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Unsure of what math and science classes to take in high school? Wish you had a better understanding of which classes will best serve your interests and goals? This MathSP core guide to math and science classes will help you understand the general core math and science curriculum in standard high school academics. These class descriptions provide an overview of functional skills and concepts generally required for successfully completing high school – and entering college!

Algebra I

This branch of mathematics uses variables in the form of letters and symbols to solve various types of equations and everyday problems. A firm grasp of algebraic principles is necessary to understand subsequent math classes, including trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.

Example Question: Jennifer is 6 years older than Jason. Six years ago she was twice as old as Jason. How old is each now?

Geometry

Geometry is not so much concerned with numbers as with size, the shapes and relative positions of various figures, planes, and general properties of space. Geometry certainly has many practical applications as any engineer can tell you, but it is also useful as a tool for pure thought insofar as its strenuous use of logic thoroughly trains the young mathematical mind.

Example Question: Daniel wants to put a new carpet in his bedroom, which is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide. If carpet costs $5 per square foot, how much will he need to spend?

Algebra II

Modern algebra II covers systems of linear and non-linear functional relationships and has practical applications in science and technology. Students develop logical reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving skills for real-life situations. You’ll prepare for more advanced levels of solving and balancing equations in algebra II.

Example Question: The admission fee at a small fair is $1.50 for children and $4.00 for adults. On a certain day, 2200 people enter the fair and $5050 is collected. How many children and how many adults attended?

Trigonometry

trigAs a specialized form of geometry that studies the properties of triangles, trigonometry has applications as diverse as acoustics engineering, land surveying, oceanography and astrophysics. In fact, the discipline of trigonometry emerged when early scientists from the 3rd century BC tried to apply geometry to the study of stars and constellations. Its explanation of various interrelationships is critical for understanding the terms and ideas of calculus. Due to this fact, trigonometry courses are often labeled as pre-calculus.


Example Question: At 57” from the base of a building you need to look up at 55 degrees to see the top of the building. What is the height of the building?

Calculus

Calculus is the branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and applications of derivatives and integrals. Calculus courses teach you the elementary concepts of differential and integral calculus that are required in business, economics, social sciences, and medicine. While the concepts of calculus are quite complex, the actual calculations follow a very clearly defined set of rules. To pass a calculus course, you need only learn the rules of derivatives and integrals; yet, truly understanding the concepts yields a much more rewarding experience and a much more successful entry into the many specialized fields of mathematics that require a rock-hard foundation of calculus.

Example Question: Use the fact that the world population was 2560 million (2.56 billion) people in 1950 and 3040 million (3.04 billion) in 1960 to model the population of the world in the second half of the 20th century. (Assume that the growth rate is proportional to the population size.) What is the relative growth rate k? Use the model to estimate the world population in 1993 and to predict the population in the year 2020.

Statistics

An offshoot from the main path in secondary school mathematics, statistics offers a clear view into the real world. This branch of mathematics is intensely interested in the examination of actual data and how that data can be used to make observations, predictions and conclusions.

Example Question: You run an office that employs 23 people. What is the probability that two of your employees have the same birthday? For the purposes of the problem, ignore February 29.

Business Math

While not technically an accounting class, business math gives its students a practical understanding of the math required for most business needs. It combines basic algebra, some statistical math and a smattering of accounting principles. If you’re looking for the simplest way to understand the math needed in the real world, business math is for you.


Example Question: A part of $7000 is invested at 6% annual interest and the remainder at 8%. If the total amount of annual interest is $460, how much was invested at each rate?

Economics

Economics concerns the study of human actions and interactions with regard to production, consumption and the exchange of material wealth. Economics explores the concepts and conditions of scarcity, unemployment and poverty rates. It is particularly interested in how consumers and producers make decisions and how those decisions impact local, national and global communities; thus, economics not only applies mathematical principles to generate predictions and solve problems, but also employs psychology, cognitive science and cultural studies to ascertain and leverage how people interact with the marketplace.


Example Question: Yesterday, the price of envelopes was $3 a box, and Kyrah was willing to buy 10 boxes. Today, the price has gone up to $3.75 a box, and Kyrah is now willing to buy 8 boxes. Is Kyrah’s demand for envelopes elastic or inelastic? What is Kyrah’s elasticity of demand?

Physics

If concepts like electricity, gravity and magnetism are your thing, you might want to follow Einstein’s lead. Physics is a branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy as they relate in space and time. In physics you’ll study how things move, and the forces that make them move. Like math, physics can be applied to any observational science. If you establish a solid foundation in physics, any field of science is open to you.


Example Question: A ball is dropped from a height of 10 m. What is its velocity when it hits the ground?

Chemistry

Physics and chemistry are really two sides of a coin in that they are both specializations of physical science. However, chemistry focuses on the properties of substances and the interactions between different types of matter, including even the smallest forms of matter: subatomic particles. Chemistry is useful because it explains everyday things such as why salt and sugar dissolve in water and how matter can take solid, liquid and gaseous forms.


Example Question: You have 4 moles of O2 and 2 moles of FeS2 and are given the following balanced equation: 4FeS2 +11O2→2Fe2O3 +8SO2. Which reactant is the limiting reagent? Focus on developing these core math and science skills in high school to lay a strong foundation for your future. If you find yourself struggling (or if you want to get ahead), invest in a MathSP Academic Coach and jumpstart your journey to developing a “math state of mind!” We’ll take you where you want to go. MathSP’s expert Academic and Test-Prep Coaches are dedicated to equipping you with the strategies, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of core concepts you need to excel in math and in life!