Mathematics

Important Back to School Notice:

Students are reminded that for those classes requiring a calculator, they need to purchase a TI-84+ (preferred)or a TI-84 Silver Edition Graphing Calculator. Now is the time to watch for back-to-school sales of these products! Please also know, the Pius XI Math Department participates in Texas Instruments’ Rewards Program to get technology into the classroom. As such, students are asked to submit the TI Technology Rewards Points Symbol to their teacher this fall.

Classes for which the calculator is required are: Algebra, Algebra & Trigonometry, Algebra 2, AP Calculus, Honors Math 3, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry and Statistics

While the physical world we live in is finite, bounded, limited and measurable, the realm of mathematics is the opposite – infinite, unbounded, limitless and immeasurable. Because students arrive at Pius XI at many different levels of understanding, different skill levels and abilities, the mathematics department offers a full range of courses from Pre-Algebra to Advanced Placement Calculus. While a comprehensive four-year program is recommended for all students, those at a higher level are encouraged to participate in a unique peer-tutoring program to foster strong bonds among all levels of ability.

Students are introduced to both the historical and cultural roots of mathematics, as they learn to communicate this knowledge in oral and written form using mathematical vocabulary and symbols. In addition, skills in analysis, social interaction and decision-making are developed through the discovery process. On a technical level, graphing calculators and computers are integrated into select classes, and Geometry students can expect to use computers on a regular basis. The classroom environment overall promotes intellectual curiosity and a desire to become lifelong learners.

Incoming freshmen are placed in one of two levels of algebra, or accelerated geometry or PreAlgebra based on their placement score and the recommendation of the middle school teacher. Prospective students are invited to participate in the Eighth-Grade Math Competition.

Students will learn to:

Understand numbers and the important and powerful ways in which they are used, thus developing their numerical literacy skills.
Organize work and present mathematical procedures and results clearly, concisely, and correctly.
Communicate using numeric, algebraic and geometric approaches, deciding which is most appropriate given the specific information.
Select appropriate problem-solving strategies and apply them to a variety of situations.
Interpret theoretical and real-world data, make predictions and assess the validity of their predictions.
Incorporate technology as a tool in solving problems, allowing deeper insights into mathematical concepts.