Albert Einstein has been quoted as saying, “Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” We agree! Trinity’s Upper School math faculty aspires to teach math in an environment highlighting the beauty and structure of its discipline. While younger students acquire the fundamentals of math, emphasis in the older grades is placed upon application and synthesis. Our skilled instructors pull from a wide variety of methods to ensure that ability levels and learning styles are supported. Whether it’s didactic instruction, small group discussion, or independent work time in an environment where the teacher becomes coach, students have opportunities to explore mathematical truth.

 

Geometry

This course assumes that the student has demonstrated a solid foundation in algebra. Topics include the relationships between points, lines and planes; logical thinking and proof writing; congruency; ratios, proportions, and similarity; parallel and perpendicular lines and the coordinate plane; basic right triangle trigonometry; area and volume of two and three dimensional figures.  The instructor designs projects and real world applications all throughout the course so students can more readily see geometry in the world around them. *Honors course available

Text: Geometry, Prentice Hall Mathematics

 

Algebra I

This course is designed to broaden the concepts learned in Pre-Algebra and covers all the essential topics needed to be successful in Geometry and Algebra II. Topics include graphs, functions, systems of equations, and quadratics. Students will problem solve, work with formulas, manually and electronically calculate, work cooperatively and work independently to find solutions. Students will be encouraged to verbalize their questions in a safe environment of inquiry.

Text: Algebra I, Prentice Hall Mathematics

 

Algebra II

This course assumes that the student has demonstrated proficiency in Algebra 1. All essential topics needed to be successful in College Algebra, Statistics, and Pre-Calculus will be covered. Topics include matrices, determinants, probability, statistics and other discrete mathematics. The instructor is especially skilled in helping students acquire problem solving skills, individual and cooperative  work skills, and study skills. *Honors course available

Text: Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, Prentice Hall Mathematics

 

Pre-Calculus

This course prepares students who intend to study calculus. The course objectives include helping students understand the fundamental concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry in order to foreshadow the important ideas of calculus. Topics include: trigonometric functions; sequences and series, limits, probability and statistics; polynomial, power and rational functions; exponential, logistic and logarithmic functions; functions and graphs. *Honors course available

Text: Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, Demana, Waits, Foley, and Kennedy – 6th edition

 

Statistics & Modeling

This course assumes that the student has demonstrated mastery in Algebra II. Participants will be introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Statistics provides tools for describing variability in data and for making informed decisions that take it into account. This course is filled with intentional real world application and study. *Honors course available

Text: Stats: Modeling the World, Pearson Addison Wesley, Bock/Velleman/DeVeaux

 

AP Calculus AB

This course assumes mastery of Pre-Calculus. AP Calculus is equivalent to one semester of college calculus where the knowledge of slope and area from Algebra and Geometry is extended. Calculus leads to an ability to study the change over time through measurement. This math discipline often leads to further study in STEM and business fields.

Text: Single Variable Calculus, Volume 1, Freeman