composite functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, and as time permits compound events, sampling methods, and discrete mathematics. Tests, quizzes and homework assignments will evaluate a student's progress. Cumulative exams will be given each semester.

bulletAlgebra 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, permutations and combinations, composite functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, compound events and sampling methods. 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.

bulletPre-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.

bulletPre-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. Introductory explorations are made into counting methods for probability, limits and derivatives. 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. Each student will give a written and an oral presentation on mathematical topics of their choice. Cumulative exams will be given at the end of each semester.

bulletCalculus Honors

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors

Text: Calculus (Houghton Mifflin)

This course is designed to prepare students for college level calculus. 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, integration techniques, and logarithmic functions are explored.

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.