Mathematics Department

Note:  Loyola requires all students to take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II and strongly encourages all students to take a fourth year of math.

Algebra I and Honors Algebra I are comprehensive courses that prepare students to use algebraic skills and concepts confidently in mathematics, in related disciplines, and in real world situations.  Examples of topics covered are integers and rational numbers, equations, inequalities, exponents and polynomials, factoring, graphing linear equations, systems of equations, rational expressions, and radical expressions.  Problem solving is emphasized throughout all of these topics.  Graphing calculators are used as teaching and learning tools throughout the course.

Geometry and Honors Geometry use investigative and inductive introductory methods and then follow with programs based on traditional theorems and postulates.  Computers are used as an aid in the development of the theorems and postulates.  Students first learn the language of geometry and then apply this language to such topics as congruency, similar triangles, parallelism, circles, polygons, area, volume, constructions and basic trigonometry. 

Algebra II and Honors Algebra II prepare students to use advanced algebra skills and concepts.  Through classroom lectures, applications, assignments, and assessment, students will develop critical thinking skills and strategies necessary for problem solving.  Also, students will learn to use the TI-83/TI 84 graphing calculator. 

Since no student should take a year off from math, especially the year prior to college, Loyola offers several electives with varying levels of difficulty for the fourth year of math.

Pre-Calculus is an alternative to the Honors Pre-Calculus course.  The course content mirrors the topics of the Honors Pre-Calculus course; however, the students set the contents' pace and depth.  This course prepares students for college math courses that  most non-science/math majors must take and is a prerequisite to Calculus.

Honors Pre-Calculus, a prerequisite for Calculus or AP Calculus, covers the following topics:  advanced algebra, polynomials, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, series, sequences, probability, and analytic geometry.  It is a rigorous, fast-paced course guided by Larson, Hostetler and Edwards' college-level text, Pre-Calculus, With Limits.

Calculus is offered for those students who do not wish to deal with the rigors of the AP Calculus courses, described below.

Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus (AB) and (BC) are first and second semester college calculus courses.  The College Board dictates the curriculum for each course. Students may receive college credit depending on the AP exam score and policies of the student's college choice.  AP Calculus students must be mathematically able -  good math scores on the PSAT, high grades in previous math courses, and the recommendation of the student's math teachers.  All students are required to take the national exam in the spring.