Mathematics
The math department believes that problem-solving skills, collaboration, and communication are essential to a Hopkins education. Students are encouraged not only to master skills but also to develop strategies for
meeting new challenges. Each class looks beyond algorithmic procedures to provide opportunities for students to solve meaningful problems and develop effective habits of mind. Students work in small and large groups to explore new ideas and apply concepts.
To achieve our goals of nurturing inquiry and problem solving, students will experience occasional uncertainty within a secure environment that allows them to take risks. In math classes, students discover mathematical patterns, learn to communicate effectively in the language of mathematics, and cultivate an appreciation of mathematical thinking.
The mathematics curriculum is organized sequentially in terms of the development of mathematical skills and concepts. In the lower-level courses, the focus is on building an algebraic foundation for understanding the essential ideas of arithmetic. In Geometry, the emphasis shifts to the fundamental principles of a logical system, deductive reasoning, and formal proofs. These different mathematical perspectives are then blended in the upper-level courses, where students
combine graphical approaches and more advanced algebraic techniques, as they undertake a comprehensive study of the elementary functions of mathematics.
Along the way, considerable attention is given to the many ways that functions can apply to real-world situations. The curriculum is initially divided into two strands: Regular and Enriched. These two curricular sequences consider much of the same core material, but at different paces and different levels of complexity, to help meet the different needs of students by allowing each student to grow at his or her own pace. The
Enriched courses generally move more rapidly, probe more deeply, and include several more advanced topics. After Geometry, a third strand emerges, the Accelerated sequence, which moves even faster and deeper through Algebra 2 and Precalculus and finishes with AP® Calculus BC. After Geometry, the Enriched strand also moves through Algebra 2 and Precalculus but ends with AP® Calculus AB or AP® Statistics.
Finally, the Regular sequence moves on to Algebra 2 and Precalculus and then finishes with Introduction to Calculus, Topics in Statistics, or AP® Statistics (with departmental approval), unless students elect to pursue (and are approved for) summer work and thereby accelerate their program. Beyond these typical sequences, for students who are suitably ambitious and talented and wish to have a college experience, the Department offers two Honors-level term electives and an Honors Seminar covering mathematics beyond Calculus.
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Prealgebra
This course has four main themes: sets of numbers and applied arithmetic, basic algebra skills, geometry and measurement, and basic statistics. These themes are interwoven with a common emphasis on how mathematics is used in the real world.
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Prealgebra Enriched*
This course covers the same topics as Prealgebra, though students are asked to consider the concepts with a more sophisticated perspective. The course includes additional topics that emphasize a wider variety of mathematical ideas and problem-solving experiences. (Prerequisite: proficiency test and departmental approval)
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Algebra 1
This course starts with a review of elementary algebraic manipulations and operations with rational numbers. The students then explore equations, inequalities, and modeling with linear, absolute value, quadratic, and exponential functions. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on relating graphs to algebraic statements. (Prerequisite: Prealgebra or Prealgebra Enriched)
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Algebra 1 Enriched*
This course offers a more intensive look into the topics of Algebra 1 and moves at a faster pace. The course also considers more challenging problems and explores additional topics. (Prerequisite: Prealgebra or Prealgebra Enriched and departmental approval)
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Geometry
In this course, students study the structure of a logical system, develop deductive reasoning skills, and learn to write formal proofs. There is a strong focus on visualization and problem-solving methods in the application of geometric ideas. Instruction integrates coordinate approaches to geometry and reinforces and applies knowledge of algebra. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Enriched)
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Geometry Enriched*
This course includes the same topics as Geometry as well as additional concepts. Considerable attention is given to the integration of algebra and geometry. Students also undertake independent problem solving and exploration as they discover new ideas and engage in enrichment activities. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Enriched and departmental approval)
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Algebra 2
In this course, students build on skills acquired in Algebra 1, revisiting and expanding on their understanding of linear, absolute value, quadratic, and exponential functions. In addition, rational and radical functions are introduced, and the students study irrational and complex numbers. There is a continued emphasis on applying skills and concepts to real-world situations. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Geometry or Geometry Enriched. Algebra 2 may be taken concurrently with Geometry, subject to departmental approval.)
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Algebra 2 Enriched*
The idea of the function is central to this course, and students develop their facility with algebraic techniques as they expand their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Students acquire more advanced techniques for problem solving and develop a conceptual understanding of the behavior of all of the elementary functions through their equations, their graphs, and their applications. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Geometry or Geometry Enriched and departmental approval)
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Algebra 2 Accelerated*
This course covers the same topics as Algebra 2 Enriched but looks deeper into them and requires more independent work, helping students develop a foundation for exploring mathematical problems and ideas in a more sophisticated way. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Geometry or Geometry Enriched and departmental approval)
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Precalculus
This course continues the study of linear, absolute value, quadratic, exponential, radical, and rational functions and introduces logarithmic functions and trigonometry. Additionally, it includes topics from probability, combinatorics, sequences and series, and introductory statistics. The modeling of real world phenomena is emphasized throughout the course. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Enriched)
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Precalculus Enriched*
This course continues to expand on the concept of a function and revisits all of the fundamental families of functions and their applications using both algebraic and graphical approaches. Students also undertake a more advanced study of trigonometry and cover topics such as analytical geometry, polar coordinates, and sequences and series. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Enriched or Precalculus and departmental approval)
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Precalculus Accelerated*
Precalculus Accelerated is an accelerated version of Precalculus Enriched. During the first three quarters of the year, students explore familiar topics more deeply, extend them, and use them as a starting point for new topics. The course then spends the final quarter studying differential calculus in preparation for the following year’s course in AP® Calculus BC, beginning with limits and continuing with derivatives and applications of differentiation. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Accelerated and departmental approval)
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AP® Statistics*
This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students learn to describe patterns and recognize anomalies, plan and conduct studies and experiments, explore random phenomena using probability and simulation, estimate population parameters, and test hypotheses. This course prepares students for the AP® Statistics examination. A graphing calculator is required. (Prerequisite: Precalculus, Precalculus Enriched, or Precalculus Accelerated and departmental approval)
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Linear Algebra Honors*
Term I, ½ credit
This term elective is an introduction to a major field in mathematics that investigates systems of equations, matrix algebra, and matrix transformations of vector spaces. When appropriate, applications are brought in to highlight the power and usefulness of these ideas. (Prerequisite: AP® Calculus BC or Topics in Intermediate Calculus Honors; concurrent enrollment with departmental approval)
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Multivariable Calculus Honors*
Term II, ½ credit
This term elective extends the ideas of calculus from the real line into two- and three-dimensional domains. After extending the notions of derivatives and integrals, the course focuses on the rudiments of vector calculus necessary to understand the central theorems regarding the divergence, the curl and the gradient of a function. (Prerequisite: AP® Calculus BC or Topics in Intermediate Calculus Honors; concurrent enrollment with departmental approval)
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Mathematics Honors Seminar*
Term I & Term II, ½ credit
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Linear Algebra Honors and Multivariable Calculus Honors. The college-level topics are chosen according to the interests of the students and the instructor and may include subjects such as Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems and Chaos, Number Theory, Complex Analysis, Topology, Combinatorics, or the History of Mathematics. Faithful to the idea of a seminar, the course requires students to be responsible for much of the mathematical inquiry. They may be expected to write papers, give presentations, create class investigations, solve problem sets, and lead class discussions. Students may not enroll for Term II without enrolling in Term I. (Prerequisites: Linear Algebra Honors and Multivariable Calculus Honors; concurrent enrollment with departmental approval)
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Calculus 1 & 2 Accelerated (renaming AP Calculus BC)
Full Year, 1 credit
The course includes a thorough treatment of differential and integral calculus, as well as topics in differential equations, analytic geometry and power series representations of functions. A graphing calculator is required. With some independent study, students can be prepared to take the AP® Calculus BC exam in May. (Prerequisite: Precalculus Accelerated and departmental approval)
**we anticipate that AB and BC calculus exams will continue to be offered on campus until May 2027
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Calculus 1 Enriched
Full Year, 1 credit
This course provides an understanding of the concepts of differential and integral calculus and experience with their methods and applications. The course thoroughly covers the concept of a limit and its application to differentiation and integration. A graphing calculator is required. With some independent study, students can be prepared to take the AP® Calculus AB examination in May. (Prerequisite: Precalculus Enriched or Accelerated and departmental approval)
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Calculus 2 Enriched (renaming Honors Intermediate Calculus)
Full Year, 1 credit
This course is designed for those students who have taken Calculus 1 Enriched and wish to study further applications of calculus to develop more sophisticated problem-solving skills, paralleling a second college calculus course. The course explores integration techniques, parametric representations, introductory differential equations, sequences and series, power series, and applications of both differential and integral calculus. The course may explore additional applications in fields such as probability and statistics, physics, complex number theory, and environmental modeling and cover extra topics. A graphing calculator is required. With some independent study, students can be prepared to take the AP® Calculus BC exam in May. (Prerequisite: Calculus 1 Enriched. Students may not receive credit for both Calculus 1 & 2 Accelerated and Calculus 2 Enriched)
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Introduction to Calculus
This course is a follow-up to Precalculus. It provides a continued emphasis on the development of functions as well as an enhanced study of polynomials, an introduction to matrices, and an in-depth exploration of trigonometry. Students also begin a study of differential calculus with an introduction to limits and derivatives. A graphing calculator is required. Students who complete Introduction to Calculus may sign up for Topics in Statistics, AP® Statistics, or AP® Calculus AB, with departmental approval. (Prerequisite: Precalculus and departmental approval. Students who have completed Precalculus Enriched may sign up for Introduction to Calculus only with departmental approval)
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Linear Algebra Honors*
Term I, ½ credit
This term elective is an introduction to a major field in mathematics that investigates systems of equations, matrix algebra, and matrix transformations of vector spaces. When appropriate, applications are brought in to highlight the power and usefulness of these ideas. (Prerequisite: AP® Calculus BC or Topics in Intermediate Calculus Honors; concurrent enrollment with departmental approval)
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Multivariable Calculus Honors*
Term II, ½ credit
This term elective extends the ideas of calculus from the real line into two- and three-dimensional domains. After extending the notions of derivatives and integrals, the course focuses on the rudiments of vector calculus necessary to understand the central theorems regarding the divergence, the curl and the gradient of a function. (Prerequisite: AP® Calculus BC or Topics in Intermediate Calculus Honors; concurrent enrollment with departmental approval)
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Topics in Statistics
This course offers students an opportunity to explore statistical topics and reasoning. Topics vary but include data collection strategies and techniques, visual summaries of data, interpretation of numerical summaries, survey design, simulation and decision making based on data. A graphing calculator is required. (Corequisite: PreCalculus or departmental approval)