Pre-Algebra
Goals
Pre-Algebra is an intensive course designed to review the basic skills needed to ensure mastery and proficiency in algebra and geometry. Students in pre-algebra continue the study of abstract concepts involving variables, linear equations and inequalities, and the algorithms which serve as a foundation for the study of higher mathematics. Emphasis is placed on communication, calculator use, number theory and pattern recognition. Topics covered in this course include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, graphing on a coordinate plane, percents, proportions and variation, probability and statistics, solving linear equations and inequalities and the techniques and strategies used in problem solving.
Objectives
Students will:
- compute problems involving fractions, mixed numbers, decimals and percents
- add, subtract, multiply and divide integers
- solve problems involving ratios and proportions
- use the order of operations to solve number sentences
- simplify expressions and solve equations and inequalities using the properties of real numbers
- translate word expressions into algebraic symbols
- add, subtract and multiply polynomials
- use formulas to solve problems involving perimeter, circumference, area and volume
- graph linear equations on a coordinate plane
- use algebraic, graphic and numeric representations to model and interpret mathematical and real world situations
Course Two
Goals
The Course Two mathematics program emphasizes strategies involving mental math, estimation techniques, calculator use, mathematical connections and real world connections. The course is designed to prepare all students for the study of higher mathematics by ensuring they possess an understanding as well as proficiency in math. Students are encouraged to become creative and independent thinkers, who encorporate a balanced logical approach to problem solving.
Objectives
Students will:
- become better consumers by learning about unit pricing, discounts and markups, commissions and profit, simple and compound interest, taxes and percent of change
- learn to measure, compute and solve problems in metric and customary measurement
- use a graphing calculator to help analyze data and make projections
- communicate using the language and vocabulary of mathematics
- become familiar with geometric figures and their properties and use this information in problem solving
- solve a variety of mathematical equations
- use integers to solve problems
- graph on a coordinate plane
- understand probability and its applications