Mathematics
Mathematics Major Requirements
The mathematics major at Gateway is for students interested in pursuing a future career in engineering, science, and business. Students are encouraged to major in math and in another major to be college-ready. The requirements for the math major include enrollement in at least 3 honors classes (geometry, algebra 2, and pre-calculus) and enrollment in a college-preparatory course such as AP calculus, AP statistics, or college algebra. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all their math courses.
Proposed Course Sequence
Below you will find the various courses offered at Gateway STEM, along with their pre-requisite courses. Students can earn college credit if they take the advanced placement exam in calculus or statistics and score a 3, 4, or 5, thereby qualifying for college credit at most post-secondary schools. Enrollment in the dual credit college algebra course means a student will earn 3 college credits when they pass with a C or higher.
Pathway #1
9th Grade - Algebra 1
10th Grade - Algebra 2
11th Grade - Geometry
12th Grade - Pre-College Algebra or College Algebra
Pathway #2
9th Grade - Algebra AB
10th Grade - Algebra CD
11th Grade - Algebra 2
12th Grade - Geometry
Pathway #3
9th Grade - Algebra 1
10th Grade - Honors Algebra 2 & Honors Geometry
11th Grade - Honors Pre-Calculus
12th Grade - AP Calculus or AP Statistics or College Algebra
Course Descriptions
| Title | Credit |
Course Description |
| Algebra 1 |
.5 |
Algebra 1 will help students acquire an understanding of numbers and increased proficiency in mathematical operations and algebraic notations. Students will study real numbers, operations, exponents, rations, proportions, patterns, graphs, linear equations, inequalities, systems of linear equations and quadratic equations. The course will also introduce students to factoring, angle relationships, the Pythagorean Theorem, data collection, data plots, sample space, and probability. A portion of the course will also be devoted to a data project, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of survey design, data collection, and graphical representation of information. |
|
Geometry |
.5 |
Geometry will help students acquire an understanding of geometric and spatial relationships. Students will study real numbers, operations, and patterns. They will investigate angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, two- and three-dimensional objects, surface area, volume, Cartesian coordinates, sample space, probability distribution, constructions, transformations, and symmetries. The course will also introduce students to inductive and deductive reasoning, which they will use to establish the validity of conjectures, prove theorems, and critique the arguments of others. |
|
Algebra 2 |
.5 |
Algebra 2 will help students acquire an understanding of real world applications of mathematical procedures as they prepare for higher level mathematic courses. Students will study real numbers, operations, and patterns as they extend their understanding of algebraic concepts. They will work with matrices, complex numbers, logarithms, polynomial functions and their inverse, systems of equations and inequalities, transformations, mathematical models, scatter-plots, and statistics. The course will also introduce students to the concept of limits. |
|
Pre-Calculus |
.5 |
Pre-Calculus will consist of one semester of Trigonometry and one semester of Analytic Geometry. Students will study real and complex number systems, operations, and patterns as they extend their understanding of functions and relations. They will work with matrices, vectors, logarithms, angles in degrees and radians, trigonometric functions and graphs, the Cartesian and Polar coordinate systems, transformations and limits. The course will also provide students with opportunities to extend their mathematical knowledge through modeling and activities that prepare them for mathematical careers in our technology-oriented society. |
|
Calculus |
.5 |
This course includes a thorough treatment of elementary functions and an introduction to the fundamental theorems and methods of calculus and the types of problems it can be used to solve. The course introduces the nature of and the use of the derivative and the indefinite and definite integral. Continuous functions and logarithmic and exponential functions are considered. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus |