Course Guide: Mathematics
Graduation Requirements:
3 credits (6 semesters) of Math including Algebra 2 or equivalent
Initial Ninth Grade Placements:
Entering ninth graders are initially placed in mathematics courses according to recommendations of their eighth-grade math teachers. Other factors considered include standardized test scores, grades received in previous math courses, and grade point average. Diagnostic testing may be used to determine correct math course placement. Please visit the Seattle Public Schools High School Math page.
Course Guide
Algebra 1A, 1B
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
Algebra 1 students, through technology related and paper and pencil problem solving tools, will understand algebraic concepts, learn and practice essential algebraic skills, and apply algebraic thinking. Topics covered include, graphing, data exploration, proportional reasoning and variation, functions, linear equations, fitting a line to data, exponents and exponential models, systems of equations and inequalities, and quadratics.
Geometry A, B
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Teacher Recommendation
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
Geometry is a year-long course where students explore geometric relationships with a variety of tools, including patty paper, compasses, graphing calculators and computers. Topics covered include reasoning, using diagrams to solve problems, using tools of geometry, discovering and proving triangle properties, polygons, transformations and tessellations, circles, area, the Pythagorean Theorem, volume, similarity, and trigonometry. The honors course covers all topics with greater rigor.
IB Math Applications and Interpretation Standard Level A/B
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
IB Math Applications and Interpretation SL A/B is the first semester of a two-year course that is part of the IB Diploma Programme and prepares students to take the IB examination in May of their second year. This course emphasizes mathematical modeling and statistics. Students solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students develop strong technology skills and understand the links between theoretical and practical concepts in mathematics. For students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, some economics, psychology, design and other non-STEM fields.
IB Math Applications and Interpretation Standard Level C/D
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: IB Math Applications and Interpretation SL A/B
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
IB Math Applications and Interpretation SL C/D is the second year of a two-year course that is part of the IB Diploma Programme and prepares students to take the IB examination in May of their second year. This course emphasizes mathematical modeling and statistics. Students solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students develop strong technology skills and understand the links between theoretical and practical concepts in mathematics. For students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, some economics, psychology, design and other non-STEM fields .
IB Math Analysis and Approaches Standard Level C/D
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: IB Math Applications and Interpretations A/B
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL C/D is the second year of a two-year course that is part of the IB Diploma Programme and prepares students to take the IB examination in May of their second year. This course develops important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, with an emphasis on algebraic methods. Students solve real and abstract problems. This course has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Students develop the skills needed to continue in the study of mathematics and other STEM areas. For students interested in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, economics, and STEM fields.
IB Math Analysis and Approaches Higher Level A/B
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 11
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, and any IB SL Math course year 1 and/or year 2 or Algebra 2
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
IB Math Analysis and Approaches HL A/B is the first year of a two-year course that is part of the IB Diploma Programme and prepares students to take the IB examination in May of their second year. This course develops important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, with an emphasis on algebraic methods. Students solve real and abstract problems. This course has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Students develop the skills needed to continue in the study of mathematics and other STEM areas. Topics are studied in greater depth and breadth than in Standard Level. For students interested in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, economics, and STEM fields.
IB Math Analysis and Approaches Higher Level C/D
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: IB Math: Analysis and Approaches Higher Level A/B
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
IB Math Analysis and Approaches HL C/D is the second year of a two-year course that is part of the IB diploma Programme and prepares students to take the IB examination in May of their second year. This course develops important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, with an emphasis on algebraic methods. Students solve real and abstract problems. This course has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Students develop the skills needed to continue in the study of mathematics and other STEM areas. Topics are studied in greater depth and breadth than in Standard Level. For students interested in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, economics, and STEM fields.
Financial Algebra
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade(s): 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math, Occupational Ed
Financial Algebra is designed as a full-year course following Algebra 1 and Geometry. This algebra-based CTE course features real-world algebra concepts found in banking, credit/loans, insurance, investments/ retirement planning, personal income taxes and budgeting. Students achieve success in this applications-based learning approach by focusing their algebraic skills in a financial context. Step-by-step strategies help students calculate complex formulas on calculators and in spreadsheets. A heavy conceptual emphasis is placed on understanding how the world of finance functions to develop personal financial management skills. This course can replace an Algebra 2 credit. It does not count as a 4th year of math.
BUS 130 Business Math A/B
Credits: 0.5 credit / semester
Grade: 12
Length of Course: Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Math
This two semester course is equivalent to a one-quarter Business Mathematics college course. Students are eligible to earn 5.0 college credit after completing this course (tuition fees apply). The course includes instruction and review of basic math functions to prepare students for business classes. Topics may include using ratio-proportion, percents, estimating, basic algebra, trade/cash discounts, promissory notes, credit terms, and other consumer related activities. Financial literacy topics are embedded including taxes, credit and debt, entrepreneurship, housing, budgeting, automobiles, investments, and retirement planning. Although this course does not fulfill the math requirement for four-year degrees, it does fulfill the math requirement for many two-year Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degrees. Including Accounting, Business Information Technology, Business Management, Construction Management, Culinary Arts, Horticulture, Hospitality and Tourism, Medical Information Technology, and others. Completion of this course with a D or higher fulfills the high school math graduation pathway requirement.