Mathematics

Students are required to take four credits of mathematics to fulfill graduation requirements. In these  mathematics courses, students develop competencies in communicating mathematically, modeling problem solving, analyzing functions, creating equations, and seeing structure in expressions.  Placement within mathematics courses are made by teacher recommendation.  When considering recommendations, “successful completion” of a course would typically be indicated by a grade of “C” or better.  Students are encouraged to purchase their own scientific or graphing calculators. Students are also encouraged to advance to the next course as many colleges require completion of Trigonometry included in the course PreCalculus.

Foundations of Math (Foundational)         2400  

1 Credit               Grade 9

In this course, students increase their basic math skills by reviewing key math standards such as performing basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions as well as using ratios, proportions, and percentages.  Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries and projects.  Students take this course for extra preparation before Algebra.

Essentials of Algebra & Geometry (Foundational)               2401   

1 Credit               Grades  9-11

In this course, students strengthen their skills required for success in Algebra I as well as begin to study key Algebra I math standards. Students will also learn basic math standards of Geometry,  standards include performing operations on rational numbers, solving linear equations, applying basic geometric vocabulary,  finding perimeter and area of two-dimensional figures, and solving problems using the Pythagorean Theorem. Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, mastery tests and projects.

Algebra 1 - Full Year (Foundational)                    2402, 2403

2 Credits                        Grades 10-12

In this course, students learn the math standards including solving linear and absolute value equations, inequalities and word problems; writing and graphing linear equations; solving systems of equations; and evaluating functions, operations of polynomials, and factoring polynomials. Pace of the course is designed to maximize student learning over the entire year earning two credits of math. Students are assessed using assignments, quizzes, masteries, and projects.

Prerequisite: Completion of Essentials course and Teacher recommendation only

Algebra 1 - Full Year (College and Career Prep)                   2404, 2405        

2 Credits                       Grades 9-12

In this course, students learn the math standards including solving linear and absolute value equations, inequalities and word problems; writing and graphing linear equations; solving systems of equations; and evaluating functions, operations of polynomials, and factoring polynomials.  Pace of the course is designed to maximize student learning over the entire year earning two credits of math. Students are assessed using assignments, quizzes, masteries, and projects.

Prerequisite: Completion of the 8th grade math course or the High School Essentials course and Teacher recommendation 

Algebra 1 (Honors)                 2406

1 Credit               Grades 9-10                                                                  

In this course, students learn the math standards including solving linear and absolute value equations, inequalities and word problems; writing and graphing linear equations; solving systems of equations; and evaluating functions, operations of polynomials, and factoring polynomials.  Students are assessed using assignments, quizzes, masteries, and projects.

Prerequisite: Completion of 8th grade math with a B or better and Teacher Recommendation  

Financial Math Topics (Foundational)                      2410

1 Credit               Grades 11 -12                                                                  

In this course, students strengthen those essential math skills needed to make responsible and effective financial decisions. Students will study competencies in financial literacy such as money management, banking services, long and short-term financing, consumer awareness as well as financial planning and investing.  Students are assessed using classwork, homework, quizzes, mastery tests and projects. This course is best as a student’s fourth math credit after successful completion of Algebra 1.    

Geometry Topics (Foundational)                    2407

1 Credit               Grades 10-12

In this course, students study geometric math standards such as exploring angle relationships both on parallel lines and in triangles; applying the distance, midpoint, and slope formulas; using the properties of triangles; and using the facts of similar figures to solve other problems. Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries and projects. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 

Geometry (College and Career Prep)                    2408

Geometry (Honors)                     2409      

1 Credit               Grades 9-12

In this course, students study geometric math standards such as exploring angle relationships both on parallel lines and in triangles; applying the distance, midpoint, and slope formulas; using the properties of triangles; and using the facts of similar figures to solve other problems. Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries and projects. This course is offered at different levels in order to facilitate differentiated instruction and pace of the course.  Honors level students should be accomplished or exemplary complex thinkers.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 

Algebra 2 Topics (Foundational)                          2411

1 Credit               Grades 10-12

In this course, students master math standards  including simplifying and evaluating advanced algebraic expressions; performing operations with complex numbers and polynomials; solving and graphing quadratic, radical and rational functions. Math standards are mastered using  differentiated instruction, hands on applications and slower pace to allow for student success. Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries and projects.  

Algebra 2 (College and Career Prep)                  2412

Algebra 2 (Honors)                   2413   

1 Credit               Grades 10-12

In this course, students master math standards  including simplifying and evaluating advanced algebraic expressions; performing operations with complex numbers and polynomials; solving and graphing quadratic, radical and rational functions.  Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries and projects.  This course is offered at different levels in order to facilitate differentiated instruction and pace of the course.  Honors level students should be accomplished or exemplary complex thinkers.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry 

Precalculus (College and Career Prep)                        2414

Precalculus (Honors)                     2415

1 Credit                 Grades 11-12

In this course, students explore a broad range of mathematical topics that expand upon math standards mastered in Algebra 2 in order to prepare for Calculus.  Competencies include circular trigonometry, comparing and contrasting types of functions, solving logarithmic and exponential equations, finding the general term of a sequence, finding the sum of a series, and calculating limits of a function.   This course is also offered at the Honors level for the student with the ability and interest to pursue a faster paced and more in-depth course of study.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2

Calculus (College and Career Prep)                             2416

1 Credit                  Grade 12                                                                    

In this course, students prepare for college calculus.  Students focus on math standards that include graphing functions both with and without a graphing calculator, reviewing  trigonometric functions, evaluating limits, finding derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions, and exploring basic applications.  Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries and projects.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Precalculus  

AP Calculus [AB] (Advanced Placement)                  2417

1.5  Credits -  Quarters 1,2, and 3               Grade 12            

This college-level course is approved by the College Board as an official Advanced  Placement course, following the curriculum requirements of the AP Calculus AB-level exam.  In this rigorous course, students develop an understanding of calculus and gain experience with its methods and applications.  They explore math competencies such as limits and continuity, derivatives, and integrals.  Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, tests and projects.  Students take the Advanced Placement standardized test in May.  With a qualifying score on the AP test, students may earn college credit and/or placement when entering college. 

Prerequisite: Completion of Precalculus Honors with a grade of B– or higher or teacher recommendation 

College Credits: 4 Running Start College Credits are available through Nashua Community College. 

Probability & Statistics               2418

1 Credit               Grades 11-12

In this course, students learn how to organize, display and analyze data using a variety of statistical techniques and various probability events. The statistical math standards include descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, standard deviation, and random sampling. The probability competencies include basic probability and binomial distributions. Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries

and projects.

Financial Math                   2419

1 Credit               Grades 11 -12                                                                  

In this course, students learn math skills needed to make responsible and effective financial decisions. Students will study math standards in financial literacy such as money management, banking services, long and short-term financing, consumer awareness as well as financial planning and investing.  Students are assessed using classwork, homework, quizzes, mastery tests and projects. This course is best as a student’s fourth math credit or elective math credit  after successful completion of Algebra 2.    

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 

Statistics for Research               2420

0.5 Credit (Quarter 4 only)               Grades 11-12

In this course, students learn how to organize, display and analyze data using a variety of statistical techniques. The statistical math standards include descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, standard deviation, and random sampling.  Students are assessed using class work, homework, quizzes, masteries

and projects.

AP Statistics (Advanced Placement)                 0378         

1 Credit               Grades 11-12

This college level course is approved by the College Board as an official AP course, following the curriculum requirements of the AP Statistics exam. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four conceptual themes:  Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns; Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study; Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation; Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. Students who take the AP Statistics exam may be eligible for college credit and/or advanced placement depending on the college requirements and the exam score. A TI-Nspire calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 Honors with a grade of B or higher or teacher recommendation 

Quantitative Reasoning               0382                                                 

1 Credit               Grade 12

This course is designed to expose students to a wide range of general mathematics.  Problem solving and critical thinking skills, along with the use of technology, will be emphasized and reinforced throughout the course as students become actively involved in solving applied problems.   Topics include: Number Theory and Systems, Functions and Modeling, Finance, Geometry and Measurement, Probability and Statistics and selected topics.    

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2