What are math classes in high school? This article will answer this question as we have discussed the math courses in High School that every student would need to take before proceeding to college.
Some of the math classes in high school are some of the criteria your prospective college or university would require during admission.
Cognisance of this, it is important that you take note of these High School maths classes and courses so that you will be able to spot them and make sure you pass them in high school so that you will not have anything that will hinder you from going to college or university.
This article has been written to give information about these classes chronologically.
We have also included some electives that students who are not into the mathematical-related field can take so that they will not lack the calculation skills that may be required of them to proceed to their chosen field of study.
What are the math classes in High School?
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Algebra 2
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Calculus
- Elective math courses in High School
- AP Classes
Algebra 1
You cannot say you have taken the most important maths classes in high school without Algebra 1. Algebra 1 is one of the most important mathematical classes you will ever take in high school.
It’s the basic math class that every student would have to take during their time in high school. This class is important as you study how to deal with numbers ranging from writing numbers, studying real numbers, doing graphical linear equations, and exploring solving problems.
It is also under Algebra 1 that you will learn about polynomials and quadratic equations and functions.
Learning and understanding Algebra 1 builds the foundation for freshmen to understand the basics for other advanced mathematical calculations at the college level.
It is also important that you understand that math classes can be assigned to students according to their grades in the placement test, which is why these classes can contain students in different levels and grades.
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Geometry
I have always heard middle school students say they don’t like mathematics, but in my experience, students who are not mathematics-inclined like geometry; I think this is because geometry math classes in high school deal with constructions, formal proofs, and measurement formulas.
The geometry high school mathematics course follows after Algebra 1. It can also contain students in different levels and grades because of placement tests.
Algebra 2
For most high school students, Algebra 2 is the final required maths course.
Algebra 2 draws its foundation from Algebra 1 and deals with an advanced way of solving problems that involve algebra.
This particular mathematical course in high school deals with a deeper understanding of graphical equations, functions, and inequalities.
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Trigonometry
In some cases, trigonometry is not studied on its own as one of the math classes in high school. It is always incorporated into algebra and geometry, but in some cases, especially, for students who are going to study further in science or technology, trigonometry may be taken as one of the math courses in high school
This mathematics course deals with applying the concepts of algebra and geometry to periodic and circular functions.
Pre-Calculus
The math course is mostly taken by high school seniors who are preparing to enter college as the maths course deals with limits, derivatives, statistics, sequences and other probability-related classes that prepare one for advanced mathematics in college.
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Calculus
Calculus is an advanced form of precalculus and not every high school student makes it to this level, but students who make it to the calculus level do exist just like myself.
Taking calculus math classes can help you if you want to study a field that relates to mathematics or even physics in college.
You can expect to continue the material you made use of during your prep calculus just to build enough foundation before entering the main materials for calculus.
At this level, differentiation and integration are being concentrated on.
Elective Math Courses In High School
These days you will notice that every field of study has fragments of mathematics in them. This is where the elective maths courses in High School come in.
If you’re not into the STEM field properly, you may be required to take elective math classes in high schools like computer mathematics, maths literacy, and math applications.
This is in a bid to expose you to real-world problems and mathematical methods that you can use for your day-to-day activities.
AP classes in High Schools
If you intend to apply for a college education and stand out from the competition, you should take AP classes, especially for those pursuing degrees in the STEM field or education.
You can take AP Calculus BC or AP Calculus AB. These two would help you show your skills to your prospective college or university.
