Mathematics

Vision

At Garces, we are aware of the ever new and expanding disciplines in science and business. The Garces Mathematics Department feels a strong foundation in mathematics is essential to meeting the challenges of a technology-oriented world. The study of mathematics will emphasize reasoning, logic, accuracy, reliability, and the utilization of technology. This develops the intellectual powers of the Garces student, not only for mathematics, but also for other fields.

Goals

The Garces Memorial Math Department recognizes what an exciting time this is to be teaching mathematics. Changes in technology, including computers and calculators, have altered the way in which mathematics is being taught. The department strives to keep current with new trends in teaching without forsaking the fundamentals upon which all mathematical knowledge and problem solving is based. In the more advanced courses, students are required to be well-versed in the use of graphing technology while this technology is presented to students at all levels.

The Math Department offers a college preparatory and an Honors/Advanced Placement sequence for students. More importantly however, is the individual attention and help provided to students. Teachers are available at various times for extra help and students are able to receive extra assistance as needed and deserved.

Graduation Requirements

All Students who graduate from Garces Memorial High School must successfully complete 3 years of Mathematics.
Students must complete a minimum of Algebra 2 (P). 4 years of mathematics is strongly recommended.

Algebra 1 Challenge Exam Review

Mathematics Course Catalog

Algebra I (P)

This course, taken over two semesters, satisfies the Algebra requirement at Garces Memorial High School and that of the University of California. It includes basic set theory, real number systems, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factors, functions, and graphs.

Prerequisites: Students are placed in Algebra I based on their High School Placement Exam score. In lieu of taking Algebra 1 during the year, a student may successfully pass this Garces Math course in summer school.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Geometry (P)

This is a one-year course offered to those students who satisfactorily complete Algebra. Using geometry as a model, this course stresses the development and understanding of logical methods of thinking.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Geometry (H)

Honors Geometry consists of a study of the concepts of space geometry, plane geometry, and coordinate geometry. This course fulfills the one-year geometry requirement of the University of California.

Prerequisites: Incoming Freshmen must score a 90% or above on the Algebra 1 Challenge Exam or current freshmen who have passed Algebra 1(P) with an A or higher for 1st Semester and has had teacher recommendation.

Requirements: Students must maintain a “B-“or above grade to remain in this course.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Algebra 2 (P)

Algebra II is a one-year course offered to students as an extension of Algebra I and Geometry. It is a more complex study of Algebra designed to prepare the student for Math Analysis and Calculus, as well as develop the skills needed for problem solving in Chemistry and Physics. Algebra II is required for four-year college/university candidates.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Algebra 2 (H)

Algebra 2 (H) is a two-semester honors level course that will give students a solid foundation for Math Analysis and, ultimately, Calculus. It is an integral part of the honors mathematics sequence at Garces Memorial High School, a program that prepares students for future study, and challenges them to excel in their studies. Students will be expected to understand theory, have proficiency in technique, and be able to apply this knowledge in various fields. Students who successfully complete this course choose two paths--certain students move on to a full year of Honors Math Analysis, while others enroll in a summer session of Math Analysis, and follow up with Calculus in the fall semester.

Prerequisites: Students must have passed Geometry (H) with a B or higher for 1st Semester in addition to teacher recommendation or passed Geometry (P) with an A or higher with teacher recommendation

Requirements: Students must maintain a “B-“ or above grade to remain in this course.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Algebra 2 (G)

Algebra 2 (G) is a one-year course offered to students as an extension of Algebra I and Geometry. It is recommended for students who have passed both Algebra 1 and Geometry, but who have had difficulty with those courses. Students will acquire the same material as Algebra 2 but at a slower pace. The students are given basic problems from the book to solve, whereas, the college prep Algebra 2 and Honors are given more challenging equations to solve. This course does not meet the CSU/UC entry requirements

Business Math

Business Math is a two-semester course designed to be rigorous and relevant to the real world, exposing students to the mathematical knowledge and skills they will need for future success regardless of their career choices. By combining algebraic and graphical approaches with practical business and personal finance applications, this course is meant to motivate high school students to explore algebraic thinking patterns and functions in a financial context and to be actively involved in applying mathematical ideas and procedures to their everyday lives

Prerequisites: To enroll in this course, students must have completed Algebra 2

Satisfies both UC/CSU entry requirement.

Math Analysis (P)

Math Analysis is a two-semester college preparatory course that will give students a solid foundation for Calculus. It is an integral part of the mathematics sequence at Garces Memorial High School, a program that prepares students for future study, and for everyday mathematical usage. Having completed this course, the students will be ready to continue in mathematical studies. This course may or may not be an elective, depending on how the student chooses to fulfill the mathematics requirements.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Math Analysis (H)

Honors Math Analysis is a two-semester honors level course that will give students a solid foundation for Calculus. It is an integral part of the honors mathematics sequence at Garces Memorial High School, a program that prepares students for future study, and challenges them to excel in their studies. Students will be expected to understand theory, be proficient in technique, and be able to apply this knowledge to various fields. Having completed this course, the students will be ready to continue in advanced mathematical studies. This course may or may not be an elective, depending on how the student chooses to fulfill the mathematics requirements.

Prerequisites: To enroll in this course, students must have met the following requirements: 1) Successful completion of Algebra 2 (H) with a grade of B or better, or successful completion of Algebra 2 (P) with a grade of 95% or higher and recommendation of Algebra 2 Instructor.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Calculus (P)

Calculus is a two-semester course. This course is designed to be a review of Precalculus with an introduction to calculus. This course will also emphasize the development of the technique necessary for students to continue in mathematics, sciences, or engineering. This course may or may not be an elective, depending on how the student chooses to fulfill the mathematics requirements.

Prerequisites: To enroll in this course, students must have met the following requirements: 1) Successful Completion of Math Analysis with a grade of B- or better. 2) Recommendation of Math Analysis Instructor.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Advanced Placement Calculus (AP)

AP Calculus is a two-semester advanced placement course that will cover the entire "AP" syllabus put out by the College Board. This course will attempt to balance theory, technique, and applications of Calculus. Students will be expected to master definitions of the concepts and proofs of the main Calculus theorems. This course will also emphasize the development of the techniques necessary for students to continue in mathematics, sciences, or engineering. This course may or may not be an elective, depending on how the student chooses to fulfill the mathematics requirements.

Prerequisites: To enroll in this course, students must have met the following requirements: 1) Successful Completion of Honors Math Analysis with a grade of B or better for 1st semester or passed math analysis (P) with a 95% or higher for 1st Semester 2) Recommendation of Honors Math Analysis Instructor. 3) Permission of Calculus Instructor / Math Department Chair.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement. c- Mathematics

Statistics

Statistics is a two-semester math course. This course will enable students to gain an understanding of statistics, an insight to research methods, and apply statistics to life situations. This discipline is an introduction to the study of probability, interpretation of data, and fundamental statistical problem solving. Mastery of this academic content will provide students with a solid foundation in statistics.

Prerequisites: All students must have completed Algebra II (P) with a grade of C or better & submitted application.

Satisfies UC/CSU entry requirement.