Mathematics
The Wayzata Math Department commits to inspiring students to own their learning through collaboration, deep thinking, and flexible problem-solving. We strive to create learning spaces for all students to thrive as mathematicians: to be curious, grow through feedback, and persist through struggle. Confidence and competence in mathematics are essential for making sense of the world and open pathways for students to achieve their aspirations.
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Students are urged to carefully select mathematics courses to best prepare them for their post-secondary plans, meet the requirements of Wayzata Public Schools, and Minnesota state statutes. [View Registration Video]
Wayzata Public Schools requires students to take eight credits in mathematics; 2 credits may consist of Applied Math or STEM courses.
Minnesota graduation requirements require students to complete the standards contained in Intermediate Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Minnesota statutes require all students to complete Algebra 2.
Universities and occupations require a study of mathematics that includes an understanding of concepts from algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, and discrete mathematics.
We encourage all students to develop a 4-year math course plan that reflects academic balance with clear end goals.
All WHS students are encouraged to take a math course during their senior year; this is helpful in providing a smooth transition from high school to college and career pathways.
In 8th grade, most students complete Algebra 1, then register for Intermediate Algebra during their freshman year. If students complete Intermediate Algebra during 8th grade, they are prepared to enroll in Geometry or Accelerated Geometry as freshmen.
Traditional sequence (CPM: College Preparatory Math) Note: classes should be taken sequentially as listed below.
Intermediate Algebra – recommended for 9th or 10th grade
Geometry or Accelerated Geometry – recommended for 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Extended (3-terms), or Accelerated Algebra 2 – recommended for 10th or 11th grade
Precalculus or Accelerated Precalculus – recommended for 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Electives:
AP Statistics
Applied Mathematics (M) (offered through Compass)
Calculus Concepts
AP Calculus AB Extended (3-terms)
AP Calculus AB (2 terms) and AP Calculus BC (2 terms)
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
Statistical Reasoning in Sports (1 term)
Mathematics Department Chair: Stacy Larson
CPM: College prepaRAtory math
301 - INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-11 [Math Sequence]
Intermediate Algebra is the first course in the series of College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM). This course continues the extensive, connected, and applied study of Mathematics from Algebra 1. The topics covered in the course are functions, linear relationships, simplifying and solving, systems and equations, sequences, modeling two-variable data, exponential functions, quadratic functions, solving quadratics and inequalities.
304 - GEOMETRY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Math Sequence]
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra
This course continues the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics from College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra course. The topics covered in the course include shapes and transformations, angles and measurement, justification and similarity, trigonometry and probability, congruent triangles, proof and quadrilaterals, polygons and circles, solids, circles and conditional probability.
305 - ACCELERATED GEOMETRY: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grades 9-10 [Math Sequence]
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra
This course continues the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics from College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra course. The topics covered in the course include shapes and transformations, angles and measurement, justification and similarity, trigonometry, congruent triangles, proof and quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, solids, and probability. Topics will be studied at a more challenging pace as compared to Geometry. A grade of A in Intermediate Algebra is recommended for enrollment in this course.
307 - ALGEBRA 2: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry
This course is a continuation of the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics from College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra and Geometry. The topics covered in this course include transformations of parent graphs, equivalent forms, solving and intersections, inverses and logarithms, 3-D graphing and logarithms, trigonometric functions, polynomials, randomization and normal distributions.
307A,B,C - ALGEBRA 2 EXTENDED: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry
This course is a continuation of the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics from College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra and Geometry. The topics covered in this course include transformations of parent graphs, equivalent forms, solving and intersections, inverses and logarithms, 3-D graphing and logarithms, trigonometric functions, polynomials, randomization, and normal distributions.
308 - ACCELERATED ALGEBRA 2: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry
This course is a continuation of the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics from College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra and Geometry. The topics covered in this course include transformations of parent graphs, equivalent forms, solving and intersections, inverses and logarithms, 3-D graphing and logarithms, trigonometric functions, polynomials, randomization and normal distributions, series, simulating sampling variability, and analytic trigonometry. Topics will be studied at a more challenging pace and depth as compared to Algebra 2. A grade of B or better in Accelerated Geometry or A in Geometry is recommended for enrollment in this course.
309 - PRECALCULUS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2
This course is a continuation of the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics experienced in College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The topics covered in this course include exponentials and logarithms, trigonometric functions, polynomials, rational functions, vectors, parametric equations, and matrices.
Testimonial:
"I really liked the way Precalc was formatted, and I thought having tests every week with fewer topics made it a lot easier to master each skill rather than having a test every two or three weeks with many topics. I also liked that the quizzes were not worth any points and solely for seeing how you're doing and seeing what you need to work on. Also, since the quests were on Fridays, that gave us no homework, so I was able to relax on the weekends or study for other classes."
310 - ACCELERATED PRECALCULUS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2
This course is a continuation of the extensive, connected, and applied study of mathematics experienced in College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The topics covered in this course include finding the area under the curve, exponentials and logarithms, trigonometric functions, introduction to limits, rates of change, polynomials, rational functions, vectors, parametric equations, and matrices. Topics will be studied at a more challenging pace as compared to Precalculus. A grade of B or better in Accelerated Algebra 2 or A in Algebra 2 is recommended for enrollment in this course.
311 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT PRECALCULUS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 ONLY
COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2 - A grade of B or better in Algebra 2 is recommended for enrollment in this course.
This course will follow the course framework established by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for college-level calculus. In this course, students will study a broad spectrum of function types that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. The major units of study are exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric and polar functions, polynomial and rational functions, and functions involving parameters, vectors, and matrices.
Note: This class is a pilot for the 24-25 school year and is designed for the following students:
Students who want a college-level math class in high school in preparation for calculus in college.
Students hoping to fill a college math requirement in a non-STEM major.
Students who want additional preparation and experience in an AP mathematics class before deciding to take AP Calculus AB. (Please be aware that colleges/universities may not give credit for both AP Precalculus and AP Calculus. WHS’ Accelerated Precalculus is still being offered as a pathway to AP Calculus AB/BC.)
Space may be limited in this course due to the pilot. Please register for this course to indicate your interest and also register for 309: Precalculus or 310: Accelerated Precalculus as an alternate course request.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics regarded by many historians to be one of the most important and influential inventions in the development of human thought. The arrival and subsequent development of Calculus have made possible the rapid and continual expansion of scientific thought and understanding from the seventeenth century onward. The concepts of Calculus are used in every subject area in which quantities change with respect to one another, including mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, business, marketing, economics, finance, statistics, social sciences, and numerous others. A thorough understanding of Calculus will prepare students for further study in college courses including Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Complex Variables, Statistics, and Analysis. There are four Calculus offerings, namely AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus AB (Extended), AP Calculus BC, and Calculus Concepts.
332 - CALCULUS CONCEPTS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
HYBRID COURSE
Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus
This course provides an introduction to basic differential and integral calculus. The focus of the course is to help students understand the foundations of calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals in an active & collaborative classroom. Students will work on all aspects of the Portrait of a Wayzata graduate, with emphasis on Thinks Critically & Creatively, Embraces Collaboration, and Demonstrates Learning Agility & Resilience. As a hybrid course, students will have added flexibility in when and where they learn on asynchronous days. This course prepares students to take Calculus 1 or Business Calculus in college.
Options after Calculus Concepts: AP Statistics (336), AP Calculus AB Extended (340), AP Calculus AB (341)
340A, 340B, 340C - ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB EXTENDED: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Math Sequence]
Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus
The AP Calculus AB (Extended) course covers the exact same syllabus as Course 341 – AP Calculus AB (see description below), but does so over three terms instead of two. Taking this course will mean a shorter gap between the end of the course and the AP exam (typically at the beginning of May) than course 341. However, students are unable to take courses 340 and 342 in the same school year. A grade of B or better in PreCalculus or C or better in Accelerated PreCalculus is recommended for enrollment in this course.
Options after AP Calculus AB Extended: AP Statistics (336), AP Calculus BC (342)
341 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus
The AP Calculus AB course will follow the syllabus set forth by the College Board’s Advanced Placement program to cover the topics necessary for the AP Calculus AB exam. Topics covered in this course include limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications thereof. The AP Calculus AB course is a challenging college-level course that will require students to put forth additional effort outside of class in order to comprehend and practice the concepts introduced each day. Students will need to be able to incorporate their previous learning and experience from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus in solving applied problems in various “real-world” contexts; therefore, a strong PreCalculus background is absolutely essential for success. Students who successfully complete the course and the Advanced Placement Exam may receive credit for a one-semester introductory college calculus course and/or advanced placement. A graphing calculator is required for the course (those from the TI-84+ family are strongly recommended). A grade of A or better in PreCalculus or B or better in Accelerated PreCalculus is recommended for enrollment in this course.
Options after AP Calculus AB: AP Statistics (336), AP Calculus BC (342)
342 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Math Sequence]
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB
The AP Calculus BC course will follow the syllabus set forth by the College Board’s Advanced Placement program to cover the topics necessary for the AP Calculus BC exam, which also includes the material from AP Calculus AB. Topics covered in this course include parametric, polar and vector functions, polynomial approximations, infinite series, and differential equations. Students who successfully complete the course and the Advanced Placement Exam may receive credit and/or advanced placement for up to two one-semester college calculus courses. AP Calculus BC is a continuation of AP Calculus AB. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that students have a strong PreCalculus background and a solid understanding of concepts from AP Calculus AB, as these concepts are continually utilized and built upon. The level of abstraction in the Advanced Placement Calculus BC course goes well beyond that of the Advanced Placement AB course, and students should be prepared to commit a significant amount of time outside of class in order to comprehend and practice the concepts introduced each day. The level of rigor in the Advanced Placement Calculus BC course goes well beyond that of the Advanced Placement Calculus AB course. Students must be willing to commit a significant amount of time outside of class doing mathematics in order to be successful. A graphing calculator is required for the course (those from the TI-84+ family are strongly recommended). A grade of C or better in AP Calculus AB is recommended for enrollment in this course.
Options after AP Calculus BC: AP Statistics (336), Differential Equations and Linear Equations (344)
electives
300A - FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-11 [Math Sequence]
This course is an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms. The course emphasizes the concepts and confidence necessary to be successful in Intermediate Algebra. This course will build a foundation of algebraic concepts through the use of technology, manipulatives, problem-solving, and cooperative learning. The course helps students develop good mathematical study skills and learning strategies. Students will explore the order of operations and evaluate expressions, using exponent rules to simplify expressions, solving equations with one or more variables, and solving systems of linear equations.
336 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12
336HY - HYBRID OFFERED BY SOME, BUT NOT ALL TEACHERS
[Math Sequence] [Watch Course Video]
Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes, including:
Exploring Data: observing patterns and departures from patterns;
Planning a Study: deciding what and how to measure;
Anticipating Patterns: producing models using probability and simulation; and,
Statistical Inference: confirming models.
Students who successfully complete the course and AP examination may receive credit and/or advanced placement for a one-semester introductory college statistics course. The TI-84+ calculator family is recommended. A grade of C or higher in PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus is recommended for enrollment in this course.
Testimonial:
"The AP Hybrid Statistics class is a great experience for students to take. Being able to learn on my own time, while also getting the block to possibly work on other things, was really helpful. Also having the option to come into class if I needed help was incredibly beneficial for me. The tests are structured in a way that helps students learn and build on their learning with a group. This was definitely my favorite AP course I’ve taken!"
344 - DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND LINEAR ALGEBRA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 [Math Sequence]
Prerequisite: AP Calculus BC
Students will learn how the study of differential equations is a beautiful application of the ideas and techniques of calculus to the modeling of everyday phenomena. Within this context, they will learn how to solve and interpret differential equations algebraically, numerically (using computers and calculators), graphically, and qualitatively (via discussion of properties of equations and solutions). At the same time, students will learn the basic concepts of linear algebra, a branch of mathematics that demonstrates some of the underlying structure inherent in mathematical systems. They will learn how to apply these concepts to the solution and interpretation of systems of equations, and eventually, systems of differential equations. In addition, there is a lab component to the course in which students will learn how to use MATLAB, an industry-standard software package for mathematical computing. A grade of C or better in AP Calculus BC is recommended for enrollment in this course.
346 - STATISTICAL REASONING IN SPORTS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Did Cam Newton choke in the Super Bowl? Can a swimsuit make you faster? Who should I draft for my fantasy baseball team?
Offering a unique and powerful way to introduce the principles of statistical reasoning, Statistical Reasoning in Sports makes statistics exciting with high-interest sports (and life) examples that show how statistics is a part of everyday life.
Statistical Reasoning in Sports examines fascinating questions about sports and life by investigating the underlying statistical questions and creating a fun atmosphere in the classroom in which students perform simulations, analyze data, and use simple randomization processes to develop an understanding of statistics.
348 - EXPLORATIONS IN DATA SCIENCE: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12
COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED
Prerequisite: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry
The ability to work with, understand, and use data has become an essential life skill and requirement for an ever-expanding range of jobs and careers. Data is everywhere around us. In short, the need to analyze and interpret data is no longer confined to engineering or computer programming; it has become an essential life skill. This course will introduce students to the main ideas in data science through free tools such as Google Sheets, Python, Data Commons, and Tableau. Students will learn to be data explorers in project-based units on data analysis, sampling, correlation/causation, bias and uncertainty, probability, modeling with data, making and evaluating data-based arguments, the power of data in society, and more! At the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of their data science work to showcase their newly developed abilities.