Mathematics
Oakwood High School provides the opportunity for students to take four years of pre-collegiate and collegiate-level mathematics courses. The Mathematics Department offers a diversified program to fit the range of abilities and background needs of each student, including helping some students to overcome their aversion to math and giving advanced students the option of taking one of two college-level AP Calculus courses during their senior year. Students develop problem-solving skills, learn to be critical and creative thinkers, and become life-long users of math skills.
Algebra I
This course provides students with a strong foundation for further studies of mathematics. Students learn to recognize and apply sophisticated tools for attacking word problems and increase their ability to use observation and reasoning skills, while mastering algebraic concepts.
Major topics include: Order of Operations; Solving Equations; Polynomials; Radicals; Quadratic Formula; Two Variable Equations; Inequalities/Compound Inequalities; Prime Numbers and Factors; Rational Algebraic Expressions and Equations; Radical Algebraic Expressions; Problem Solving
Geometry/Geometry (H)
This course is designed to give students an appreciation of varied uses of geometry. Students continue to maintain and improve their algebra skills and learn to apply those skills to solving geometrical problems. Students practice proofs and advanced problem-solving skills, as they master the concepts of Geometry. Students taking Honors Geometry do additional supplementary course work in preparation for Honors Algebra II.
Major topics include: Basic postulates of Euclidean geometry; Direct and Indirect Proofs of Geometric Theories; Angles, Lines, Points, and Planes; Parallel lines and Planes; Congruent and Similar Triangles; Polygons and Their Angles; Pythagorean Theorem; Circles and Arcs; Perimeters, Areas, Volumes, and Surface Areas of Geometric Figures; Geometric constructions; Loci; Coordinate Geometry; Solid Geometry Using a Trigonometric Approach; Logic
Algebra II
The Algebra II course focuses on reviewing, perfecting, and further developing students’ algebra and problem solving skills. This course serves as a foundation for further study of college-level mathematics. Trigonometry is introduced. Students taking Honors Algebra II do additional supplementary course work in preparation for Honors Pre-calculus.
Major topics include: Factoring Quadratic Equations; Solving Non-Linear Systems of Equations; Graphing Conics: Line, Circles, Parabolas, Ellipses, Hyperbolae; Radical Equations; Imaginary Numbers; Synthetic Division; Zeros of Polynomial Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions and Equations; Permutations and Combinations; Probability
Pre-calculus/Pre-calculus (H)/Accelerated Pre-calculus (H)
This course covers the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students for a college-level Calculus course. Students taking Honors Pre-calculus do additional supplementary course work in preparation for Advanced Placement AB Calculus. Students taking Accelerated Pre-calculus finish the Pre-calculus course work during 3rd quarter and begin Calculus material during 4th quarter, in preparation for Advanced Placement BC Calculus.
Major topics include: Solving and Graphing Advanced Trigonometric and Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Equations; Polar Coordinates and Vectors; Analytical Geometry; DeMovre’s Theorem; Early Linear Algebra with Matrices; Mathematical Induction; Solving and Graphing Parametric Equations; Solid Geometry Treated as Coordinate Geometry; the Concepts of Limits and Rate of Change
Calculus AB (AP)/Calculus BC (AP)
The Advanced Placement Calculus classes are college-level mathematics courses focused on preparing students to take either the AB Calculus or BC Calculus exam in the spring of their senior year.
Major topics include: Functions and Properties of Functions; Limits; Derivatives and Applications of Derivatives; Antiderivatives and Applications of Antiderivatives; Techniques of Integration; the Definite Integral and Applications of Integrals; Vectors and Vector Analysis