Upper School Mathematics

Our mathematics program gives each student a thorough grounding in the concepts of higher mathematics. All St. Thomas’ students are capable of mastering elementary and advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Click here to see a chart of math progression from the 6th through 12th grades.

Some students require a more measured approach while others are able to cover the material more rapidly. We seek to use these differences to provide complete and challenging instruction to each student in this critical field. For those with the interest and ability, the program culminates with preparation for the Advanced Placement test in Calculus AB and BC.

NOTE: During the 2006-2007 school year we transitioned to the class sequencing listed below. Students in the 10th grade who had already completed Algebra I and Geometry took Algebra II. Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, students will receive integrated instruction in algebra and geometry.

Department Members

Mrs. Gay Chaudoir
Mr. Henry Irvington
Mr. George Janssen
Mrs. Sara Miller
Mrs. Jan Richter
Mr. Gordon Sampson, Dept. Head

Courses Offered

Freshman Year
Algebra, Geometry 2A & 2B
Students do a more detailed study of quadratic function, and work with polynomial functions, radical functions, absolute value functions, and rational polynomial functions. They begin to explore plain geometry topics involving special polygons. Their study of special right triangles leads to the development of the fundamental trigonometric ratios. Students also continue their study of solid geometry and probability and statistics.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 1A & 1B
or Algebra I

Text: Algebra I

Algebra, Geometry 2A & 2B Accelerated
The accelerated track covers the same topics as the regular class, but makes a more detailed study of the trigonometric ratios, ultimately developing the basic trigonometric functions.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 1A & 1B Accel.
or Algebra I

Sophomore Year

Algebra, Geometry 3A & 3B
Students continue their work with polynomial functions, radical functions, and rational polynomial functions. They are introduced to trigonometric functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and conics. They begin to explore plain geometry topics involving circles and tangents.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 2A & 2B Accel.
or Algebra I and Geometry

Algebra, Geometry 3A & 3B Accelerated
The accelerated track covers the same topics as the regular class, but also addresses exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and conics in more depth.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 2A & 2B
or Algebra I and Geometry

Junior Year
Finite Math:
This is an applied math course, designed for students with no intention of studying math, science or engineering in college. The course examines linear algebra,matrices, linear programming, finance, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 3A & 3B
or Algebra II and Geometry
Text: Finite Mathematics: for the Managerial Life and Social Sciences, Tan

Precalculus:
Topics include evaluating quadratic functions, imaginary and complex numbers, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, laws of sines and cosines, and conic sections.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 3A & 3B
or Algebra II and Geometry

Text: Precalculus, Sullivan

Calculus:
Topics for this class include limits, derivatives of polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and indefinite and definite integrals.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 3A & 3B Accel.

Text: Workbook Provided by Instructor

Senior Year

Calculus:
Topics for this class include limits, derivatives of polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and indefinite and definite integrals.

Prerequisite: Precalculus

Text: Workbook Provided by Instructor

AP Calculus AB/BC:
This class is a continuation of Calculus and prepares students for the Calculus BC Advanced Placement Test. New topics include, transcendental functions, infinite sequences and series, an introduction to differential equations, vector calculations and multiple integrals.

Prerequisite: Calculus or Precalculus with approval of the instructor and department head

Text: Workbook Provided by Instructor

AP Statistics:
This class prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Statistics. Topics include statistical inference, probability, normal distributions and confidence intervals, chi-square tests and statistical modeling.

Prerequisite: Algebra, Geometry 3A & 3B

Text: Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, Moore and McCabe

Electives
Logic I:
Goals of this class are to introduce contemporary symbolic logic, develop an awareness of logical arguments in everyday life, and strengthen an individual's innate ability to analyze these arguments.

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior

Text: Introduction to Logic: Propositional Logic, Pospesel