The Mathematics Department offers a variety of courses at each grade level to maintain interest and to encourage students of all ability levels to continue their study of mathematics for four years. The courses are designed to prepare students for success in the future by developing mathematical problem-solving skills, knowledge, and critical thinking skills.
Graphing calculators are required on the New York State Math Regents examinations, as well as on the Advanced Placement examinations. It is recommended that students purchase their own calculators. They will be used in daily lessons, assignments, and assessments throughout the year to develop students’ mathematical reasoning skills and to appropriately use technology to aid in problem-solving. The TI-84 (Plus CE, Plus C Silver Edition, Plus Silver Edition or Plus) is recommended for student use. The TI-84 will be used for classroom demonstrations and while other graphing calculators perform the same tasks, the interface and keystrokes may be completely different, making it extremely difficult for students to follow along. The TI-84 can be upgraded and is acceptable on Regents exams and other standardized tests (ACT, SAT, AP).
Algebra I
Prerequisite — Successful completion of Math 8 with at least a 70%
1 Unit
This is a one-year course that counts toward a student’s mathematical commencement requirements and meets New York State’s mathematics requirements toward earning a Regents Diploma or Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. This course is aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards. Students will study linear equations and inequalities, linear regression models, quadratic and exponential expressions (including rational exponents), quadratic functions, and formalize and extend the concept of functions (including function notation, domain and range, and exploration of many types of functions). The Common Core Algebra I Regents exam is taken at the end of the course.
Algebra I Prep
Prerequisite — None
1 Unit
This is a one-year course that counts toward a student’s mathematical requirements and meets New York State’s mathematics requirements toward earning a Regents Diploma. This course is aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards for Algebra I, but is intended for students who need additional math preparation. This course must be followed by Algebra I Common Core where students will take the Algebra 1 CC Regents Exam at the end of this second year. This course emphasizes developing skills and processes to successfully solve problems and become more mathematically confident through the study of elementary algebra.
Geometry Honors
Prerequisite — 85% average Algebra I, 80% on Algebra I Regents exam strongly recommended
1 Unit
In addition to an enriched version of the standard Geometry curriculum, honors students will be afforded the opportunity to more extensively study selected mathematical topics. Increased emphasis will be placed on explanations and justifications of procedures and thought processes. Students will complete honors assignments that will include non-routine problem sets. The Geometry Regents exam is taken at the end of the course.
Geometry
Prerequisite — Successful completion of Algebra I with at least a 70%, including a passing grade on the Algebra I Regents
1 Unit
This Mathematics course is the second in the New York State Regents program leading to an Advanced Regents Diploma. This course includes an extensive study of geometric relationships, informal and formal geometry proofs, coordinate geometry, transformational geometry, constructions, locus, and circles. The Common Core Geometry Regents exam is taken at the end of the course.
Geometry Prep
Prerequisite — Algebra I
1 Unit
Geometry Prep is a full year course and covers many of the fundamental concepts of Geometry and their applications with additional time built into the schedule for practice and activities that will strengthen skills. In this course, the student will be exposed to concepts that require spatial, analytical, and theoretical consideration. Working with the basic geometric figures (points, lines, planes, quadrilaterals, triangles, etc.) the student will use spatial reasoning to solve problems. Computation is very much a part of this course which uses many concepts from Algebra in problem-solving. Additionally, using concepts from Algebra as a tool to analyze and draw geometric conclusions is a new application of Algebra that students will utilize. This course also introduces the student to the direct use and application of theory through its exploration of theorems, postulates, and corollaries.
Algebra II Honors
Prerequisite — 85% average in Algebra I and 90% on Geometry Regents or 88% average in Geometry Honors
1 Unit
This course is designed for students of higher than average ability who have had success and are interested in math. It teaches and enriches all topics associated with algebraic operations, variables and expressions, equations and inequalities, patterns, functions, and relations, coordinated geometry, trigonometric functions, measurement, and statistics and probability as delineated in the Common Core Algebra II Learning Standards published by the New York State Department of Education. The Regents Examination in Algebra II Common Core is taken at the end of the course.
Algebra II
Prerequisite — 75% average in Algebra I and Geometry/Geometry Honors
1 Unit
This Mathematics course completes the curriculum in the New York State Regents program leading to an Advanced Regents Diploma. This course includes an in-depth study of the real and complex number systems, a review and extension of functions and transformations, work with exponents, logarithms, trigonometric relationships and probability, and an extensive unit on statistics. The final examination in this course is the NYS Common Core Algebra II Regents exam.
HVCC Algebra IIA
Prerequisite — Algebra I and Geometry
1 Unit
Intermediate algebra is an introduction to some of the topics that will be discussed in Algebra II but taught at a slower pace. It is intended for those students who have completed Geometry but are not ready to work at the pace expected in Algebra II. This course can be used as a third year mathematics course or to help prepare to take Algebra II the following year. This course is the equivalent of HVCC Math 110 and students earn college credit upon successful completion.
Pre-Calculus
Prerequisite — Algebra II or Algebra II Honors
1 Unit
This is a one-year course that combines trigonometry and advanced algebra. This course is recommended for the average student whose plans include the possibility of post-high school education. Topics of study in all pre-calculus courses include: fundamental concepts of algebra, solving equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial functions, rational functions and functions involving radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and conic sections. Additional topics such as mathematical inductions, vectors, and matrices, sequences and series, and polar coordinates may also be included. This course is also for those students who wish to prepare for UHS/AP Calculus AB.
AP Calculus
Prerequisite — 85% average in CC Algebra 2 Honors and Pre-Calculus
1 Unit
In AP Calculus the following topics are studied: Analytical Geometry; differential calculus of algebraic functions; geometrical and physical applications of integration; the calculus of elementary transcendental functions; the application of transcendental functions. Mandatory AP Examinations in Calculus AB will be given in May at cost to individual students. Upon satisfactory completion of the AP Examination each student may receive college credit in Calculus as determined by the collegiate institution(s) accepting the student for admission. Students will have both a local exam and an AP exam for this course.
Consumer Math
Prerequisite — Algebra I
1 Unit
This is a blended course using technology and real life mathematical concepts that prepares students for college and career readiness. Students will study a wide variety of personal and business finance topics such as investing, checking accounts, banking accounts, loans and interest, acquiring and maintaining credit, budgeting, and taxes. Many assignments are project and technology based. Students will complete a midterm and final exam.
College Prep Math
Prerequisite — Geometry and Algebra II
1 Unit
This course includes basic algebra concepts and properties, first and second-degree equations and inequalities, problem-solving, graphing linear equations, polynomials, rational expressions, exponents and radicals, conics, functions, systems of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and sequences and series. This course is for seniors only wanting to take the fourth year of math.