Mathematics

The Mathematics Department of Plainville High School believes that math is for all students.  We recognize that a certain percentage of our students will pursue math related fields and therefore need much exposure to mathematics.  We also understand that a large percentage of our students will not pursue math related fields; and yet, their future stations in the modern world will still require a solid understanding of mathematics.  Whatever the individual circumstance, mathematics enhances critical thinking, analyzing, reasoning, and problem solving skills; thus better equipping students to achieve their future goals.  Click HERE for more information about Math Courses' Essential Understandings.


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Algebra 1 - Level 1

Grade Level:  10   /  Credit: 1

Prerequisite:  Geometry

This course is a full year course emphasizing an in-depth conceptual understanding and application of all skills comprising the basic structure of Algebra (the real number system).  This course will cover the topics of solving and writing linear equations (emphasis on all three forms of linear equations), graphing equations, solving and graphing linear inequalities, linear systems of equations, radicals, exponents, exponential functions, quadratic equations, and polynomials and factoring.  Students will be exposed to a rigorous study of these topics, which will direct them in applying algebraic concepts involving multiple representations with a greater emphasis on applications. Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Algebra 1 - Level 2          

Grade Level:   10   /   Credit: 1                                                

Prerequisite:  Geometry

This course is a full year course emphasizing the understanding and application of all skills comprising the basic structure of Algebra (the real number system).  This course will cover the topics of solving and writing linear equations, graphing equations, solving and graphing linear inequalities, linear systems of equations, radicals, exponents, exponential functions, quadratic equations, and polynomials and factoring.  Students will be exposed to a rigorous study of these topics, which will direct them in applying algebraic concepts and skills in a college preparatory program. Students must have their own scientific calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Algebra 1 - Level 3

Grade Level:   10   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Geometry

Topics will include solving linear equations, the coordinate plane, graphing one and two variable equations, finding the equation of a line, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations, radicals, powers, and exponents.  Students must have their own scientific calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Algebra 2 - Level 1

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra 1. 

In addition to an in-depth study of the topics included in Algebra 2, emphasis will be given to the study of ratios and their algebraic applications, quadratic equations, logarithmic functions, conic sections, and rational expressions.  A graphing calculator will be used. Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, or TI-84+CE graphing calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Algebra 2 - Level 2

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12  /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Geometry and Algebra 1

A full-year course for college bound students.  Topics studied will include linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, completing the square, factoring and the quadratic formula.  Also included is an introduction to function notation, function operations, and rational, inverse, logarithmic, exponential and special functions.  Other topics may include quadratic relations as they relate to parabolas, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas.  Students are required to have their own scientific calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Algebra 2 - Level 3

Grade Level:  11, 12   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:   Geometry and Algebra 1

This is a full-year course for the student who is planning on attending a 2 or 4-year college.  Topics covered will include linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, completing the square, factoring and the quadratic formula.  Also included is an introduction to function notation, function operations, inverse and logarithmic functions, systems graphing nonlinear functions, and exponential functions.  Students must have their own scientific calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Foundations of Math  - Level 3 Grade Level:  9 / Credit 0.25-1

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation 

This course supports students who need additional instruction in foundational mathematics skills as it relates to core instruction. Instruction will use explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to mathematics instruction addressing all strands including number sense & operations, algebraic reasoning, functions, geometric reasoning and data analysis & probability. Teachers will use the listed benchmarks that correspond to each students’ needs. A benchmark assessment will determine whether a student will be enrolled in this course. Effective instruction matches instruction to the needs of the students in the group and provides multiple opportunities to practice the skill and receive feedback. The additional time allotted for this course is in addition to core instruction. The intervention includes materials and strategies designed to supplement core instruction. Students can complete their support in one quarter or up to a full year, earning 0.25 credits per quarter enrolled.

This course is an elective course credit not a math credit.

Career Math  - Level 3

Grade Level:  11, 12 / Credit 1

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra 1

This course is designed for students who need career and technical math skills. Students find practical applications for their math skills through this hands-on oriented class. A review of foundational math skills, Geometry and Algebra leads to development and construction of products and solutions to problems encountered in everyday life. The applications of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces this curriculum.

Plane Geometry - Level 1

Grade Level:  9   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Algebra 1 

In addition to an in-depth study of the topics included in Plane Geometry (Level 2), emphasis will be given to the study of trigonometric functions and their applications, proofs in coordinate geometry and transformation.  Students in Plane Geometry (Level 1) must have a strong algebra background to be successful in this course. Students must have their own scientific calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it.

Plane Geometry - Level 2

Grade Level:   9   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

A full-year course for the college bound student covering the formal structure and function of Euclidean geometry.  Topics studied will include lines, planes, angles, sets, properties of triangles, informal proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, similarity, coordinate geometry, polygons, prisms, circles, cylinders, spheres, areas, volumes and construction.  Students must have their own scientific calculator.  Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Plane Geometry - Level 3

Grade Level:   9   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

A full-year course for the college bound student covering the formal structure and function of Euclidean geometry.  Topics studied will include lines, planes, angles, sets, properties of triangles, informal proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, similarity, coordinate geometry, polygons, prisms, circles, cylinders, spheres, areas, volumes and construction.  Students must have their own scientific calculator.  Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Pre-Calculus 1 - Level 1

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  Algebra 2

This is a pre-calculus course in the sequential honors program. The balance of the semester will be devoted to an in depth study of trigonometry:  the unit circle; the trigonometric ratios; graphs of trigonometric functions; the identities and formulas of trigonometry; solving trig equations; law of sines and law of cosines; and applications.  Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator.  Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Pre-Calculus 1- Level 2

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  Algebra 2

 This is a half-year pre-calculus course for students in a college preparatory sequence.  This course  is devoted to the study of trigonometry, including the unit circle, trigonometric ratios, graphs of trigonometric functions, identities and formulas of trigonometry, solving trigonometric equations, the law of sines and the law of cosines, and applications.  Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator.  Assistance available to those who cannot afford it.

Pre-Calculus 2 - Level 1

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:   Pre-Calculus 1

This is a pre-calculus course in the sequential honors program. The second semester begins with an in depth study of functions: linear functions, quadratic functions, piecewise functions, inverse functions, polynomial functions, rational functions; exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.  Other topics may  include:  sequences and series, the binomial theorem, counting principles and probability; and conic sections.  Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator.  Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Pre-Calculus 2 - Level 2

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12   /   Credit:  .5

Prerequisite:  Pre-Calculus 1

This is a half-year pre-calculus course for students in a college preparatory sequence.  This course is a continuation of the first semester of Pre-Calculus Mathematics and begins with a study of functions including piecewise, inverse, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.  Other topics may include sequences, series, the binomial theorem, counting principles, probability, and conic sections.  Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

Statistics - Level 2

Grade Level:  11, 12   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

A full-year, college-level mathematics course for those planning college studies in mathematics and science as well as business and liberal arts areas. The main areas of Descriptive Statistics and Statistical inference will be thoroughly surveyed well beyond the introductory level. Topics will include frequency distributions, measures of locations and variations,, probability, experimentation,, random samplings, studies of inference with applications, with applications in the field of mathematics, science and business will be studied.

Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it.

AP Calculus AB - Level 1

Grade Level:  11, 12    /   Credit: 1

Prerequisite:   Pre-Calculus 1 and Pre-Calculus 2

 A full-year, college-level Advanced Placement course designed to give the students a strong conceptual understanding of Calculus, along with preparing them to take the Advanced Placement exam in the Spring.  Topics will include a review of pre-calculus, limits and continuity, the derivative, basic differentiation rules (including Chain Rule and implicit differentiation), related rates, extrema, Mean Value Theorem, the first derivative test, curve sketching, and optimization problems; anti-derivatives, area under curves, Riemann Sums.  Definite Integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Trapezoidal Rule, techniques of integration; application – volumes of solids of revolution, growth and decay problems, separation of variables, etc. *Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.  AP exam will be ordered for all students who are in an AP class on Nov. 15th, and a $40 unused exam fee will be applied to anyone who drops the AP course after Nov. 15th.  Students are required to have their own TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator.  Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

AP Calculus BC - Level 1

Grade Level:  12   /   Credit:  1  

Prerequisite:  AP Calculus AB

Advanced Placement Calculus BC includes all the topics of Calculus AB plus the following additional topics:  parametric; polar; and vector functions; analysis of planar curves given in parametric form; polar form; and vector form; including velocity and acceleration; derivatives of parametric; polar and vector functions; numerical solutions of differential equations using Euler’s method; L’Hopital’s Rule including its use in determining limits and convergence of improper integrals and series; applications of integrals; antiderivatives by substitution of variables; parts; and simple partial fraction decomposition; and improper integrals; convergence/divergence of a series; integral test; p-test; comparison of series; alternating series test; ratio and root tests; Taylor Polynomials; power series; Taylor and Maclaurin Series. *Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.  AP exam will be ordered for all students who are in an AP class on Nov. 15th.  and a $40 unused exam fee will be applied to anyone who drops the AP course after Nov. 15th.   Students are required to have their own TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it. 

AP Statistics - Level 1

Grade Level:  11, 12   /   Credit:  1

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

This is a very rigorous full year, college level mathematics course.  The areas of Descriptive Statistics and Inferential Statistics will be examined thoroughly.  Topics will include frequency distributions, measures of central tendencies and variations, probability, expectations, random sampling, the experimental design process, tests of hypotheses, class intervals, linear regression, and non-linear regression.  The mathematics of Statistics has become the fastest growing mathematics application in recent years with many colleges requiring undergraduates to take Statistics.  *Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.  AP exam will be ordered for all students who are in an AP class on Nov. 15th.  and a $40 unused exam fee will be applied to anyone who drops the AP course after Nov. 15th.  Students are required to have their own Texas Instrument TI-84+, TI-84+CE graphing calculator. Assistance available to those who cannot afford it.