Sandy Spring Friends School

Students are required to take three years of mathematics while in the Upper School. We strongly encourage, but do not require, a fourth year of mathematics. A student's math sequence will build on the courses taken prior to 9th grade (and as determined by placement testing, the recommendation of the middle school mathematics teacher, and prerequisites indicated below), following the sequence of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. After Algebra II, students may choose to take Pre-Calculus, followed by Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics. Alternatively, students may take Mathematics Topics, followed, if desired, by Pre-Calculus. Calculus BC will be offered in the Fall, and Multivariable Calculus will be offered in the Spring for students who complete AP Calculus AB in their junior year.

Full Year Mathematics Courses

ALGEBRA I
The primary goal of Algebra I is to master the linear function: graphing lines and solving linear equations. In reaching this goal the students acquire skills in simplifying algebraic expressions, using formulas, and problem solving. The students are given a foundation for more advanced work in mathematics by learning how to perform basic operations on polynomials and doing some elementary probability and statistics.

Required: A scientific calculator required; TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is recommended.
Prerequisite: Mastery of operations with decimals, fractions, percents, and signed numbers. Successful completion of a pre-Algebra course which covers formulas for perimeter, area and volume, units of measurement, the concept of a variable, order of operations, scientific notation, solving simple equations and proportions, graphing in the coordinate plane and problem solving skills.

Text: An Integrated Approach - Larson, Kanold, Stiff

GEOMETRY A
Students will study the following topics: perpendicular and parallel lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles and geometric solids. Students will review finding area, surface area, volume and the Pythagorean Theorem. The relationships of congruence, similarity and geometric inequality will be studied extensively. In addition, students will learn to do geometric transformations, geometric constructions and triangulation problems using trigonometry. Algebra will be reviewed periodically to help students retain their algebra skills.

Required: A scientific calculator required; TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I and permission of the math department.

Text: Geometry - Jurgensen, Brown, Jurgensen

GEOMETRY B
Students will study the following topics: perpendicular and parallel lines and planes, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, geometric solids and coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions. Students will review finding area, surface area, volume and the Pythagorean Theorem. The relationships of congruence and similarity will be studied extensively. Students will be required to write formal deductive proofs of geometric theorems. Algebra will be integrated into the homework problems as a preparation for Algebra II and Pre-Calculus.

Required: A scientific calculator required; TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is recommended.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or higher in Algebra I and permission of the math department.

Text: Geometry - Jurgensen, Brown, Jurgensen

ALGEBRA II
Algebra II continues and solidifies the topics introduced in Algebra I. In addition, the following topics will be studied: direct and inverse variation, linear equations and systems, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and rational functions, matrices, and conic sections.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite:A grade of C- of better in Algebra I, a passing grade in Geometry A or B, and permission of the math department.

Text: Algebra II, An Integrated Approach - Larson, Kanold, Stiff

ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY
The Algebra II/Trigonometry course will cover all the topics of the Algebra II course as well as several areas of Trigonometry, including right triangle trigonometry, laws of sines and cosines, graphing, and periodic motion. This course is intended to be a rigorous and comprehensive study of Algebra II and its related topics.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of A- or higher in Algebra I or a grade of B or higher in Advanced Algebra I, a grade of B or higher in Geometry B, and permission of the math department.

Text: Algebra II, An Integrated Approach - Larson, Kanold, Stiff

PRE-CALCULUS
This course includes the study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their use as mathematical models. Transformation of functions is a major focus of this course. Other topics include writing proofs for trigonometric identities and complex numbers. If time permits, additional topics such as sequences and series, probability and matrices will be studied.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in Geometry B, a grade of B+ or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry, and permission of the math department.

Text: Precalculus: Mathematics fcor Calculus, 5th edition - Stewart, Redlin, and Watson

CALCULUS AB (Advanced Placement)
This course follows the Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB syllabus: a study of limits, differentiation and integration of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, and their application to maxima-minima problems, related rates, and calculating areas and volumes. Students completing this course will be expected to take the AP Calculus AB examination.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of B+ in Pre-Calculus and permission of the math department.

Text: Calculus, 6th Edition - Larson, Hostetler, Edwards

STATISTICS (Advanced Placement)
This course is a non-Calculus-based introductory course in statistics. Students planning collegiate studies in the physical or social sciences should consider taking this course. The course focuses on four conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and inference. Students will also be introduced to selected topics in discrete mathematics. Students who take this course will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics examination.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of A or better in Mathematics Topics or a grade of C- or better in Pre-Calculus and permission of the math department.

Text: The Practice of Statistics - Yates, Moore and McCabe

1st semester Mathematics Courses

MATHEMATICS TOPICS I
This course is intended for students who want to continue their study of mathematics, but not at the Advanced Placement level. The course will review and extend many of the topics studied in Algebra II to build a stronger basis for future mathematical studies. Special emphasis will be placed on problem solving skills that employ not only traditional analytical methods, but use the calculator as well. Problem solving and individual and group work will be featured. The course will study linear, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions and equations.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A passing grade in both Geometry and Algebra II and permission of the math department.

Text: Advanced Mathematics - Brown

CALCULUS BC
This course builds upon the material learned in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB. The students will learn the remaining material in the AP Calculus BC curriculum, which includes techniques of integration, indeterminate forms, improper integrals, infinite series, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and their applications. The students will learn how to think independently and use their problem solving skills. Students completing this course will be expected to take the AP Calculus BC examination.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A grade of B- or higher in AP Calculus AB and permission of the math department.

Text: Calculus, 8th edition - Larson, Hostetler, and Edwards

2nd semester Mathematics Courses

MATHEMATICS TOPICS II
This course is intended for students who want to continue their study of mathematics, but not at the Advanced Placement level. The course will review and extend many of the topics studied in Algebra II to build a stronger basis for future mathematical studies. Special emphasis will be placed on problem solving skills that employ not only traditional analytical methods, but use the calculator as well. Problem solving and individual and group work will be featured. The course will study logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions, probability and statistics.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A passing grade in both Geometry and Algebra II and permission of the math department.

Text: Advanced Mathematics - Brown

MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
This course is designed to build upon the material learned in AP Calculus AB and Calculus BC. Students will be expected to learn and understand concepts such as vectors in two and three dimensions, surfaces in three dimensions, vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, vector calculus, and their applications. If time permits, students will study topics in Differential Equations.

Required: TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: A passing grade in Calculus BC and permission of the math department.

Text: Calculus, 8th edition - Larson, Hostetler, and Edwards

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