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Mathematics

Students at DeLaSalle are encouraged to take four years of mathematics, although three years are required for graduation. Most colleges and universities require the successful completion of Algebra II for admission. Students entering Grade 9 are placed in Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I or into the Honors Program. Placement in mathematics is based on scores from the Math Mastery Exams as well as a departmental review of standardized test scores and middle school records. For Grades 10, 11, and 12, placement is based upon completion of prerequisite courses as well as teacher recommendations and student and parent input.

Students are required to have a scientific calculator for Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I, and all Geometry courses. Beginning with Algebra II, students are required to have a Texas Instrument graphing calculator. Graphing calculators are available for rent from the Mathematics department.

Here are typical and suggested sequences of courses:

  • Algebra I or Advanced Algebra I > Geometry > Algebra II > Precalculus
  • (For students who have tested out of Algebra I) Honors Algebra II > Honors Geometry or Geometry > Honors Precalculus or Precalculus > AP Calculus AB or Calculus
  • (For students who have tested out of both Algebra I and Geometry) Honors Algebra II > Honors Precalculus or Precalculus > AP Calculus AB or Calculus > AP Calculus BC

Mathematics Courses

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  • Grade 9
ADVANCED ALGEBRA I

2 Semesters

Students will review solving and graphing linear equations, inequalities, and systems. Students will then study topics that include: exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations and functions, radicals and geometry connections, rational equations and functions, and probability and data analysis. Additional topics as time allows may include: matrices and linear programming, discrete mathematics, and logic and proofs. Algebra will be used to model real-life problems and involve the use of classroom graphing calculators.

Prerequisite: Students must demonstrate proficiency in the Algebra of linear functions on the Algebra Mastery Exam given by DeLaSalle High School

  • Grade 9
ALGEBRA I

2 Semesters

Students will study solving and graphing linear equations, inequalities, and systems. Students will then progress to topics that include: exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations and functions, radicals and geometry connections, rational equations and functions, and probability and data analysis. Algebra will be used to model real-life problems and involve the use of classroom graphing calculators or student iPads.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
ALGEBRA II

2 SEMESTERS

Algebra II is recommended for any student planning to enter college or technical school. Students will study these different functions: linear, exponential, logarithmic, quadratic, radical, and trigonometric. Students will also study systems of equations, polynomials, matrices, probability, and right-triangle trigonometry.  

Prerequisites: An average of C or better in both Algebra I and Geometry or a B in Intermediate Algebra and department approval. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP CALCULUS AB

2 SEMESTERS

The Advanced Placement Calculus student will study in depth the usual topics of first semester college calculus: limits, continuity, differentiation and its applications, integration and its applications including elementary functions, trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. Students will prepare for, and are required to take the AP Exam in May.

Prerequisites: A B+ or higher in both semesters of Honors Precalculus or an A in both semesters of Precalculus and department approval. Summer work is required. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP CALCULUS BC

2 SEMESTERS

This course continues the study of calculus. Students will review the topics of AP Calculus AB and study in depth the usual topics of second semester college calculus: parametric, polar and vector functions, graphs, limits, computation and application of derivatives, definite integration and its applications, antidifferentiation, polynomial functions and Taylor Series, and Maclaurin Series. Students will prepare for, and are required to take the AP Exam in May.

Prerequisites: A B or higher in both semesters of AP Calculus AB or an A in both semesters of Calculus and department approval. Summer work is required. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

2 SEMESTERS

This course is equivalent to a firstsemester, college level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both objectoriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.

Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. Prerequisite: An average of C or better in Algebra II or higher.

Math elective: Electives do not fulfill any portion of the three year requirement for graduation.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (CSP)

2 SEMESTERS

The curriculum for this course is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. The students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. The students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world.

Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. Prerequisite: An average of a B or better in Algebra I.

 

Math elective: Electives do not fulfill any portion of the three year requirement for graduation.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
AP STATISTICS

2 SEMESTERS

Students will learn about the methods used for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. This senior-level class will focus heavily on statistical inference, probability, and the relationship between data. Students will be expected to complete routine assignments to prepare for the AP Statistics Exam required at the end of the second semester.

Prerequisites: Geometry and a B+ or higher in Precalculus with department approval. Summer work is required. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required

 

Math elective: Electives do not fulfill any portion of the three year requirement for graduation.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
EXPLORATION IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

1 SEMESTER

In this course, students will explore a topic for a semester in the computer science fields of cybersecurity, video game design, web design, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, or virtual/ augmented reality. Students will select one field to study in-depth and in which to create a project.

Open to 11th and 12th grade students. Students may take the course up to 4 times in different topics. 
Prerequisite: An average of B or better in AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles, and demonstrated proficiency in programming skills

Math elective: Electives do not fulfill any portion of the three year requirement for graduation.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
FUNCTIONS, STATISTICS, AND TRIGONOMETRY

2 SEMESTERS

This course is an alternative to Precalculus and is recommended for students who would benefit from a stronger understanding of the principles and functions of algebra, as well an introduction to statistics, before moving on to a rigorous course in Precalculus. Students will extend their knowledge of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithm, polynomial, and trigonometric equations and functions, with a new focus on statistical modeling with these functions. Statistics are introduced in the ways they used in a variety of different disciplines. Trigonometric functions are used to model periodic phenomena and include strong connections with the geometry and algebra that students have encountered in previous courses.

Prerequisites: Algebra II and department approval. A TI-83 or TI84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 10
GEOMETRY

2 Semesters

The students will learn to write two-column geometric proofs using definitions, postulates, and theorems. They will study geometric figures including triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons, and circles. The students will also study parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations in a coordinate plane, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the formulas for area and volume.

Prerequisites: Algebra I and department approval

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS ALGEBRA II

2 SEMESTERS

The Honors Algebra II student will study the topics of Algebra II and trigonometry in addition to more modern strands of mathematics. Such topics include sequences and series, data analysis, functions, exponentials and logarithms, discrete math topics, systems of equations, polynomials, probability and statistics, relations, and trigonometric functions. The content of the course is anchored in real-world contexts and the use of the graphing calculator is integral to the course. More material will be covered and in greater depth than in the regular Algebra II course.

Prerequisites: Current DeLaSalle students must have an A average in Advanced Algebra I or Algebra I, and Geometry and department approval. Entering 9th graders must demonstrate proficiency on the Algebra Mastery Exam given by DeLaSalle High School. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 10
HONORS GEOMETRY

2 SEMESTERS

The Honors Geometry student will study, in greater depth, the topics of the regular Geometry course. There will be greater emphasis on deductive reasoning and on proofs in developing theorems. Students will be introduced to at least one nonEuclidean geometry in this class.

Prerequisites: A B+ or higher in Honors Algebra II or an A in both semesters of Algebra I or Advanced Algebra I and department approval.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS PRECALCULUS

2 SEMESTERS

The Honors Precalculus student will develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. The range of functions covered will be broader and topics will be studied in more detail than in regular Precalculus. Algebra and trigonometry will be used to model real-life problems and the course material will foreshadow important ideas of Calculus. The student will study the following major groups of functions and graphs: polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logistic, logarithmic, and trigonometric. The student will also study analytic trigonometry. Additional topics, as time allows, may include systems and matrices, conic sections, discrete mathematics, and an introduction to Calculus.

Prerequisites: A B+ or higher in both semesters of Honors Algebra II and Honors Geometry or an A in both semesters of Algebra II and department approval. A TI-83 or TI84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

2 SEMESTERS

Intermediate Algebra will strengthen and expand student understanding of fundamental concepts from Algebra, serving as a bridge between Algebra I and Algebra II. Students will study a variety of basic mathematical functions from the three perspectives of equations, tables of values and graphs. This course will also enhance the student’s experience and familiarity with variable and multivariable expressions and equations. The development of proficiency in Algebra I topics and an introduction to Algebra II topics, as well as problem solving skills will be emphasized. Students will work on practice questions to help prepare for the ACT and SAT tests.

Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry and department approval

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
PRECALCULUS

2 SEMESTERS

This elective course is necessary for any student planning to enter a college program in mathematics, science, or computer science. It is recommended, however, as part of any college preparatory program and serves as a prerequisite to Calculus. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. Algebra and trigonometry will be used to model real-life problems and the course material will foreshadow important ideas of Calculus. Students study the following major groups of functions and graphs: polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric.

Prerequisites: A C or better in both semesters of Algebra II and department approval. A TI-83 or TI84 graphing calculator is required.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
STATISTICS

2 SEMESTERS

Students will learn about the methods used for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. This junior/seniorlevel class will focus heavily on statistical inference, probability, and the relationship between data. Students in Statistics will be expected to complete routine assignments using Microsoft Excel and real-world data in order to further their knowledge of the subject.

Prerequisites: Geometry and a C or higher in both semesters of Algebra II with department approval. Some summer work is required. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

Math elective: Electives do not fulfill any portion of the three year requirement for graduation.