Veritas Christian Academy

Veritas Christian Academy | A Christ-Centered High School

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Mathematics Courses

 

MATHEMATICS - Algebra I


Prerequisites:  None

Teacher:  Mrs. Diane Harris

Description:  This class sets the foundation of basic concepts and skills necessary for high school level math classes.  All operations are based in the real number system.  After a review of fractions, signed numbers, unit multipliers, and the order of operations, students move into evaluating and then solving algebraic equations and inequalities.  Students learn to write, graph, and solve linear equations, and identify slope and intercepts using multiple methods. Mathematical operations are performed and equations are solved with polynomials, rational expressions, and radicals.  Positive and negative exponents are evident in these equations.  Numbers are written in scientific notation and expressions in this notation are simplified.  Functions, including their domain and range, are defined, investigated and evaluated.  Additional topics investigated include various types of word problems including distance, value, and percent problems; direct and inverse variation problems; complex fractions; the Pythagorean formula; the distance formula;  factoring of binomials and trinomials; and solving quadratic equations through factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula. 

 

MATHEMATICS - Algebra II


Prerequisites:  Algebra I

Teacher:  Mr. Barrie Beaver

Description:  The Saxon Algebra II is a thorough discussion of both real and imaginary numbers. Quadratic equations are discussed in great detail. Problems leading to quadratic solutions are included along with an introductory discussion of the conic sections, namely the parabola and the circle. The text continues prace with area dn volume that was introduced in Algebra I and introduces more abstract geometric concepts.

 

MATHEMATICS - Geometry


Prerequisites:  Algebra I

Teacher:  Mr. Vic Bastek

Description:  The students will learn the different formulas, postulates and theorems. Inductive and deductive reasoning will also be used to write proofs.

 

MATHEMATICS - Geometry - Honors


Prerequisites:  Algebra I

Teacher:  Mrs. Diane Harris

Description:  This class is an in-depth exploration of Euclidean Geometry.  The class begins with understanding undefined terms, definitions, and postulates.  Theorems are explored and students begin writing proofs.  Deductive and inductive logic is explained to improve the necessary reasoning skills.  Emphasis is placed on the ability to reason logically and create solid proofs in multiple proof formats.  Special relationships between parallel and perpendicular lines and angles are analyzed; triangle congruence and similarity are proven; properties of specific quadrilaterals and parallelograms are investigated and proven.  Volumes, areas, and perimeters are calculated for many geometrical shapes and solids.  Extensive analysis is conducted with circles, its properties and the relationship of chords, tangents, and secants to the circle.  Some trigonometry concepts are introduced.  Students will need a compass, protractor, and ruler in order to complete constructions and transformations for this class. 

 

MATHEMATICS - Advanced Math I


Prerequisites:  Algebra I & II, Geometry

Teacher:  Mrs. Diane Harris

Description:  This pre-calculus class is designed to ensure students have a solid foundation of the concepts and skills required for entry into the calculus class.  Extensive analysis and focus is attributed to polynomial, exponential, trigonometric, and logarithmic equations and functions and their graphs.  Inverse functions including the proper domain and range specifications are explored.  Laws of logarithms and the alternate form are extensively applied.  Trigonometric identities are verified and various forms of trigonometric formulas are derived such as sum and difference, double-angle, and half-angle formulas.  Sinusoids are analyzed, graphed, and described in equations using both degree and radian measurements.  Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are enhanced through explorations and practice.  Other areas of focus include matrices and determinants, conic sections, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, permutations and combinations, and curve sketching with end behavior analysis.

 

MATHEMATICS - Advanced Math II (Pre-Calculus)


Prerequisites:  Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus

Teacher:  Mrs. Diane Harris

Description:  This class is intended for students highly interested in mathematics who have the desire to explore math concepts in more depth, increase their problem solving skills, and better prepare themselves for calculus.  Real-life applications are explored and emphasis is placed on analyzing and solving word problems.  Conic sections are investigated more extensively and students spend considerable time and effort in graphing parabolas, circles, ellipses and hyperbolas on coordinate planes and on rotated axes, identifying eccentricity, foci, asymptotes, and other key features of the conic section, and identifying conics by inspection of the equation.  Parametric equations are graphed on a graphing calculator and manually after eliminating the parameter.  Linear and parabolic motion word problems are analyzed and solved.  Additional topics include vectors including force, work, and projections, partial fractions, linear programming, logistic growth, bearings, and navigation problems. Trigonometry is explored with new and familiar formulas which are derived, proven, and used in the solving of word problems.  The class culminates with a unit on limits which begins the introduction into calculus.

 

MATHEMATICS - AP Calculus


Prerequisites:  Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus

Teacher:  Mrs. Diane Harris

Description:  This class is a college-level course designed to challenge highly motivated students in the areas of differential and integral calculus.  It follows a syllabus approved by the College Board for an AP-level class.  Students will follow the “rule of four” to complete problems by algebraic, numerical, graphical, and verbal methods.  The class begins with instantaneous rates of change, limits, continuity, and tangent lines to curves.  Students learn derivatives, differentiability, the chain rule, and the relationship between position, velocity and acceleration.  Students explore Riemann sums, areas under the curve, linear approximations, and integrals. Slope fields, Euler’s Method, logistic growth, differential equations, and volumes of solids and cross sections are explored. The class is highly collaborative in structure; every student must come to class prepared to discuss assignments and be willing to participate thoughts, ideas, strategies, solutions, and questions with the class.  Students learn to appropriately document process steps in solving problems and to justify results in written sentences.  Technology is an essential component of the class and each student must have his or her own graphing calculator which will be used daily for numerical analysis, graphical representations and assessments, and tabular evaluations.  In May, students will take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement test at their own expense.  High scores on this test may allow students to receive college credit depending upon college choice and the college’s policy in regards to acceptance of the AP exam score.  

 

MATHEMATICS - Elective - Consumer Math


Prerequisites:  None

Teacher:  Mr. Vic Bastek

Description:  Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of everyday, real life, math and business. These skills will be of use throughout their lives.