Math classes in high school might be your favorite, or they might be something that you dread. Either way, it is an essential subject—most high schools require at least three years of math, including courses like algebra and geometry, and often recommend taking four years, as being strong in math can benefit you later in life.
If it is not your strong suit, this might feel daunting, but courses are meant to help you excel at mathematics, prepare you for college, and increase your chances of success in associated subject areas such as science courses.
Below, we'll explore more about math in high school, what you'll learn, and how you can perform to the best of your abilities.
High School Math Topics and Their Grades
- ➗ Grade 9 | Algebra 1
- 📐 Grades 9-12 (after Algebra 1) | Geometry
- ✖️ Grades 11-12 | Algebra 2
- 🟰 Grade 11 | Trigonometry
- ➕Grade 11-12 | Pre-calculus
- ➖ Grade 12 | Calculus
- 📚 Grades 9-12 | AP Classes
High School Math Courses
Most high-school pupils have to complete 3-years of mathematics coursework, although 4-years is recommended as most colleges demand this. There may be different levels of math classes, recommended based on ability and performance.
Other schools may demand the completion of math until particular coursework is completed.
However, suppose you've decided that you'll choose a degree that doesn't require advanced mathematics.
In that case, it might be handy to take courses that are directly connected to your chosen field once you complete your mathematics coursework. But, if you intend to pursue a degree in the STEM field, high school is the best time to start exploring advanced mathematical concepts.
Here are some of the main topics you'll learn in high school mathematics:
Algebra 1
Algebra-1 is typically the first mathematics class you'll take as a high school student. Though math classes in high school are many, algebra is arguably one of the most fundamental courses.
Students will learn real numbers, explore, solve, write, and graph linear equations. In addition to that, they will study polynomials, quadratic functions, and equations.
Most learners take algebra in their first year, though mathematics classes are given to students based on their placement test results. This is why high school mathematics classes contain pupils in various grades.
Geometry
Here's a fun fact: a great majority of students who otherwise hate mathematics as a subject love to take geometry as coursework.
So in high school geometry lessons, you'll likely study solid and plane geometry, including measurement formulas, formal proofs, and constructions. This course is usually taken after Algebra-1 coursework and may include pupils in various grades because of placement tests.
Algebra 2
Algebra-2 essentially builds upon concepts and skills that students cover in Algebra-1 coursework.
However, unlike Algebra-1, you'll dig deeper into graphing and solving equations, in addition to functions and inequalities. Moreover, most algebra-2 classes contain trigonometry – which isn't always taught as separate coursework in most high schools.
So for many learners, it's the last math course taken in high school.
Trigonometry
Typically taken in junior year – though it may occur later or even earlier – trigonometry is mainly included in other mathematics courses such as Algebra-2.
However, some pupils take it as an altogether separate course. This course includes geometry and algebra and the application of these concepts and problems to periodic and circular functions.
Pre-Calculus
Often, this course is referred to as an 'elective' for learners who want to take advanced mathematics classes.
The coursework examines sequences and series, limits, probability, statistics, and derivatives. Most seniors attend this course before taking college math classes.
Calculus
This coursework is highly beneficial if you are preparing to study a math-related degree in college.
During calculus lessons, students will dive deeper into the material they have read in their pre-calculus course, with more focus on differentiation and integration.
Other Electives
Elective mathematics classes vary wildly from school to school, including math applications, math literacy, computer math, and other high school math problems and concepts.
All these topics emphasize real-world math applications and can be taken by students that choose fields other than STEM.
AP Classes
For learners pursuing STEM education or work, AP Classes are of significant importance. They can easily distinguish you from others.
AP Calculus BC and AP Calculus AB both display your abilities to possible colleges and, on top of that, are offered by many schools. In addition to that, students may attend AP statistics classes, which most view as somewhat less rigid compared to AP Calculus. Nevertheless, it can be handy in college mathematics work as it's widely used. For STEM pupils, AP Calculus is a good choice; however, those who don't pursue the STEM field in college should take AP statistics.
How Hard Is High School Mathematics?
Math can be both tricky and hassle-free. For some, solving a high school math equation is one of the most daunting tasks; it's a breeze for others.
According to one popular survey, students were asked to name one school subject they believed to be highly challenging. Not surprisingly, math secured the top position in the chart.
So, what makes high school math or math in general difficult?
One possible reason math is considered hard is that it's not quickly done and requires extra labor, planning, and skill to perform it accurately and correctly. In other words, solving math problems require persistence and patience. For many, math isn't something that comes automatically or intuitively – it takes lots of effort. Moreover, it's a field that often requires learners to devote lots of energy and time.
This means the issue isn't of brainpower essentially. Nevertheless, here are some reasons why high-school mathematics seems complicated:
- The subject appears hard as it takes a while to understand and a lot of energy.
- Most students don't get mathematics lessons easily and fast; they require time. This way, the students often fall behind.
- Many students move further to learn more intricate concepts and equations with a fragile foundation.
- Often, the curricula structure is weak, making high school math teaching tedious.
To address this problem, if you're a high-school student and struggle with the subject of math, hire a professional Superprof math tutor. They will help you grasp all high school math levels and topics, including algebra, geometry, and others.
For more localized support, consider searching for a math tutor near me.
Ways to Motivate Students to Learn High School Math
Mathematics can be a rewarding and exciting subject to study; however, it takes a lot of perseverance and patience to become skilled in math.
This is why students require a frequent dose of motivation and encouragement to stay committed to mastering math.
Here are a few convincing ways that teachers can use to motivate students to learn high school math:
Find a Compelling Reason
Help your student to locate a convincing reason as to why they should study mathematics. If they like to pursue a particular area of expertise, assist them in seeing how mathematics will help achieve their set goals. If possible, do some thorough research along with them.
Get Learners Involved
Involve students with practical applications for math projects. Allow them to utilize all their abilities and gifts to solve high school math-level problems. This way, you'll provide them with a self-start and encourage them to perform math equations independently.
Teach Your Students Ways to Learn
Improving math coursework in high school involves knowing some of the best methods of learning, rather than just providing the information and expecting it to sink in.
Teach your students all the basic concepts of learning and revision so they can solve high school math problems and equations quickly and achieve success.
Success in Encouragement
High school math coursework can feel like a big challenge for some learners. Encouragement is crucial because most students have either failed or feel like they're failing when working on high school mathematical equations. Reward the achievements and encourage effort, it will build new hope and help them remain motivated while doing math problems.
Share Your Knowledge
Students should be encouraged to share whatever they learn in their high school math courses. Try to create an environment where everyone can share something – no matter how small. This way, students can teach one another about high school math and develop some oral communication skills.
Teamwork
One of the best ways to motivate students to do math problems is by making teams, allowing them to inspire each other. Math camps are the perfect place to foster this cooperation! Then, divide them into teams with a task to back one another. This helps students learn so much about math without getting bored and frustrated.
Resources to Help Students with High School Math
There are more ways to learn pretty much any subject than ever before, including math. There are an incredible number of YouTube channels and websites dedicated to the subject, especially aimed at high school students. Here's a list of online resources and websites that help pupils with high-school math:
Math.com
This website has everything required for students to help them with their high school mathematics.
It's user-friendly and straightforward to navigate. For example, the drop-down menu contains options for all math courses studied in high school. In addition to that, the website contains a segment where teachers will find essential information for course plans and several classroom resources.
Not just that, Math.com also has a separate section where parents can seek help for their children's homework.
MathPlanet.com
Another popular website for high school mathematics is MathPlanet.com. They provide lessons, explanations, and examples that almost all students seek and need in the school.
What's interesting about this website is that it contains several informative video lessons on diverse high school math subjects. In addition to that, they offer ACT and SATs practice exams with separate answer keys.
It's one of the best websites available to assist students in their high school math problems and equations. Every lesson, resource, and explanation on the topic will help learners, teachers, and parents alike.
DoodleMath
Operated and owned by Discovery Education, the site offers teachers valuable resources to attract every pupil in the class.
As the top mathematics site, it's a free platform where students can type in any math-related query and get instant and detailed solutions. The unique feature of this site is its 'Math for Everyone' section, where students will find clear explanations and examples of numerous math problems.
Also, using this feature, you can determine how much tip you have to give at a restaurant or figure the chances of winning a million-dollar lottery.
Learn High School Math with Superprof
Looking for high school math tutors? Customized high-school mathematics lessons can be a great way to improve your high school math performance. For instance, a math tutor near me can offer targeted, personalized help. Superprof helps you connect with both online and in-person tutoring offering flexible location and scheduling.
Alternatively, you might also connect with a math tutor near me for flexible scheduling and personalized assistance.
All of our tutors are highly qualified with diverse knowledge in geometry, algebra, and other math subjects. Alongside in-class experience, they're adept at motivating students to learn outside of class.
Whether you want to improve your high school math grades or prepare for the SAT or ACT, a math instructor can help you to get the most out of your mathematics classes in high school, as well as allowing you to ask specific questions. Start your search for a math tutor here on Superprof today, and find somebody in your local area or online who can give you the help you need.
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