Mathematics
Mathematics
Critical thinking, analyzing, reasoning, problem-solving, modeling, and communication are essential skills that are developed through the study of mathematics at the secondary level. Whether plans for the future lead toward a four-year college, a two-year college, or directly to the working world, a strong foundation in mathematics is crucial to achieving these goals. The Farmington High School Mathematics Program allows students to explore theoretical concepts of higher-level mathematics while also finding and applying concepts in the world around them.
Students are encouraged to focus on successful completion of the required three years of mathematics in addition to including a senior math elective in their high school experience in order to be college and career ready. Most courses in the department are taught by an individual teacher and some are team-taught by two teachers.
Mathematics Career Clusters
Computer Industry
Database Development
Computer Applications Engineer
Software Designer
Programmer
Computer Technician
Engineering
Aerospace Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Education
Elementary Teacher
Secondary Teacher
College Professor
Business
Technical Sales
Business Development
Buyer
Sales and Marketing
Manager
Realtor
Trades
Carpenter
Electrician
Mechanic
Plumber
HVAC
Financial & Insurance Institutions
Systems Analyst
Accountant
Actuary
Underwriter
Economist
Stock Analyst
Auditor
Government
Researcher
Public Relations
Town Business Manager
Healthcare
Physical Therapist
Biostatistician
Health Policy Consultant
Biosciences
Doctor
Nurse
Other
Air Traffic Control Analyst
Construction Technology
Construction Design
Communication Technology
Repair Technology
Manufacturing Technology
Cryptologist
Meteorologist
Mathematics Content-Area Standards
As a result of a K-12 education in Farmington, students will acquire the knowledge contained within the Farmington High School Mathematics Content Area Standards. These standards are woven within multiple courses across all pathways.
Standard #1: Students will understand the structure of the number system.
Standard #2: Students will see structure and perform arithmetic with expressions.
Standard #3: Students will create and reason with equations and inequalities.
Standard #4: Students will interpret, build, and model with functions.
Standard #5: Students will understand congruence and similarity.
Standard #6: Students will prove, apply and model with geometric properties.
Standard #7: Students will interpret categorical and quantitative data to make inferences and justify conclusions.
Standard #8: Students will calculate and use experimental and theoretical probability to make decisions.
Standard #9: Students will extend knowledge beyond core mathematics content
Course Descriptions
Advanced Placement Precalculus
Full-year course Advanced Placement 1 credit Grade 11
Prerequisite: Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 H (85% or higher) and teacher recommendation (taken the semester immediately prior to enrollment)
This course emphasizes advanced analytical problem solving based on all previously learned math concepts. The course is intended for students planning to take AP Calculus AB or BC. Students are required to apply multiple approaches to solving problems, such as graphical and numerical. They are also required to deepen their understanding of topics over time and retain the concepts taught. Topics include linear, quadratic, rational, trigonometric, polar, parametric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Additional concepts include sequences and series, conic sections, complex numbers, and vectors. With an emphasis on theoretical mathematics, the course allows for students to model real world problems and to reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Advanced Topics in Algebra 2
Spring Semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B or Algebra 2B Honors
This course is the fifth in a series of core high school mathematics courses. It is intended to prepare students for Precalculus H . The curriculum develops and extends students’ algebra experience, with time to review material from previous courses before extending to new situations. The curriculum will focus on polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions. Emphasis will be placed on learning mathematics through reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, modeling, and looking for and making use of structure. Offered second semester only.
Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 Honors
Spring Semester Honors ½ credit Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B Honors (85% or higher) and teacher recommendation
This course is the fourth in a series of honors high school mathematics courses. It is intended to prepare students for Precalculus H or AP Precalculus. The curriculum develops and extends students’ Algebra 2B H experience with minimal review of concepts from these courses. Students are expected to extend their prior knowledge to new situations, synthesize information and appreciate the theory behind mathematical methods. The curriculum will focus on polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions. With an emphasis on theoretical mathematics, the course allows for students to model real world problems and to reason abstractly and quantitatively. Offered second semester only.
Algebra 1
Full-year course College Prep 1 credit Grade 9
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation
This course is the first in a series of core high school mathematics courses. Its focus is on linear and exponential functions. Students develop fluency analyzing, writing, and interpreting equations and inequalities. Students will use critical thinking and reasoning skills to construct and critique mathematical arguments. They will learn how to analyze data, use modeling techniques to solve problems, use function notation, and work flexibly between the multiple representations of functions (numerical, algebraic, graphical, and recursive). This course is intended to prepare students for success in Geometry CP and Algebra 2A CP.
Algebra 2A
Spring Semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 8, Algebra 8 or Algebra 1
This course is the third in a series of core high school mathematics courses. It is intended to prepare students for Algebra 2B CP. The course will develop and extend topics in algebra and functions, with time to review material from previous courses before extending to new situations. There is a focus on topics such as systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Emphasis will be placed on learning mathematics through modeling real-world problems while reasoning abstractly and quantitatively along with looking for and making use of structure. Offered second semester only.
Algebra 2A Honors
Spring Semester Honors ½ credit Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 8 (85% or higher) and teacher recommendation
This course is the second in a series of honors high school mathematics courses. It is intended to prepare students for Algebra 2B CP or Algebra 2B H. The curriculum develops and extends students’ algebra experience, relying heavily on a strong knowledge based from Advanced Algebra 8 with minimal review of concepts from previous courses. Students are expected to extend their prior knowledge to new situations, synthesize information, and appreciate the theory behind mathematical methods. There is a focus on topics such as systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. With an emphasis on theoretical mathematics, the course allows for students to model real world problems and to reason abstractly and quantitatively. Offered second semester only.
Algebra 2B
Fall Semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra 2A or Algebra 2A Honors
This course is the fourth in a series of core high school mathematics courses. It is intended to prepare students for Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 CP, statistics electives, Discrete Math, or Logic in Reasoning. The course will develop and extend topics in algebra and functions, with time to review material from previous courses before extending to new situations. There is a focus on inverse power, square root, cube root, and polynomial functions with an introduction to trigonometric functions. Emphasis will be placed on learning mathematics through modeling real-world problems while reasoning abstractly and quantitatively along with looking for and making use of structure. Offered first semester only.
Algebra 2B Honors
Fall Semester Honors ½ credit Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra 2A Honors (85% or higher) and teacher recommendation
This course is the third in a series of honors high school mathematics courses. It is intended to prepare students for Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 CP or Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 H, statistics electives, Discrete Math, or Logic in Reasoning. The curriculum develops and extends students’ algebra experience, relying heavily on a strong knowledge base from Algebra 2A H with minimal review of concepts from previous courses. Students are expected to extend their prior knowledge to new situations, synthesize information, and appreciate the theory behind mathematical methods. There is a focus on functions and relations, particularly inverse power, square root, cube root, trigonometric and polynomial functions. With an emphasis on theoretical mathematics, the course allows for students to model real world problems and to reason abstractly and quantitatively. Offered first semester only.
Geometry
Fall Semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 8, Algebra 8 or Algebra 1
This course is the second in a series of core high school mathematics courses. It requires students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. The course will develop and extend topics in geometry, with time to review materials from previous courses before applying to new situations. Students will build and apply the concepts of triangle congruence and similarity through the lens of geometric constructions, transformations, and coordinate geometry. Right triangle trigonometry concepts will then be developed and applied to prior knowledge of surface area and volume. Additionally, students will investigate, discover, and prove quadrilateral and circle theorems using inductive and deductive reasoning. Students will use the traditional tools of compass and straightedge as well as dynamic geometry software to aid in their reasoning. Emphasis will be placed on learning mathematics through modeling real-world problems while reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, and looking for and making use of structure. Offered first semester only.
Geometry Honors
Fall Semester Honors ½ credit Grade 9
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra 8 (85% or higher) and teacher recommendation
This course is the first in a series of honors high school mathematics courses. It develops and extends students’ middle school geometric experience with a strong reliance on geometry knowledge gained in Advanced Pre-Algebra 7 and Advanced Algebra 8. The curriculum requires students to both apply and justify the geometric properties studied. The investigation of geometric shapes and properties is done through multiple perspectives including inductive and deductive reasoning, formal proof, geometric construction, coordinate geometry, and algebra. Topics include triangle congruence and similarity, right triangle trigonometry, special right triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and coordinate geometry. Geometric probability models will be explored as an application of prior knowledge and decision-making. Students will use the traditional tools of compass and straightedge as well as dynamic geometry software to aid in their reasoning. With an emphasis on theoretical mathematics, the course allows for students to model real world problems and to reason abstractly and quantitatively. Offered first semester only.
Precalculus Honors
Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 (85% or higher) or Advanced Topics in Algebra 2H and teacher recommendation taken the semester immediately prior to enrollment
This course is a challenging introduction to advanced mathematical study and is intended for students planning to take AP Calculus AB. The course will develop and extend all previously learned math concepts with a heavy reliance on algebra and geometry. There will be limited time to review material from previous courses before extending to new situations. Many concepts are grounded in their application to the real-world, therefore students will enhance their problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills through end of unit authentic tasks. They are also required to deepen their understanding of topics over time and retain the concepts taught. Topics of study include linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, parametric, polynomial and rational functions. In addition, students will study conic sections, parametric equations, and vectors. Emphasis will be placed on learning mathematics through modeling real-world problems while reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, looking for and making use of structure, and gaining an appreciation for theoretical mathematics.
Mathematics Electives
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Full-year course Advanced Placement 1 credit Grade 12
Prerequisite: Precalculus H (85% or higher) or AP Precalculus and teacher recommendation
This course is intended for students who have a thorough understanding of mathematics, including algebra, analytic geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus. Students will develop concepts through modeling, making use of common structures, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, and constructing viable arguments. Students will apply analytical, graphical, and numerical methods to enhance their problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and verbal and written communication skills. Topics include limits and continuity, derivatives and integrals and their applications. This course is the equivalent of one semester of college calculus. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam in the spring.
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
Full-year course Advanced Placement 1 credit Grade 12
Prerequisite: AP Precalculus (85% or higher) and teacher recommendation
This course is for students who have a thorough understanding of mathematics, including algebra, analytic geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus. Students will apply analytical, graphical, and numerical methods to solve problems and communicate their understanding. Topics of study include: limits and continuity, derivatives and integrals and their applications to polynomials, trigonometric, polar, and parametric functions as well as sequence and series analysis. Students are expected to complete Chapter 1 in the text during the summer prior to taking this course. This course is the equivalent of two semesters of college calculus. Students who previously earned credit in Advanced Placement Calculus AB will earn ½ credit for completing Advanced Placement Calculus BC. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam in the spring.
Advanced Placement Statistics
Full-year course Advanced Placement 1 credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B or Algebra 2B H and teacher recommendation
Students will expand their interests in mathematics as well as in the social, physical and life sciences through the examination of data. Students will develop fluency analyzing, writing, and interpreting statistical summaries and arguments while applying critical thinking and reasoning skills to construct and critique statistical arguments. Topics include data analysis, summarizing distributions and comparisons of univariate data, bivariate data, and categorical data, an overview of methods of data collection, planning and conducting surveys, designing simulations, confidence intervals, and confirming models of statistical inference. Students who previously earned credit in both Descriptive Statistics & Probability and Inferential Statistics will receive a ½ credit for completing Advanced Placement Statistics. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics exam in the spring.
Capstone – Sorts Analytics Honors
Full-year course Honors 1 credit Grades 11, 12
Sports analytics is a rapidly growing and evolving industry. Students in the Sports Analytics Capstone will learn to use data and quantitative methods to make quick, impactful decisions that will help players and teams gain advantage on the playing field. Students will learn to acquire, analyze, display and communicate data by working closely with one of FHS's sports teams. In this interdisciplinary math and business course, students will work with spreadsheets, data visualization software, and video capture software in analyzing and presenting their findings. Various texts from experts in the field will be used as additional resources. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.
Descriptive Statistics & Probability (ECE)
Fall semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B or Algebra 2B Honors
This is a modeling-oriented statistics and probability course. The study of statistics will be focused on the analysis and interpretation of quantitative data through measures of central tendency and spread in order to make informed decisions and better understand the world. The course will also focus on the study of probability, which is the mathematics behind uncertainty and chance. Students are required to work collaboratively in order to communicate their understanding through authentic performances. Students who enroll in both Descriptive Statistics & Probability and Inferential Statistics may elect to concurrently enroll in UCONN's Early College Experience (ECE) course, for a fee. Dual enrollment allows FHS students to earn high school and UCONN's ECE college credit simultaneously. The aligned UConn course is STAT 1100Q: Elementary Concepts of Statistics (4 credits). Offered first semester only.
Discrete Mathematics
Fall semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B or Algebra 2B Honors
In general, discrete mathematics is used whenever objects are counted, when relationships between finite (or countable) sets are studied, and when processes involving a finite number of steps are analyzed. Students will discover clever ways of counting things (combinatorics) along with studying number theory and graph theory. Students will also explore real-world connections that include probability, analysis of algorithms, and voting theory. Students will enhance their abilities to think flexibly and critically with an emphasis being placed on creative problem solving. Offered first semester only.
Geometry in Art and Architecture
Half-year course College Prep ½ credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Geometry CP or Geometry Honors
This project-based course will allow students to expand their prior knowledge of geometry into the realm of art, illustration, animation, architecture, building construction, and interior design. Technology will be used to create scaled drawings and explore the geometric concepts needed to create both historical and modern-day structures. The drawings of M.C. Escher will be explored as well as Islamic geometry design patterns; students will then create their own art and designs. Geometry concepts such as similarity, tessellations, and the golden ratio will be formalized. Note: This is not an NCAA approved core math class
Inferential Statistics (ECE)
Spring semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B or Algebra 2B Honors
(completion of Descriptive Statistics and Probability is suggested)
This modeling-oriented course extends the statistical and probability concepts introduced in prior courses. Inferential statistics are techniques that allow the use of proper data collection to make generalizations about the populations from which the samples were drawn. This can be done through the estimation of parameters and the testing of statistical hypotheses. Students are required to be critical thinkers and use self-direction to complete tasks using data that they have collected. Students who enroll in both Descriptive Statistics & Probability and Inferential Statistics may elect to concurrently enroll in UCONN's Early College Experience (ECE) course, for a fee. Dual enrollment allows FHS students to earn high school and UCONN's ECE college credit simultaneously. The aligned UConn course is STAT 1100Q: Elementary Concepts of Statistics (4 credits). Offered second semester only.
Logic in Reasoning
Spring semester College Prep ½ credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2B or Algebra 2B Honors
This course is a basic introduction to Logic, which is the study of the principles for good reasoning. Logic clarifies thinking and helps to evaluate the reasoning behind the claims that people make. Students will improve their understanding of arguments, inferences, and validity. Students will learn how to formalize information in form of logical sentences and how to reason systematically with this information to produce logical conclusions. Students will explore these ideas through logic puzzles as well as apply their reasoning to cryptography, information engineering and fair division. We will connect to ideas across disciplines, such as computer science, economics, and history/government. Offered second semester only.
Math Portfolio
Full-year course College Prep ½ credit Grade 12
This course is required for seniors who have not yet met the FHS mathematics graduation standard (see Required Graduation Standards). The course begins with the Tunxis Math 095 curriculum. The course then expands to linear and exponential functions in context of real-world problems and financial literacy. Students who meet standard on the Tunxis Math 095 final exam and the In Trouble with Credit Performance Task have met the math graduation standard and complete the course at this time. NOTE: This course is taken in addition to the 3 math credits required for graduation.