Academics : Math

Which Mathematics Course?

To assist students and DLs in planning schedules for the 2008-2009 school year.

Prepared by Dick Peller,
Mathematics Department Head

For students now Enrolled in Algebra 1/Physics…

Students who have not taken Geometry should select Geometry( MAT 211).
Students who have done very well in Algebra and who are especially interested in mathematics should consider Honors Geometry (MAT 221).

Students who have credit for geometry should take Algebra II:
* Those students who have done very well in Algebra I should consider Honors Algebra II (MAT 321).
* Most students should enroll in Algebra II (MAT 311).
* Students who have had considerable difficulty with Algebra I should take Basic Algebra II (MAT 301).

For students now Enrolled in Basic Algebra 1...
Students who have not taken Geometry should select Geometry( MAT 211).

Students who have credit for geometry should take Algebra II:
* Most students should enroll in Basic Algebra II (MAT 301).
* Students who have had success with Basic Algebra I should take Algebra II (MAT 311).

For students now Enrolled in Geometry…

All recommendations assume that the student has credit for one year of algebra.

If present course is:

211 Geometry
Students who have done very well in geometry and who did well in Algebra I should choose Honors Algebra II (MAT 321).
Most students should choose Algebra II (MAT 311).
Students who have had trouble with Geometry and especially Algebra I should take Basic Algebra II (MAT 301).

221 Honors Geometry
Students who have done well should choose Honors Algebra II (MAT 321).
Students who have not done well should choose Algebra II (MAT 311).

It may be advisable for some students to do some work in algebra during the summer to strengthen their background for the coming work in algebra.

For students now enrolled in Algebra II…

If the present course is:

301 Basic Algebra II
Most students will enroll in Algebra Survey (MAT 410).
A student who has done very well might consider Precalculus (MAT 411), but should arrange to do further work in algebra over the summer.

311 Algebra II
Students who have done well and who wish to prepare for calculus should take Precalculus (MAT 411).
Students who have done especially well may consider Honors Precalculus (MAT 421).
Students who have had considerable difficulty should enroll in Algebra Survey (MAT 410).

321 Honors Algebra II
Students who have done well should take Honors Precalculus (MAT 421).
Others should choose Precalculus (MAT 411).

For students now Enrolled in Electives…

If present course is:

410 Algebra Survey
Students are probably done with math, but if they wish to continue and have done very well in 410, they may consider Precalculus (MAT 411) .

411 Precalculus
Students who have done well (grade not less than B+/A–) can consider AB Calculus (MAT 511).
This is a demanding AP course, and requires departmental approval.
Successful work on the AP examination in AB Calculus usually grants one semester of college credit.

Students who have had difficulty with Precalculus or who do not feel ready for the rigors of AP Calculus may consider Calculus (MAT 431) or AP Statistics (MAT 513).

413 Statistics (in 08-09, this course will be replaced by AP Statistics).
Students can take Calculus (MAT 431) if they have already taken Precalculus (MAT 411).

421 Honors Precalculus
Students who have done consistently well (grade not less than B+/A–), who have a strong interest in mathematics, and who are willing to undertake a demanding course should consider BC Calculus (MAT 521).
Success on the AP examination in BC Calculus usually results in two semesters of college credit.

Students who have had some difficulty should choose take AB Calculus (MAT 511).
Success on the AB AP examination usually results in one semester of college credit.

Students can also consider AP Statistics (MAT 513) or Calculus (MAT 431).

431 Calculus
Students who have done very well may elect to take an advanced placement Calculus course (either AB or BC Calculus), or AP Statistics (MAT 513).

511 AB Calculus
Students who have done well can take Multivariable Calculus (MAT 611). AP Statistics (MAT 513) is also an option.
Students may not take BC Calculus (MAT 521) after they have taken Math 511 because the courses share too many topics in common.

521 BC Calculus
Students who have done well can take Multivariable Calculus (MAT 611). AP Statistics (MAT 513) is also an option.

Note: Math 511, 521, and 611 require the approval of the Department Head.

Math 611 Multivariable Calculus
Students may take AP Statistics (MAT513)

Math flowchart