BHS Mathematics Curriculum
The mathematics program leads students through mastering mathematical concepts and abstract reasoning as critical components in learning higher math and science courses. Our full range of courses is designed to accommodate the varied levels of our students, and give students the ability to approach and solve mathematical problems with understanding and confidence. College-level courses are offered as an option for students who are interested in higher level math courses, while real-world mathematics courses are available for students interested in business-related careers and consumer applications.
Geometry
Geometry is the study of space, shape, and measurement. It is more visual and tactile than other mathematics subjects. Students will learn about constructing logical arguments based on basic definitions and assumptions. Skills taught in this course include logical reasoning and proofs, congruent and right triangles, parallel lines and their properties, similar polygons, circles, area, perimeter and volume, transformations, elementary trigonometry, Pythagorean Theorem, slope and y-intercept, and different types of angles and their unique properties.
Algebra II
This course offers an overview of basic properties of numbers as well as mathematical functions that include polynomials with degree greater than 1, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, inverse functions, absolute value functions, inequalities, and a basic overview of trigonometry. In all types of functions, students learn how to simplify, solve equations/inequalities of that type, graph, find important points (which include y-intercepts, x-intercepts, asymptotes, vertices, maximums, minimums, intersection points, and turning points), graph inequalities of various types, develop rules relating a function’s algebraic expression to its graphical expression, and basic applications to word problems.
Pre-Calculus
This course is the last in the high school sequence before calculus. It includes all basic topics that were introduced during Algebra I and Algebra II, but in greater depth and difficulty. Trigonometry and Statistics are also a large part of the curriculum in this course. General topics covered include linear functions, sequences, solving equations graphically and algebraically, quadratic equations, polynomial equations, absolute value equations, square root equations, functions, graphs of functions, inverse functions, graphs of polynomial equations, complex numbers, exponential equations, logarithmic equations, trigonometric functions, trigonometric graphs, trigonometric identities, and basic statistics.
Advanced Placement Calculus
This course is the equivalent of a Calculus I course at an accredited college and is designed to provide an intensive study of all advanced algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus topics. The course follows the strict guidelines specified for the AP Calculus AB examination and it moves at a much faster pace than a standard high school class. Main topics include finding limits from tables, finding limits graphically, finding limits algebraically, taking derivatives algebraically, taking derivatives via limits, estimating derivatives via graphs, applying derivatives to rates of change, distances, related rates, integrals, areas under curves, areas between curves, volumes of revolution, differential equations, slope fields, and exponential growth.
Statistics - College in High School
This is a full year course which follows the same syllabus as the one semester course offered at the University of Pittsburgh. Students have the option of registering with the University of Pittsburgh for four college credits. This course covers a wide range of topics that together act as an introduction to the science of statistics. Topics include variables, types of variables, one variable descriptive statistics, association and regression, causation and evidence, probability: random variables and their distributions, distribution of sample proportion and distribution of sample mean from random samples, confidence intervals for means and proportions in one sample, tests of hypotheses about means, one-sample, paired sample, and two-sample t-tests, and ANOVA tests.
Business Math
Business Math revisits and reinforces math fundamentals (arithmetic, fractions, percents, decimals, and algebraic equations). This study is motivated by an exploration of business and finance. In this course students will learn about banking, budgeting, credit, taxes, mortgages, and more. They will use real documents such as paystubs, inventories, income statements, utility bills, banking forms, tax forms, credit applications, contracts, mortgage documents, and stock quotes tables. Students will also learn to use spreadsheet software.