Mathematics
Mathematics at Wasatch Academy serves students with a wide range of interests and skills, from basic math to advanced calculus. The math department provides a unique, flipped classroom model within its required graduation courses, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. This structure, which is supported by teacher-created instructional content, allows students to self-pace, according to their math proficiency.
During class periods, teachers provide individualized guided student instruction. The math department designs curricula to provide and build upon strong, foundational knowledge that focuses on developing confident math students.
Courses
-
Pre-algebra equips students for success in Algebra 1. It solidifies concepts like operations with integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Being solid in manipulating numbers, properly using order of operations, and simplifying expressions are key for solving equations like the ones in Algebra 1.
-
Algebra 1 is an introductory math course that focuses on developing fundamental algebraic skills and concepts. Students will learn to work with variables, expressions, and equations, solve linear equations and inequalities, and explore functions and their graphs. The course also covers key topics such as polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions, helping students build problem-solving skills and apply algebra to real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in algebra that prepares them for more advanced mathematical courses.
-
Students are introduced to reasoning and proofs. These principles are then applied to parallel and perpendicular lines, congruence, similarity, right triangles, trigonometry, expressing geometric properties with expressions, geometric measurements and dimensions, and circles. The reasoning tools provided in Geometry, alongside the fundamental algebraic skills learned in Algebra 1, come together in Algebra 2, where more algebraic concepts are introduced and then connected to geometric concepts in graphical representations.
-
Algebra II builds on the concepts learned in Algebra 1, deepening students' understanding of advanced algebraic principles. This course covers many topics, including quadratic functions, polynomial expressions, radical expressions and equations, and complex numbers. Students will explore systems of equations, inequalities, and probability. Emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving, Algebra 2 equips students with the skills to analyze and solve complex mathematical problems, laying the groundwork for higher-level mathematics and applications in science, engineering, and other fields.
-
Algebra 3 reviews quadratic and polynomial equations and extends the study of algebraic topics to include polynomial and rational functions. Students solve systems of equations, including linear and nonlinear equations. Key topics include exponential and logarithmic equations and their functions' features as an inverse relationship. Students will extend their knowledge of right triangle trigonometry to the unit circle. The course content will include using data to model functions and creating algebraic models from real-life contexts.
-
In this course, students will master Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, arithmetic, etc. In the first semester, students will review requisite skills from previous classes. These will include single-variable equations and inequalities, including absolute values. The course will progress to linear equations, function and use function notation, polynomial functions, and factoring, focusing on quadratic equations. Students will also gain an understanding of the study of exponents and radicals. In the second semester, the course will focus on the College Placement Test and real-world application projects. Examples: Gambling/Speeding/Shopping Math and Home Economics Math. Grades 12 and PG Only
-
Precalculus weaves the previous study of algebra, geometry, and mathematical functions into a preparatory course for calculus. The course focuses on mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in calculus and college-level courses. Throughout the course, the student learns to apply the concepts in real-life situations and create models using data. Students will analyze relations, functions, and their graphs (to include polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, and piece-wise functions), define trigonometric ratios using the unit circle, and analyze trigonometric functions.
-
AP Precalculus strengthens students’ understanding of functions and prepares them for advanced mathematics. The course covers Polynomial and Rational Functions, exploring their key features, graphs, and real-world applications. In Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, students analyze growth, decay, and inverse relationships, solving equations using logarithms. Trigonometric and Polar Functions introduce the unit circle, trigonometric graphs, identities, and applications in periodic modeling. Students also explore polar coordinates and graphing. Emphasizing algebraic, graphical, and numerical approaches, the course develops problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning, ensuring readiness for calculus and beyond.
-
AP Calculus AB is a rigorous course that covers fundamental concepts of limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications. Students explore the behavior of functions, continuity, and rates of change through differentiation, applying these concepts to motion, optimization, and related rates. The course also introduces integration, focusing on
accumulation, area under curves, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Applications include solving differential equations and modeling real-world scenarios. Through analytical, graphical, and numerical approaches, students develop problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning, preparing them for higher-level calculus and STEM-related fields. The course culminates in the AP exam for potential college credit. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May.
*The prerequisite is Precalculus.
-
AP Calculus BC is an advanced course that builds on AP Calculus AB, covering limits, derivatives, and integrals while extending into parametric, polar, vector functions, series, and Taylor polynomials. Students analyze function behavior, apply differentiation to motion and optimization, and use integration for area, volume, and differential equations. The course introduces sequences and series, including convergence tests and power series representations. Emphasizing multiple representations—graphical, numerical, and analytical—students develop strong problem-solving skills. AP Calculus BC prepares students for higher-level mathematics, engineering, and science fields and culminates in the AP exam, potentially earning college credit. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May.
*The prerequisite is AP Calculus AB.
-
Students explore how to interpret the wealth of information that surrounds them. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include the measures of central tendency, standard deviation, combinations and permutations, probability, sampling, and various distributions. Emphasis is on applying statistical concepts. Students will use applets and graphing calculators to simulate random and chance situations.