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Mathematics Department

A strong background in mathematics is an essential part of the academic development of each Ursuline High School student. Members of the Mathematics Department believe that superior standards of academic achievement and varied methods of instruction and assessment are necessary for the total development of the individual student.

Students are initially placed in mathematics courses through a review of the students achievements in elementary mathematics courses, their performance on standardized tests, their group performance on the mathematics section of the EXPLORE Test used for admission to Ursuline High School and student/parent performance. All students are required to graduate with four credits in mathematics.

• Faculty
• Course Descriptions

Faculty

Mr. Russ Nalepa, ‘73 – Department Chairperson
B.S. in Education – Ohio University
M.S. in Education – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 33
Courses: Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II & Trig, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus
Extracurricular Duties: Senior Class Advisor, Chess Club

Mr. Corey Persing
B.S. in Mathematics Education – Roberts Wesleyan University
Years at Ursuline: 10
Courses: Algebra II, Statistics
 
 

Mr. Nick Stanek
B.S. in Math Education – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 5
Courses: Algebra I, College Prep Math
Extracurricular Duties: Boys Basketball Assistant Varsity Coach,
Baseball Assistant Varsity Coach
 

Mr. George Stroia, ‘67
B.S. in Education – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 37
Courses: Pre-Algebra, Geometry
Extracurricular Duties: Head Cross Country Coach, Head Track and Field Coach

 

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Course Descriptions

• Pre-Algebra I
• Algebra I
• Geometry
• College Prep Math
• Algebra II
• Statistics
• Precalculus
• Ap Calculus

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PRE-ALGEBRA I

GRADE 9      ELECTIVE      1 credit

Included in this course are: a review of the fundamental operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division of fractions, decimals and percents; an introduction to the basic concepts of whole numbers, integers and real numbers; the language and symbols of sets and functions, and an investigation of the basic properties of Algebra involved in solving equations and inequalities. This course is recommended for those students who score below the 30th percentile on the math section of the Ursuline placement test.

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ALGEBRA I

GRADES 9 - 11      REQUIRED      1 credit

This course deals with an in-depth study of the real number system that includes whole numbers, natural numbers, integers and rational numbers. Other topics include solving first and second degree equations and first-degree inequalities, graphing linear equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of polynomials; factoring polynomials and applying all of these topics to practical word problems. It is recommended that students score in the 30th percentile or better on the math section of the Ursuline placement test.
Students whose scores on the Mathematics section of the Ursuline Placement Test are at the 95th percentile or better will be invited into HONORS ALGEBRA I. Students entering this program must have a high skill level in computation, logical reasoning, and problem solving. Topics covered are: operations with real number systems, sets, solving equations and inequalities, word problems, functions, the coordinate plane and graphing, polynomials and factoring, simultaneous equations, square roots and radicals. This course is the first step in preparation for the AP Calculus course.
PREREQUISITE: 95TH PERCENTILE OR BETTER ON THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE URSULINE PLACEMENT TEST

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GEOMETRY

GRADES 10 - 12      REQUIRED      1 credit

This course is designed to teach students the language of geometry: angle relationships, geometric proofs for both congruence and similarity, right triangle relationships, properties of various quadrilaterals and circle theory, parallels, measurement, area and volume, and the Pythagorean theorem. PREREQUISITE: PASSING GRADE IN ALGEBRA I

Students who maintain a B or better average in Honors Algebra I will be eligible to take HONORS GEOMETRY. In addition to the material on geometric language, angle relationships, and geometric proofs for congruence and similarity, right triangle relationships, properties of various quadrilaterals and circle theory, the course will devote time to coordinate geometry and begin the study of trigonometry. This course is designed to provide a rigorous background in logic and proof - the language of mathematics and continues the preparation begun in Honors Algebra I for the AP Calculus course.
PREREQUISITE: "B" OR BETTER IN HONORS ALGEBRA I

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COLLEGE PREP MATH

GRADES 11 - 12      ELECTIVE      1 credit

This course is designed for juniors and seniors who are planning to go on to college and would like to have a comprehensive review and refinement of the mathematical skills necessary for college level math. The course will reinforce the algebraic concepts of solving equations, factoring, linear equations, and polynomials; deal with geometric relationships for solving real-world problems; introduce trigonometric and circular functions; apply mathematical principles to solving word problems; and utilize calculators and computer software in the application of mathematics to real world problems. PREREQUISITE: PASSING GRADES IN ALGEBRA I AND GEOMETRY

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ALGEBRA II

GRADES 11 - 12      ELECTIVE      1 credit

Extending the principles of Algebra I, this course will examine operations with polynomials,
remainders and factor theorems, word problems, quadratic functions, conic sections, simultaneous equations, Cramer’s Rule, exponential equations, logarithms and sequences. PREREQUISITE: "C" OR BETTER IN BOTH ALGEBRA I AND GEOMETRY

Students who maintain a B or better average in Honors Geometry will be eligible to take HONORS ALGEBRA II/TRIG. This course is designed to provide the accelerated Math student with a more rigorous and widespread coverage of the material in Algebra II and to deal with some topics in Trigonometry. Topics include: solving single and multiple variable systems of equations, quadratic equations, some analytic geometry and selected trigonometry topics. This is essentially a precalculus course and constitutes the final preparation for AP Calculus. PREREQUISITE: "B" OR BETTER IN HONORS GEOMETRY

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STATISTICS

GRADE 12      ELECTIVE      1 credit

This course is appropriate for those students planning on careers outside of the Engineering/Science areas. Students interested in business, nursing, psychology, social studies and education will find this course interesting and useful. It will cover an introduction to basic probability, statistical methods and formulas, and the interpretation of statistical data. PREREQUISITE: PASSING GRADE IN ALGEBRA I AND GEOMETRY

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PRECALCULUS

GRADE 12      ELECTIVE      1 credit

This course is intended for those who are planning to pursue the study of Mathematics, Science or Engineering in college. During the first semester the emphasis is placed on Trigonometry and vectors. Among the topics studied in the second semester are complex numbers and analytic geometry. PREREQUISITE: "C" OR BETTER IN ALGEBRA II

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AP CALCULUS

GRADE 12      ELECTIVE      1 credit

This course will introduce students to the techniques of calculus, trigonometry and analytic geometry. Topics include: trigonometry, trig identities and graphs, analytic geometry in the plane, the derivative and its uses, the integral and its applications. This course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Calculus Test (AB). PREREQUISITE: "B" OR BETTER IN HONORS ALGEBRA II/TRIG

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