Parents of high school students can feel out of the loop regarding the math their child is studying. Here at Mathnasium, we’ve got all the information you need about what your high school math student will study this school year and beyond!
Math is cumulative as a student works through areas of study, so students usually tackle math in a particular order. First, a student masters arithmetic in earlier school years, then in high school, moves on to algebra, geometry, trigonometry, then pre-calculus. After pre-cal, a student may move on to calculus while in high school.
Having a basic outline of what your student is learning is important for when they have questions or need assistance! That’s why we are dedicating our latest blog to decoding your high schooler’s math topics!
Algebra
To succeed in Algebra, a student must have a good understanding of the basics of arithmetic. These basic concepts include multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction to start. A familiarity with fractions, decimals, and percents is vital as well. Once these foundations are mastered, students will work on grasping linear equations and systems of linear equations. After that, students move on to exponential and logarithmic functions. Algebra study culminates in learning about polynomial and quadratic functions and equations. These skills prepare a student for success in higher-level math classes.
Geometry
Much of geometry that your child learns in high school is what’s known as Euclidean Geometry, which includes flat shapes on a plane in addition to solid figures. Students learn how to calculate area and perimeter for 2-dimensional shapes, as well as surface area and volume for 3-dimensional solids. Geometry focuses heavily on triangles and circles but includes other polygons as well. Your high school student will learn about the concept of congruence and similar triangles. This includes learning to measure and deduce angle measurements. Geometry courses in high school will focus heavily on triangles and the Pythagorean theorem, preparing them for trigonometry.
Trigonometry
In high school trigonometry, students will continue the training they began with right triangles in their geometry classes. They learn the six trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent. Beyond that, students learn about trig identities and how to use them to simplify more complex trig expressions. They graph the trig functions and also how to graph their transformations. One area of study in trigonometry will also relate trig functions to circular functions. The skills learned in trigonometry help set your student up for success in pre-calculus.
Pre-calculus and calculus
One other math class that many high school students take is pre-calculus. Pre-calculus typically combines trigonometry concepts with other prerequisites for students to use to study the higher-level concepts included in calculus. In pre-cal, students dig deeper into trig functions and graphing. They also explore polynomial, rational, and exponential functions. They learn about probability, including the concepts of combinations and permutations. They also utilize matrices (including solving systems using matrix equations). Calculus expands on the pre-cal concepts by exploring limits, derivatives, and integrals.
Being a parent of a student learning these concepts can be disorienting sometimes! It can be challenging to understand if your child is on the right track if you have trouble following along. Good news – at Mathnasium, we realize parents' struggle. Our expert instructors are here to help! Our system helps students reach their highest potential by meeting them where they are and working through the above cumulative skills step by step with them. Call us today at (832) 569-5073 if you’re interested in trying one of our programs to keep your high school student on track!
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