Mathematics Course Descriptions

Fundamentals of Mathematics - FOM is a transitional course in our math curriculum. It's designed to automate the upper-level skills of arithmetic while introducing abstract concepts. Cadets who successfully complete the course will have the necessary preparation to be successful in Algebra I.

Algebra I - This course is designed to teach Cadets to be successful mathematical problem solvers. Mathematical problem solving is simply the use of mathematical concepts in new situations. The Cadets will learn by working carefully designed problems that lead to the use of productive thought patterns which utilize concepts. The philosophy of the book is that the Cadets learn by doing, and that Cadets may not necessarily learn a new concept of the day that it is first introduced. Therefore, Cadets will learn by doing problems repetitively in the various lessons throughout the book. A great deal of problem solving will be done in class and in homework assignments. The objective is for the Cadets to achieve automatically, where concepts immediately come to mind when solving new problems. There is much repetition in each of the lessons to help achieve this goal. This methodology has been successful in helping Cadets master the application of concepts necessary for problem solving. Success can only be achieved if the Cadet successfully masters each problem set.

Algebra II - This course is designed to prepare Cadets for Pre-Calculus. The study of Geometry is integrated with the study of Algebra. The Cadet will continue to study area and volume and be introduced to more abstract geometric concepts. The Cadet will review prior algebra concepts and proceed through trigonometric ratios, rectangular and polar coordinates and to changing from one coordinate system to the other.

Geometry - The course begins with an introduction to the basic concepts of geometry, such as lines, planes and points. As the course progresses, Cadets also study various geometric shapes, developing an understanding of their properties. Proofs, one of the most challenging tasks Cadets undertake in Geometry, are introduced in a gradual step-by-step method. One of the purposes of this course is to enhance the logical thinking skills of the Cadets.

Pre-Calculus - This course provides in-depth coverage of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, and upper level algebraic concepts. It also completes the study of Geometry which is spread out more than three years in the Saxon Math series. Cadets expand their understanding of mathematical concepts by the use of symbolic seasoning and analytical methods to represent mathematical situations, to express generalizations, and to study mathematical concepts and the relationships among them. The Cadets use functions, equations, and limits as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as a means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of mathematical relationships. Cadets will connect ideas in Geometry Probability, Statistics, Trigonometry and Advanced Algebra.

Advanced Mathematics - Cadets accelerating in Math, with a teacher's recommendation, may take the first year (Pre-calculus) and then proceed to calculus. All other Cadets will continue with Adv. Math. The successful completion of this sequence will prepare Cadets for Calculus as a college freshman. Pre-calculus and Adv. Math provide in-depth coverage of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, and upper level algebraic concepts. Cadets expand their understanding of mathematical concepts by the use of symbolic reasoning. Analytical methods are used to represent mathematical situations, to express generalizations, and to study mathematical concepts and the relationships among them. The Cadets use functions, equations, and limits as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as a means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of mathematical relationships. Cadets will connect ideas in Geometry, Probability, Statistics, Trigonometry and Advanced Algebra.

Calculus - An advanced placement (AP) course in Calculus consists of a full high school academic year of that is comparable to Calculus courses in college and universities. It is expected that Cadets who take an AP course in Calculus will seek college credit, college placement or both, from institutions of higher learning.

The dual enrollment calculus course follows T.S.T.C syllabus. Students receive college credit and high school credit at the same time. This is the first course in the standard calculus sequence. This course is primarily concerned with developing the student's understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. This course covers the concept of the limit, functions, continuity, differentiation and its application, antiderivatives, the definite integral, and many applications of integration to graphs.

AP Statistics - AP Statistics is a broad-based study of all data. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce Cadets to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Cadets will be exposed to four major concepts: exploring data, planning a study, probability as it relates to distribution of data, and inferential reasoning and modeling. Statistics is a combination of the calculations, deductive thinking, and rigor of mathematics, the decision-making needs of business and medicine, and the investigative, experimental laboratory method of the sciences. What a Cadet learns in this course will help him succeed in the twenty-first century. Cadets who successfully complete the course and AP examination may receive credit, advanced placement, or both for an introductory college statistics course.

Pre-Cal(honors) /Advanced Math /College Algebra - The dual enrollment college algebra course follows T.S.T.C syllabus. Students receive college credit and high school credit at the same time. This course provides the foundation in college algebra essential for all subsequent mathematics courses. Topics include polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.

E-mail Academics (academics@mma-tx.org)