The Oxford English Dictionary states that mathematics is an “abstract science which investigates deductively the conclusions implicit in the elementary concepts of spatial and numerical relations, and which includes as its main divisions; geometry, arithmetic, and algebra”. The American Heritage Dictionary sums up the subject as the “study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols”. Before we go into the intricacies of high school math courses, let’s take a quick look at the table of contents below.
Is Math Compulsory For High School Students?
Most high schools require students to take three years of math in order to graduate and recommend taking four years. These requirements often also include completing an algebra class and a geometry class. The 45 states in America adhere to the common standard for math by creating a standardized math curriculum across the country. The basic standards state that six content categories must be covered in high school math classes:
AlgebraFunctionsModelingGeometryStatisticsProbability
How Difficult Is High School Math?
The answer to this question is relative; nevertheless, math can be the P in the pie and an S in the Stone. In 2005, Gallup conducted a poll that asked students to name the school subject that they considered to be the most difficult. Not surprisingly, mathematics came out on top of the difficulty chart. So, what is it about math that makes it difficult? Have you ever wondered? According to dictionary.com, the word difficult can be defined as “something that is not easily or readily done; requiring much labor, skill, or planning to be performed successfully.” From this definition, one can strongly attest to the fact that the difficulty level in math is one that comes from the fact that it’s not readily done and it’s one that takes patience and persistence. For many students, math is not something that comes intuitively or automatically – it takes plenty of effort. It is a subject that sometimes requires students to devote lots and lots of time and energy. This means, for many, the problem has little to do with brainpower; it is mostly a matter of staying power. And since students don’t make their own timelines when it comes to “getting it,” they can run out of time as the teacher moves on to the next topic. SEE ALSO: Association of Women in Mathematics Essay Contest 2022
Here are a few reasons why high school math seems difficult:
Math seems difficult because it takes time and energy.Many people don’t experience sufficient time to “get” math lessons, and they fall behind as the teacher moves on.Many move on to study more complex concepts with a shaky foundation.We often end up with a weak structure that makes it look boring.
To solve this issue, if you’re in high school and struggling with math, download a middle school math syllabus and hire a tutor if possible. This will help you understand every bit of the topics to be treated.
High School Math Curriculum
Most high schools require students to take three years of math in order to graduate and recommend four years if possible. These requirement mandates completing and algebra and a geometry class. The states in America have mandated a more standardized math curriculum that cuts across the following six content categories:
AlgebraFunctionsModelingGeometryStatisticsProbability
However, these standards are broad and all-encompassing, so, there is still a lot of personalized delineation done among states and schools.
What Type Of Math Is Taught In High School?
For high school math, there is no specific course you should be taking as a freshman, sophomore, etc. Instead, there is a series of courses, and each student begins with the math class best suited for him/her, based on testing and prior math knowledge. The type/levels of math taught in high school are:
Algebra 1GeometryAlgebra 2/TrigonometryPre-CalculusCalculus
The order of listing doesn’t really apply in all cases, some schools teach algebra 1 and 2 before going on to geometry some schools include geometry and trigonometry, or pre-calculus instead of algebra 2. However, most high schools follow a similar math order.
List Of High School Math Courses In 2022
While the curriculum can vary depending on your teacher, the textbook you use, and the level of your math class, most math classes cover the same main topics. The topics listed below serve as a guideline for the key subjects taught in each math class. Algebra 1: Real numbers; solving, writing, and graphing linear equations; quadratic equations and functions; polynomials Geometry: Plane and solid geometry including constructions, formulas for measurement, and formal proofs Algebra 2: Continuation of the concepts taught in algebra 1, including a more in-depth study of graphing and solving equations, inequalities, and functions. Trigonometry: Applies algebra and geometry skills to circular and periodic functions. NOTE: Trigonometry is usually not its own class, but is often taught during algebra 2, geometry, or pre-calculus. Pre-Calculus: Series and sequences, probability, statistics, limits, and derivatives. Calculus: Continuation of the concepts taught in pre-calculus, with an emphasis on integration and differentiation.
High School Math Electives
In addition to the high school math courses available for students, Most high schools offers a number of math electives. Whether students are looking to further their math skills, challenge themselves with new concepts, or fulfill a personal goal, the following high school math elective courses can help.
Probability and Statistics CurriculumPersonal Finance Curriculum
Taking a variety of high school math classes can give students a well-rounded education and help them gain a number of important skills that will benefit them in college and as working adults.
Are There Free Online Math Courses For High School Students
Opting for a free online math course as a high school student is highly beneficial. These online courses offer free math classes in subjects like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus – along with prep courses for the math sections of popular college admission tests. Here’s a list of online resource centers that offer math free online high school math courses for students:
Mathplanet.comSchoolyourself.orgEdX.orgStudy.comFutureschool.comKhanacademy.orgThoughtco.comAlison.com
Conclusion
To make an A grade in high school math ensure you make peace with the various levels of math classes and apply the principle of persistence and patience to the learning equation.
