Mathematics
All secondary students are required to earn four credits in mathematics in order to receive a S.C. High School Diploma. Students select from college prep, honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit courses. Honors, AP and dual credit courses are recommended for college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of successful performance in mathematics. Refer to the Course Requirements for S.C. Public Four-Year Colleges and Universities.
This graphic provides insight into the possible math pathways for students. Four course credits are required for graduation.
Mathematics Course Offerings
Secondary Math Strategies 319904CW
Grade 9-10
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS) An elective course designed to help students resolve deficits in math concepts used throughout high school. Emphasis is placed on differentiating instruction to increase individual student strength in both conceptual areas and test-taking strategies. A variety of instructional strategies, including practice tests, group activities/games, and interactive software/websites will be employed to help ensure that every student is prepared for high school level courses. Students are expected to use technology throughout the course, particularly interactive, dynamic software. Students are assigned this course based on 8th grade district or state testing results and/or Math 8 grade. This course does not fulfill a Math graduation requirement.
Geometry with Statistics 412263CW
Grades 9-10
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS0
Geometry with Statistics (GS) is a newly designed course that builds on the students’ experiences in the middle grades. It is the first of four required courses in high school mathematics, providing a common Grade 9 experience for all students entering high school-level mathematics. GS builds essential concepts necessary for students to meet their post-secondary goals (whether they pursue additional study or enter the workforce), to function as effective citizens, and to recognize the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics (NCTM, 2018). It is important because it develops mathematical knowledge and skills through visual representations prior to the more abstract development of algebra. In the content area of Geometry and Measurement, students build on and deepen prior understanding of transformations, congruence, similarity, and coordinate geometry concepts.Informal explorations of transformations provide a foundation for more formal considerations of congruence and similarity, including development of criteria for triangle congruence and similarity. An emphasis on reasoning throughout the content area promotes exploration, conjecture testing, and informal and formal justification. In the content area of Algebra and Functions, students perform algebraic calculations with specific application to geometry that build on foundations of algebra from seventh and eighth grades. Probability is important because it educates one in the logic of uncertainty and randomness, which occur in almost every aspect of daily life. Therefore, studying probability structures will enhance students’ ability to organize information and improve decision making.
Algebra 1 411463CW-
Grades 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: Geometry with Statistics
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Algebra 1 (A1) builds essential concepts necessary for students to meet their post-secondary goals (whether they pursue additional study or enter the workforce). This can result in helping students to function as effective citizens, and to recognize the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics (NCTM, 2018). Algebra is important and useful in most careers. It is one of the most common and malleable types of mathematics, because it is valuable in a range of activities from ordinary decision making to advanced training in scientific and technological fields. The ability to understand and apply algebraic thinking is a crucial steppingstone on a successful journey in life. Algebra is a collection of unifying concepts that enable one to solve problems flexibly. The standards and indicators in A1 are sorted within the strands of Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR); Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR);Numerical Reasoning (NR); and Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR). The study of algebra is inextricably linked to the study of functions, which are fundamental objects in mathematics that model many life situations involving change. A1 provides experiences for students to see how mathematics can be used systematically to represent patterns and relationships among numbers and other objects, analyze change, and model everyday events and problems of life and society. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of a student’s final grade.
Honors Algebra I 411461HW
Grade 9-10
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Algebra 1 (A1) builds essential concepts necessary for students to meet their post-secondary goals (whether they pursue additional study or enter the workforce). This can result in helping students to function as effective citizens, and to recognize the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics (NCTM, 2018). Algebra is important and useful in most careers. It is one of the most common and malleable types of mathematics, because it is valuable in a range of activities from ordinary decision making to advanced training in scientific and technological fields. The ability to understand and apply algebraic thinking is a crucial steppingstone on a successful journey in life. Algebra is a collection of unifying concepts that enable one to solve problems flexibly. The standards and indicators in A1 are sorted within the strands of Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR); Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR);Numerical Reasoning (NR); and Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR). The study of algebra is inextricably linked to the study of functions, which are fundamental objects in mathematics that model many life situations involving change. A1 provides experiences for students to see how mathematics can be used systematically to represent patterns and relationships among numbers and other objects, analyze change, and model everyday events and problems of life and society. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of a student’s final grade.
Algebra 2 with Probability 411563CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Algebra 2 (A2P) is a course designed for students seeking access to higher levels of mathematics after completing Geometry and Algebra 1. The standards and indicators in A2P are sorted within the strands of Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR); Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR); Numerical Reasoning (NR); and Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR). A2P serves to deepen understanding and intuition about a wide variety of functions such as polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and piecewise. Building on principles learned from Geometry and Algebra 1, the purpose of this course is to graphically investigate and compare functions, analyze rates of change, and determine solutions of “real-world” problems at a higher conceptual level than can be achieved algebraically. In this document, many of the instructional considerations recommend the use of a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system to enable students to visualize mathematics and increase their conceptual understanding. In addition to increasing student knowledge of “parent functions,” A2P also includes the study of complex numbers, matrices, and probability. The study of complex numbers introduces students to the complex number system and its impact on solutions of equations. Matrices provide a method for students to organize, store, and mathematically work with large amounts of data. A2P will concentrate on using small data sets. Finally, the study of probability will continue the study of data, probability, and statistical reasoning units that began in Geometry. Finding the likelihood of an event occurring enables students, bombarded with data, to make more informed decisions.
Honors Algebra 2 with Probability 411561HW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Recommendation: B in Honors Geometry or A in Geometry
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Algebra 2 (A2P) is a course designed for students seeking access to higher levels of mathematics after completing Geometry and Algebra 1. The standards and indicators in A2P are sorted within the strands of Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR); Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR); Numerical Reasoning (NR); and Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR). A2P serves to deepen understanding and intuition about a wide variety of functions such as polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and piecewise. Building on principles learned from Geometry and Algebra 1, the purpose of this course is to graphically investigate and compare functions, analyze rates of change, and determine solutions of “real-world” problems at a higher conceptual level than can be achieved algebraically. In this document, many of the instructional considerations recommend the use of a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system to enable students to visualize mathematics and increase their conceptual understanding. In addition to increasing student knowledge of “parent functions,” A2P also includes the study of complex numbers, matrices, and probability. The study of complex numbers introduces students to the complex number system and its impact on solutions of equations. Matrices provide a method for students to organize, store, and mathematically work with large amounts of data. A2P will concentrate on using small data sets. Finally, the study of probability will continue the study of data, probability, and statistical reasoning units that began in Geometry. Finding the likelihood of an event occurring enables students, bombarded with data, to make more informed decisions.
Reasoning in Mathematics 411800CW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Reasoning in Mathematics (RM) engages students in relevant problems that focus on how mathematics and statistics inform decision making. It prepares students for post-secondary options with instruction that focuses on modeling real-world situations. The standards and indicators in RM are sorted within the strands of Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR); Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR); Numerical Reasoning (NR); and Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR). RM emphasizes statistics, quantitative reasoning, modeling, and financial applications and features a variety of mathematical and statistical tools useful for decision making. Students will make sense of authentic problems and persevere in solving them. They will reason abstractly and quantitatively while communicating mathematics to others. Students will use appropriate tools, including technology, to model mathematics. Students will use structure and regularity of reasoning to describe mathematical situations and solve problems.
Applications and Modeling 411900CW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Applications and Modeling (AM) is a newly designed, specialized mathematics course developed to expand on and reinforce the concepts introduced in Geometry with Statistics and Algebra 1 by using those concepts to represent and analyze data and make predictions and inform judgments about real-world phenomena. The standards and indicators in AM are sorted within the strands of Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR); measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR); Numerical Reasoning (NR); and Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR). AM is designed to engage students in doing, thinking about, and discussing mathematics, statistics, and modeling in everyday life. It allows students to experience mathematics and its applications in a variety of ways that promote financial literacy and career-based decision making. In this course, students explore decision making for financial planning and management, design in three dimensions, interpret statistical studies, and create functions that model problems faced by society. Measurements are taken from the real world, and technology is used extensively for computation, with an emphasis on students’ interpretation and explanation of results in context.
Statistical Modeling 412000CW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Statistical Modeling (SM) is a newly designed course that extends students’ understanding of statistics. The SM course offers students opportunities to strengthen their understanding of the statistical method of inquiry and statistical simulations. Students will formulate statistical investigative questions to be answered using data, design and implement a plan to collect the appropriate data, select appropriate graphical and numerical methods for data analysis, and interpret their results to make connections with the initial question. The process standards, through a statistical lens, will provide the foundation for instruction and assessment. Topics should be introduced and assessed using simulations and appropriate supporting technology. Statistical Inquiry Process: Developing Statistical Questions, Collecting Data, Analyzing Data, Interpreting Results.
Pre-Calculus 413162CW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
(CHS)
This course is a program of mathematical studies focusing on the development of the student’s ability to understand and apply the study of functions and advanced mathematics concepts to solve problems. It will include an in-depth study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Other topics studied are sequences, series, vectors, conic sections, parametric equations, and polar curves. Graphing calculators are an integral part of all instruction.
Honors Pre-Calculus 413161HW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2
Recommendation: B or higher in Honors Algebra 2
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is designed for the highly motivated student who plans to take AP Calculus, thereby earning college credit in high school. The content will be the same as Pre-Calculus but taught at a more accelerated rate. This rigorous course will incorporate trigonometry, circular functions, and trig identities besides the topics in Pre-Calculus. This course is a prerequisite for AP Calculus.
Honors Differential Calculus 413561HW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus
Recommendation: B or higher in Honors Pre-Calculus
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is designed for advanced math students who want a foundation in Calculus before taking it at the college level. This course involves the study of functions, rates of change, and accumulation. The topics covered are limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives (motion, related rates, graph analysis, and optimization), integrals, and applications of integrals (accumulation and area).
AP Calculus AB 417071AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grade 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Differential Calculus
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is designed to follow the Calculus AB Course description as set forth by the College Board. Students taking this course will be prepared to take the AP Calculus AB test in the spring of the school year they are enrolled in. The course of study will include properties of functional limits, differential calculus, and integral calculus. The fundamentals and mechanics of calculus are presented from graphical, numerical, and analytical perspectives. Students will be required to take the AP exam.
AP Statistics 417171AW
Grades: 11-12
1 Unit
Prerequisite: Algebra II
(LEHS)
AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.
Discrete Mathematics CP 414200CW
Grade 11, 12
1 Unit
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2
(LEHS)
Discrete Mathematics is the study of mathematical properties of sets and systems that have a finite number of elements. The topics include set theory, critical thinking skills, graph theory, numeration systems, probability, descriptive statistics, and financial literacy. Modeling and understanding of finite systems are central to the development of the economy, computer science, the natural and physical sciences, and mathematics itself. Discrete mathematics is a contemporary field of mathematics that is widely used in business and industry. This course uses a graphing calculator and other graphing utilities.