Math Department

Department Chairperson:  Brother Casey

ALGEBRA I

Brother Casey (Class of 1963), Brother O'Toole, Mr. Gomez, Mr. McCullough

Algebra... an integrated approach is designed to be a one semester course (Sept.-Jan.), concluding in the taking of the Algebra Regents in January.  Thematerial covered on the Regents Exam is divided into eleven content areas which are taken directly from the New York State Standards.

ALGEBRA I   9-1 through 9-2

2nd semester... is designed to increase SAT - taking achievement.  There is a more concentrated effort in understanding word problems, a more in depth approach to Algebra, and an introductory approach to Geometry.

ALGEBRA I  9-3 through 9-6

Algebra... an integrated approach is designed to be a two semester ( one-year) course, concluding in the taking of the Algebra Regents Exam at the end of this school year. The material covered on the Regents Exam is divided into eleven content areas which are taken directly from the New York State Standards.

GEOMETRY

Mr. Gaynord

The Geometry course will include all topics of the Regents Geometry Curriculum with enhancements. The course will be augmented by using the Geometer's Sketchpad Software (Key Press). The text for this course will be Geometry by Ann XavierGantert published by Amsco. Students are expected to sit for the Geometry Regents Exam in June.

Algebra II / Trigonometry Course Description
Mr. Pevey

The Algebra II discipline complements and expands the mathematical content and concepts of Algebra I and Geometry. It emphasizes finding solutions for and graphing, polynomial functions, inequalities, systems of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, trigonometric functions, and conic sections. We will also explore matrices, the complex number system and trigonometric relationships.
Class activities will incorporate problem solving competencies in algebraic operations, communicating mathematical thinking, and modeling algebraic reasoning in real-life situations.
Successful completion of Algebra II will prepare the student to take Pre-Calculus or Advanced Topics

COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Mr. Garcia (Class of 1986)

(Prerequisite: The successful completion of Algebra 2/ Trigonometry Non- Regents course)

During the first semester, this course is aligned with the Calculus course in preparation for the SAT exams given in early November. Our main goal in the first semester is to review as many problems as possible before the exam is given. These problems will come from various sources including their textbooks, internet and real world problems. Therefore, the students will become proficient handling different types of problems including word problems through algebra. Students will review over 1000 problems before they take the SAT.

The second marking period lends itself as the foundation for the rest of the school year. Topics will be covered from their textbooks, internet and other various sources. The
Course build on topics covered in Algebra 2/Trigonometry but also emphasizes on topics like functions, imaginary numbers, matrices, equation of a circle and its applications, Cramer’s Rule and other theories. Many of these topics are used in other fields such as accounting, architecture, and engineering. Students will see first hand how math relates in these fields through word problems, everyday real life experiences in the financial market and classroom projects. Again, the goal here is to prepare our young men for the real world by ensuring that we give them the tools necessary to help them acquire the skills needed to demonstrate mathematical reasoning ability when solving problems.

CALCULUS I

Mr. Sullivan (Principal / Class of 1973)

[ PREREQUISITE : THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALGEBRA,GEOMETRY,ALGEBRA/TRIGONOMETRY AND THE PASSING OF ALL 3 REGENTS EXAMS IN THOSE DISCIPLINES ]

The first marking period is devoted to preparation for the November SAT exam. Students are challenged with all aspects of the exam including test- taking strategies, analyzing , comprehending and transferring word usage into mathematical concepts.

The first month of the second marking period covers elements of Pre-Calculus including but not limited to topics such as understanding applying and graphing linear, quadratic, 3th,4th,5th degree equations; slopes and its effects on parallel and perpendicular lines ; secants, tangents ; parametric equations ; distance in space to fixed positions.

The remainder of the second quarter and the entire second semester is devoted to all elements of Calculus I including but not limited to the average rate of change , the instantaneous rate of change ; the derivative and its applications; differential equations ; limits and their applications; the product ,quotient and chain rules of differentiation ; introduction of the 1st and 2nd Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; Archimedes Rule; forms of integration, area under functions ; graphing and determining the area between two functions and matrices .

Saturday tutoring sessions are provided; projects and group assessment are required.

ACCOUNTING

Mr. Gomez (Class of 1977)

Accounting is designed to be an introductory course, exposing students to a new subject area that may lead to a career choice or at least an advantage in a College tract that includes a basic accounting course. The subject mater is quite varied. Students will learn in small doses select aspects of accounting, such asthe dual entry bookkeeping system, basic auditing, the different forms of a business, and elementary
accounting principles. In addition, the course covers select financial statements, and what they convey to the
reader, basic cost accounting concepts and problem solving. It also covers fundamental Federal taxation.
The main purpose of this course is to make our students financially aware.