Program of Studies - Hunterdon Central Regional High School

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Students are encouraged to own a graphing calculator. The district recommends the use of TI-84, TI-84+, or
silver editions. Students may NOT use TI-89 or TI-92 in class. Starting in the 2010-2011 school year, some courses
will be offered as dual enrollment programs with Raritan Valley Community College. Please contact your counselor for
more information.
#311 - HONORS ALGEBRA 2 - 5 CREDITS (MTH 311 HON ALGEBRA 2)
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 in 8th grade and completion of HC placement evaluation
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation, a score of at least “Proficient” on the Algebra 1 EOC Exam, and
meeting district cut-off scores on an Honors Algebra evaluation administered in early June.
The emphasis in Honors Algebra 2, which is a weighted course, is placed on the critical thinking skills necessary to
understanding mathematical theory as well as the concrete manipulative and graphing skills necessary to mastery of content.
Topics include: set theory; factoring; polynomials; rational and irrational expressions; linear and quadratic equations; conic
sections; inequalities; systems; relations and functions (exponential and polynomial); complex numbers; and logarithms.
Technology is used for investigation and support of algebraic topics.
#320 – HONORS GEOMETRY G&T - 5 CREDITS (Gifted and Talented) (MTH 320 HONG/T GEOMETRY)
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Recommendation by the Algebra 2 instructor, and satisfactory completion of predetermined criteria
during an interview and examination process.
This is a very rigorous (weighted) course, which includes a formal treatment of Euclidean plane and solid geometry, as well as
exposure to a variety of non-Euclidean geometrics. A great emphasis is placed on critical problem-solving skills, special
projects, and various computer activities throughout the development.
#321 – HONORS GEOMETRY- 5 CREDITS (MTH 321 HON GEOMETRY)
Grades: 9-10
Prerequisite: #311 Honors Algebra 2
Honors Geometry is a weighted course, which emphasizes topics inherent to Euclidean plane and solid geometry. A formal
treatment of deductive proof is presented throughout the course, with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking
skills. Topics presented include segments; angles; parallel and perpendicular lines and planes; similar and congruent polygons;
right triangles; circles; areas of polygons; areas and volumes of prisms, cylinders, cones, pyramids, and spheres; and coordinate
and transformational geometry. The computer is used as a tool for investigation and discovery.
#341 – HONORS ANALYSIS - 2.5 CREDITS (MTH 341 HON ANALYSIS)
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: #311 Honors Algebra 2 and #320 Honors Geometry G&T or #321 Honors Geometry
Recommendation: We encourage students to challenge themselves and recognize that “academic rigor” is one of
the key determinants to learning. Students are also encouraged to evaluate the demands of their entire schedule
when considering this course. Students should contemplate the risk involved when choosing courses that build
upon previous courses and recognize that prior performance impacts the ability to achieve at the same level in
subsequent courses. Specifically, our data shows that students scoring less than a “B” in the prerequisite #311
Hon Algebra 2 generally receive a “C” or below in this course. In addition, please understand that once a student
has selected this course, his/her ability to make a subsequent level change is dependant upon seat availability.
This weighted course is designed to help prepare the student for Advanced Placement Calculus. Topics include: sequences and
series; mathematical induction; complex numbers; polynomial functions and inequalities; exponential and logarithmic
functions, and mathematical modeling. The computer and graphing calculator are used as tools for analysis of functions and
their characteristics.
58