Mathematics

The Mathematics Department offers a variety of courses at each grade level to maintain interest and to encourage students of all abilities to continue their study of mathematics. Course descriptions and minimum guidelines for enrollment in each course, including electives, are given on the following pages. All students must earn a minimum of three math credits and pass the Algebra I Regents exam as a requirement for graduation. In addition to the following math courses, one credit of Computer Science may be used to fulfill one of the required credits in math. To earn the Advanced Regents Diploma, students must pass the Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II Regents exams, in addition to earning three math credits. Graphing calculators are required in all courses.

A number of factors facilitate academic success for students, including proficiency in basic skills, ability to retain and build upon previously learned material, effective organization skills, positive work habits, and a willingness to seek assistance when necessary. In addition, there are individual attributes that correlate with success in Honors-level math classes. These include being self-motivated, enjoying challenges, the ability to reason abstractly, the ability to make inferences, and the ability to manage time well. To maximize the chances of success, it is recommended that parents and students give careful consideration to these and other factors when selecting courses.

Students who choose Honors-level courses are expected to exhibit higher levels of intellectual curiosity and maturity, and to solve more complex problems than students in the Regents level courses.

SEQUENTIAL COURSES IN MATHEMATICS

0111 ALGEBRA A1

40 Weeks, 1 credit

Algebra A1 is the first year of the two-year Algebra A1/A2 program. The course is designed to enable students to successfully complete the state mandate that all students pass the Algebra I Regents exam as a requirement for graduation. This course focuses on equations, linear functions, systems of equations, sequences and exponential functions as outlined in the NYS Next Generation standards. Local final in June.

0112 ALGEBRA A2

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra A1.

Algebra A2 is the second year of the two-year Algebra A1/A2 program. This course is designed to enable students to successfully complete the state mandate that all students pass the Algebra I Regents exam as a requirement for graduation. Topics of study include statistics, quadratic equations, and modeling with functions, as outlined in the NYS Next Generation standards. Algebra I Regents exam in June.

0115 ALGEBRA 1 Regents

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 75 or higher in Math 8

This course leads to the mandated Algebra I Regents exam. Topics include linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, solving equations and inequalities, and statistics, as outlined in the NYS Next Generation standards. Algebra  1 Regents exam in June.

0116 ALGEBRA 1 Honors

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 90 or higher in Math 8; Teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students enrolled in the accelerated or honors sequence. It includes all topics covered in Algebra I Regents and additional enrichment topics. Students who choose Honors level courses are expected to exhibit higher levels of intellectual curiosity and maturity, and to solve more complex problems than students in Regents level courses. Algebra I Regents exam and local final in June.

0128 GEOMETRY

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Algebra

This course is for students who have passed the Algebra I Regents exam and equivalent coursework. Topics of study include Euclidean geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, transformations, and measurement. Students enrolled in this course have the option of taking the Geometry Regents exam in pursuit of the Advanced Regents Diploma. Local final in June.

0139 GEOMETRY Regents

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 75 or higher in Algebra 1

This course is the second of three leading to an Advanced Regents Diploma. Topics of study include Euclidean geometry (including an emphasis on formal proof), trigonometry, analytic geometry, transformations and additional topics as outlined in the New York State Next Generation standards. Geometry Regents exam in June.

0140 GEOMETRY Honors

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 87 or higher in Algebra 1H; Teacher recommendation.

This course, for students enrolled in the Honors sequence, is the second of three leading to the Advanced Regents Diploma. The course includes all the topics of study in Geometry Regents and additional topics for enrichment. Students who choose Honors level courses are expected to exhibit higher levels of intellectual curiosity and maturity, and to solve more complex problems than students in Regents level courses. Geometry Regents exam and local final in June.

0155 Introductory Statistics and Probability

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra I or Algebra A II; passing grade on Algebra I Regents exam

Students will explore categorical and numerical data and rules of probability in the context of real-world problems and projects. Students will apply what they learn to make decisions and predictions and to validate statistical claims. Local final in June.

0124 ALGEBRA 2 with TRIGONOMETRY

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Geometry R or 80 or higher in Topics in Geometry

This course is for students who have completed a Geometry course and wish to continue their study of college preparatory mathematics. This course covers 2/3 of the Algebra II Regents curriculum and includes linear and quadratic functions, irrational and complex numbers, polynomial functions, rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic function, and trigonometry. Local final in June.

0131 ALGEBRA 2 Regents

40 Weeks,  1 credit
Prerequisite: 80 or higher in Geometry Regents, 80 or higher on both the Algebra 1 and Geometry Regents exams.

This course is the third of three leading to an Advanced Regents Diploma. This is a fast-paced, rigorous course and the level of abstraction required is much higher than that of previous math courses. Topics of study include algebra, rational expressions, complex numbers, functions, trigonometry, logarithms, probability, statistics, series and sequences. Algebra II Regents exam in June.

0132 ALGEBRA 2 Honors

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 87 or higher in Geometry Honors, 85 or higher on both the Geometry Regents exam and the Geometry Honors final; Teacher recommendation.

This course includes all topics covered in Algebra II and additional topics for enrichment. Students who choose Honors level courses are expected to exhibit higher levels of intellectual curiosity and maturity, and to solve more complex problems than students in Regents level courses. Algebra II Regents exam and local final in June.

0144 PRECALCULUS with Statistics and Probability

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra II with Trigonometry

This course covers the last 1/3 of the Common Core Algebra II curriculum and introduces Precalculus material. Topics of study include probability, statistics, transformations, series and sequences, and rates of change. Algebra II Regents exam in January and local final in June.

0145 PRECALCULUS

40 Weeks,  1 credit
Prerequisite: 77 or higher in Algebra 2R; passing grade on Algebra 2 Regents exam. 

This course is designed for students who, after completing a Regents sequence, wish to develop the additional background recommended for a Calculus course. The purpose of this course is to improve problem-solving skills, explore alternative solutions to problems, and help students to become independent critical thinkers. Topics of study include mathematical modeling, linear motion, functions, exponential functions, transformations, logarithms, and trigonometry. Local final in June.

0146 PRECALCULUS Honors

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 87 or higher in Algebra 2 Honors; 80 or higher on both the Algebra 2 Regents exam and Algebra 2 Honors final.

This is the fourth course for students in the accelerated honors sequence. It covers Precalculus topics and roughly 1/5 of the AP Calculus BC curriculum. Topics of study include polynomial and rational functions, trig functions and identities, series and sequences, polar functions, parametric functions, vectors, conic sections, limits, and differential calculus. Local final in June.

0151 CALCULUS SUPA

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Precalculus; Teacher recommendation.

Students in this course will learn the fundamentals of differential and integral calculus and their applications. Four units of Syracuse University credit (accepted as transfer credit at a number of colleges) may be earned. Students electing to do so register and pay a tuition fee to Syracuse University. The course will appear as Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) on the student’s transcript. Local final in June.

0152 CALCULUS BC AP

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 87 or higher in Precalculus Honors; Teacher recommendation.

Advanced Placement Calculus BC is a fast-paced, rigorous course which covers, in depth, the elements of differential and integral calculus, as well as series and sequences. College credit or advanced standing may be granted on the basis of a student’s grade on the AP exam offered in May by the College Board. 

0156 STATISTICS SUPA

40 Weeks, 1 credit
Prerequisite: 80 or higher in Algebra 2 Regents course; 75 or higher on the Algebra 2 Regents exam

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge of elementary probability and statistics. Students learn basic concepts of descriptive statistics, data collection, probability, and random variables, and how to use statistical inference, including estimation, hypothesis testing, inferences involving two populations, Chi-square tests, regression analysis, and ANOVA. Graphing calculator used. Seven units of Syracuse University credit (accepted as transfer credit at a number of colleges) may be earned. Students electing to do so register and pay a tuition fee to Syracuse University. The course will appear as Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) on the student’s transcript. For students who do not take this course for college credit, the course is designated as College Level (CL) on the transcript. Local finals in January and June.