Academics - Mathematics

The aim of Mathematical Studies is to provide a course for students with varied backgrounds and abilities. More specifically, it is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of mathematics in students who do not anticipate a need for theoretical mathematics at university. The course concentrates on mathematics that can be applied to real-world occurrences and everyday situations. The Mathematical Studies syllabus consists of eight distinct areas of study: graphing calculator operations; number and algebra; sets-logic-and probability; functions; geometry and trigonometry; statistics; introductory differential calculus; and financial mathematics. Students entering this course should have a good understanding of algebra, geometry, and foundational trigonometry.

Mathematical Studies is assessed through two written papers which comprise 80% of the final grade. Students must also complete a personal project. This project is an individual piece of work involving the collection of information and/or generation of measurements, and the analysis and evaluation of the information or measurements. This project constitutes the remaining 20% of the final grade. The project is both internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO for correctness and consistency.

Objective: To prepare students with varied backgrounds and abilities for future College Mathematics courses (which could include Calculus) and for the mathematics required in daily life.

The successful student will:

* be able to cope with the mathematical demands of society.
* be able to use the tools of mathematics to undertake investigations of real life situations. *develop the study skills needed for further education.

Content:

algebra
trigonometry
logic
probability and statistics
vectors
functions
linear programming
research skills (for internal assessment)

The aim of Mathematics SL is to provide students who will continue to study mathematics at university with a broad background of mathematical thought, in addition to a sound level of technical ability. Mathematics SL consists of study in seven distinct areas: algebra; functions and equations; circular functions and trigonometry; matrices; vectors; statistics and probability; and calculus. Before entering the course, students must demonstrate a solid understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and foundational trigonometry, and statistics.

Mathematics SL is assessed in two ways. Two written examination papers combine for 80% of the final grade. Students are also required to complete a portfolio of two pieces of work assigned by the teacher and completed by the student. The pieces of work must be based on different areas of the syllabus and represent two types of tasks:

-mathematical investigation

-mathematical modeling

The portfolio constitutes the remaining 20% of the final grade and is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO for correctness and consistency.

Objective: To provide a background of mathematical thought at a reasonable level of technical ability to students.
In 11th grade students will study AP Calculus AB.

The successful student will:

* have sound mathematical skills and knowledge.
* be able to use the mathematical tools required to study related subjects such as chemistry, economics, business administration, etc.
* be able to work toward a solution as part of a team.

Content
* functions
* probability and statistics
* algebra and coordinate geometry
* vector geometry
* trigonometry
* sequences and series
* calculus

* iterative methods

This course sequence will prepare students to take the AP Calculus AB examination.

Offered at the higher level only, Mathematics HL is designed for students who will continue in an academic study of mathematics at university, and for students who have a good background and genuine interest in mathematics and who enjoy meeting its challenges and problems. All students must study eight core topics: numbers and algebra; functions and equations; circular functions and trigonometry; vector geometry; matrices and transformations; statistics; probability; and calculus. Students also must complete one of the following five options: statistics; sets, relations and groups, discreet mathematics; analysis and approximation; Euclidean and geometry and conic sections. Before entering the course, students should have a good understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.

Mathematics HL is assessed through two written examination papers which constitute 80% of the final grade. Students also must complete a portfolio of three pieces of work representing three activities: mathematical investigation; extended closed-problem solving; or mathematical modeling. This portfolio constitutes the remaining 20% of the final grade and is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.

Objective: To provide an opportunity for further study in mathematics for the student with a need for and a genuine interest in mathematics.
In 11th grade students will study AP Calculus BC.

The successful student will:

* have a sound basis of mathematical knowledge
* be able to use the mathematical tools required to study related subjects such as chemistry, economics, engineering, technology, etc.
* be able to work toward a solution as part of a team.

Content:

* equation solving theory
* sequences and series
* probability and statistics
* combinatorics
* proof
* trigonometry
* complex numbers
* vectors and matrices
* algebra & coordinate geometry
* analytic geometry
* calculus
* analysis and approximation
* Taylor series
* numerical integration
* recursion & iterative methods

This course sequence will prepare students to take the AP Calculus BC examination.