Academics

Mathematics

The Central Catholic math department will help every student realize their potential in mathematics while preparing them for college and or the working world.  We hope to instill in our students an appreciation for the order and logic of mathematics.  We will show our students the value of mathematics by having them experience its many uses in other subject areas and in real-world applications.  We will instruct them on how to use technology to help them better understand mathematical concepts and to problem solve.  We also hope to increase enrollment in our upper-division courses-especially in our female and minority populations.


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Grade Level: 9 | 1 Credit
This course provides a thorough study of all the important topics of algebra. Students will learn basic concepts of algebra such as solving and graphing: linear equations, linear inequalities, and quadratic equations. Students will also learn about other polynomials and their properties, including factoring. Radicals, along with their properties and operations, are introduced. Students will be able to interpret data through algebraic expressions and functions.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites:
Grade Level: 10-12 | 1 Credit
This course is typically a third-year math class that is sequential after Geometry. The beginning of this course is a general review of the topics covered in Algebra I. After a short introduction and discussion of matrices and determinants, the text then discusses the topics of quadratic equations, functions, powers and roots, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Polynomials and polynomial functions as well as rational functions are also presented. The last part of the course analyzes the topic of trigonometry: its ratios and functions, plus some important identities and methods for solving trigonometric equations.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
Students will study the fundamental topics of calculus: limits, continuity, differentiation, curve sketching, optimization, and integration. The course will be taught on a college level in preparation for the AP Calculus AB Exam, which all students at this level are encouraged to take. Particular emphasis is placed on the varied and significant applications of calculus in today’s world.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Hon Pre-Calculus
Grade Level: 12 | 1 Credit
AP Calculus II represents an extension of the coursework of calculus, developing the students’ understanding of additional concepts of calculus and providing further experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach, with problems and results expressed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Topics receiving particular emphasis include parametric, polar and vector functions, slope fields, integration by parts and simple partial fractions, improper integrals, and extensive work with series. Technology is used regularly to reinforce the relationships among the multiple representations of functions, to implement experimentation, and to assist in interpreting results. The unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, applications, and modeling shape the course into a cohesive whole rather than a collection of unrelated topics. The Calculus BC exam for additional college credit is strongly encouraged.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites: AP Calculus I
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
This is an advanced course covering the concepts of differential and integral calculus. Calculus is explored on both a theoretical and a practical level, with emphasis placed on real-life applications. Students will learn the appropriate use of a graphing calculator to assist in the solution of higher-level problems. This class provides a useful introduction to college calculus.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus
Grade Level: 9-10 | 1 Credit
This course provides a thorough introduction to solid and plane geometry. Topics include: mathematical proofs, measurement in one- two and three dimensions, properties of polygons and circles, the concepts of congruency and similarity, and an introduction to trigonometric ratios. The course uses several different methodologies, such as constructions and hands-on experimentation designed for students to formulate conjectures. Projects are assigned as an additional form of mathematical application.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Algebra I
Grade Level: 9-10 | 1 Credit
This course is a continuation of Honors Algebra I/II. The student will learn the content of traditional geometry, trigonometry, and the remaining topics of Algebra II, namely the various types of functions.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites:
Grade Level: 10-12 | 1 Credit
This course features an advanced study of topics in preparation for calculus. Special emphasis is placed on the study of functions (algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and some non-elementary functions). This study includes the properties, graphs, and applications of these functions. Students will also study the complex number system, matrices, sequences, and probability. The calculus concepts and applications of differentiation and integration will be introduced. Problem-solving skills and mathematical precision provide a central focus for the work of this course.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Hon Geo/Trig
Grade Level: 11 | 1 Credit
Intermediate Algebra I is the first year course in a two year course series. The class will focus on functions, linear systems, polynomials, and quadratic equations. Applications, graphs, functions, and formulas are emphasized in the course. Students will study systems of linear equations in two variables, work with algebraic expressions, factor polynomials, work with quadratic equations in one and two variables, and study relations and functions.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry
Grade Level: 12 | 1 Credit
Intermediate Algebra II is the second year course in a two year course series. The course will focus on exploring functions graphically and symbolically with an emphasis on function notation. Students will investigate functions, equations, and graphs involving quadratic, rational, radical, and absolute value expressions. Students will study functions, quadratics, radical functions, and rational functions.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Intermediate Algebra IIA
Grade Level: 10-12 | 0.5 Credit
Students receive teacher assistance in this small intervention class. They have access to work time to help with assignments and homework and to practice their skills. Some direct instruction is given in math foundational skills to support learning in grade-level math courses. Target skills identified through NWEA.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites:
Grade Level: 1012 | 1 Credit
Students in this course work extensively with functions and their graphs, and expand on topics introduced in Algebra II. Logarithms and trigonometry are covered in depth. Students will also study the complex number system, matrices, sequences, and probability. This course is designed to increase a student’s knowledge of concepts used in calculus

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Algebra II
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
This is an elective, year-long college mathematics class that is offered to those who have successfully completed Algebra II. The main objective of this mathematics elective is to familiarize students with the topics and concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include: frequency distributions and graphs; data description; probability and counting rules; discrete probability distributions; normal distributions; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing; correlation and regression; and sampling and simulations. Additionally, algebra concepts are reviewed to prepare students for college level mathematics.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites: Algebra II

Mathematics Faculty

Jessica Barnett
Jessica Barnett
EMAIL | BIO
  • ALGEBRA II
  • STATISTICS
Lida Bentz
Lida Bentz
EMAIL | BIO
Todd Bowman
Todd Bowman
EMAIL | BIO
  • ALGEBRA II
  • AP CALCULUS I
  • HON PRE-CALCULUS
  • PRE-CALCULUS
  • STATISTICS
AJ Hemming
AJ Hemming
EMAIL | BIO
Stefan Marineau
Stefan Marineau '10
EMAIL | BIO
  • ALGEBRA I
  • MATH ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Gail Saltveit
Gail Saltveit
EMAIL | BIO
  • INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA IIA
  • INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA IIB
  • STATISTICS
Jackie Santana
Jackie Santana
EMAIL | BIO
  • GEOMETRY
Olivia Smith
Olivia Smith
EMAIL | BIO
Emma Vaughan
Emma Vaughan
EMAIL | BIO
  • ALGEBRA I
  • INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA IIA
  • INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA IIB
Steve Workman
Steve Workman
EMAIL | BIO
  • AP CALCULUS II
  • CALCULUS I
  • PRE-CALCULUS
Kim Zoucha
Kim Zoucha
EMAIL | BIO
  • AP CALCULUS I
  • GEOMETRY