Posted on: Thursday, October 28, 2004

What High school students should know in mathematics

Advertiser Staff

Here's a brief description of what your high schooler is being taught in math classes and is expected to know by graduation. The goals are intended to help ensure that your child is at the appropriate development level and that Hawai'i's public schools are working toward meeting Hawai'i Content and Performance Standards.

Grades 9-12

High school students are required to earn a minimum of three mathematics credits.

Students traditionally enroll in pre-algebra, algebra I or geometry in their freshman year depending on their mathematical ability and recommendation from their eighth-grade mathematics teacher. These are the three course paths that most students generally follow:

Path 1: Pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, algebra II (optional)

Path 2: Algebra I, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry/analytic geometry (optional)

Path 3: Geometry, algebra II, trigonometry/analytic geometry, then calculus, advanced placement calculus or advanced placement statistics (optional)

Although most schools offer mathematics courses in the order listed above, other course paths may be available. For example, another option available at some schools is college preparatory problem-based mathematics, an integrated mathematics program that:

• Focuses on problem-centered, integrated units and long-term, open-ended investigations.

• Focuses on developing conceptual understanding of mathematics.

• Integrates content of algebra I, geometry, algebra II and introductory statistics courses over a three-year program.

• Integrates graphing calculators (and/or computers) into the curriculum.

• Requires a more active role for the student, working together in class or independently at home.

• Involves extensive oral and written communication.

The following are brief descriptions of four mathematics courses taken by most students:

Pre-algebra

• Solves problems involving integers, rational numbers and sequences.

• Solves and graphs linear equations.

• Translates, rotates, reflects and dilates figures in the coordinate plane.

• Finds surface areas and volumes of 3-D objects.

• Designs experiments, analyzes data and interprets graphical representations of data.

• Solves problems involving permutations, combinations and probability.

Geometry

• Makes and evaluates conjectures and solves problems involving classes of 2-D and 3-D objects.

• Writes simple proofs.

• Translates, rotates, reflects and dilates objects in the coordinate plane.

• Uses spatial visualization to solve problems involving 2-D and 3-D objects.

• Uses vector operations to solve problems.

Algebra I

• Solves problems involving linear and quadratic equations, and sequences.

• Solves problems involving systems of equations.

• Performs operations on functions and radicals.

• Graphs and interprets linear, quadratic and exponential functions.

• Analyzes data and interprets graphical representations of data.

• Solves problems involving permutations, combinations and probability.

Algebra II

• Solves systems of quadratics including complex numbers, equations in 3 variables and matrices.

• Graphs and interprets systems of equations, quadratic relations, absolute value, exponential, logarithmic and polynomial functions.

• Performs operations on rational and radical functions.

• Analyzes data including standard deviation.

• Solves problems involving permutations, combinations and probability.

• Uses technology appropriately.

Source: state Department of Education

Next week: A look at high school social studies standards