Mathematics

Department Personnel

Mr. Roy Reeves Math Department Chair Phone: 421-2080 ext. 515	Mr. Richard DiGeronimo Teacher Phone: 421-2080 ext. 503
Mr. Art Bortnick Teacher Phone: 421-2080 ext. 344

The Department of Mathematics seeks to contribute to the achievement of the general objectives of Benedictine High School by:

Providing instruction in mathematics as an independent area of knowledge
Providing preparation for study in other departments, since mathematics is the language in which many of the ideas of the natural and social sciences are expressed
Providing experience in deductive reasoning, critical analysis and problem solving
Providing preparation for college. A rigorous background in mathematics will give students a substantial introduction to an immense area of interesting and useful ideas. It will equip them for college and future careers in business, industry, government, or education.

For more information on courses offered by the Department of Mathematics, contact Benedictine High School at (216) 421-2080.

Algebra (Pre)

The students will get a good grounding in whole numbers, fractions, decimals and mixed numbers. Also covered will be basic systems of measurement, computing with percentages, ratios and proportions, operations with fractions and exponents, simplification of algebra expressions and including factoring and solutions of linear and quadratic equations.

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 09

Algebra

Students study the Basic Algebraic concepts of set variables and properties, progressing through operations with fractions, algebraic operations, exponents, simplification of algebra expressions, including factoring, the theory of lines and slope, solution of quadratic equations by formula and graphing linear equations.

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 09

Algebra (Honors)

The students begin with a review of basic algebraic concepts of operations with fractions, exponents, and simplification of algebra expressions. Students continue through factoring, theory of line and slope, solution of quadratic equations by factoring, formula and completing the square, simplifying radicals and graphing linear and quadratic equations.Weighted Credit.

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 09

Geometry

Students will explore the concepts of plane geometry integrated with space and coordinate geometry linked with algebra. Angles, congruent and similar triangles, parallel lines, circles, properties of quadrilaterals and Pythagorean Theorem will be studied. Formulas for the areas of all basic plane figures will be used plus an exploration of logic structures, constructions, probability and ratios and proportions will be covered.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 10

Geometry (Honors)

The student will learn the basic postulates of Euclidean Geometry using the 2 column proof structure of logic involving angles, congruent and similar triangles, parallel lines, circles and arcs and Pythagorean Theorem integrated with constructions. Formulas for areas of all basic geometric plane figures will be learned and formulas for volumes of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres will be explored.
PREREQUISITE: Honors Pre-Calculus and Teacher Recommendation

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 10

Geometry (Informal)

The student will be exposed to an exploration of all formal Geometric concepts in an investigative and application-oriented format. Students discover principles of perpendicular, reflections, symmetry through hands-on work rather than formal proofs. Terminology and concepts are developed as in a formal course. Repeated use of measures, protractors, compasses and LOGO computer graphics enhance the experience throughout.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 10-11

Algebra II

The student will explore graphing of rational functions, methods of substitutions, determinants, analysis and solution of word problems, finding roots of polynomials and using complex numbers. Also covered will be arithmetic and geometric progressions and probability, exponential and logarithmic functions and an introduction to Trigonometry.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I and Geometry

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 11

Calculus (Pre)

The student begins with graphing of rational functions, methods of substitution, determinants, analysis and solution of word problems, roots of polynomials and complex numbers, arithmetic and geometric progressions plus exponential and logarithmic functions. Trigonometric function, solutions of right triangles, radian and degree angle measure, double angle, half angle and addition formulas, law of sines and cosines plus inverse trigonometric functions and solutions of trigonometric functions are also covered.
PREREQUISITE: Honors Algebra I and teacher recommendation.Weighted Credit.

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 11

Math Topics

In this course the student will review math topics of everyday life and further their understanding in the areas of graphing and using graphs, functions, system of equations, inequalities, series and sequences, the binomial theorem plus some probability and statistics. Particular student weaknesses or interests can be addressed as an added part to the class curriculum.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra II

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 12

Trigonometry

Here the student is presented with solid geometry, trigonometry and an introduction to calculus. The emphasis is on trigonometric functions, solution of right triangles, radian and degree angular measure, law of sines and cosines, inverse trig functions and the solution of trigonometric equations. Analytic geometry, limits, continuity, derivatives of algebraic function and tangents and normal lines will be explored.
PREREQUISITE: Algebra II

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 12

Calculus (Honors)

Students will study real numbers, limits, continuity, compute the derivatives of algebraic functions, explore tangent and normal lines, extremes of functions, mean value theorem, related rates, definite integrals, areas and volumes and arc length. Some applications to physics and mechanics will occur.
PREREQUISITE: Honors Geometry and Teacher Recommendation. Weighted Credit.

Class Credit: 1

Class Grade Level: 12