Ernest Seaholm High School - Piper Yearbook (Birmingham, MI)

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Advanced math unites algebra, geometry Currently the most advanced mathematics courses oFfered at Seaholm are College Algebra and Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry and Calculus. College Algebra and Trigonometry were once separated into two distinct courses, but are now combined. ln Trigonometry the fundamental relations and theorems concerning the parts of the triangle are taught, along with triangle measurement. In College Algebra, they start with a review of Algebra ll, as foundation material for theory of equations, determinants and matrices. Analytic Geometry and Calculus is a study of the fundamentals of calculus and interpreting geometric forms. Although this course is normally not taught until college, it has been taught in the senior year'to advanced students for several years now. According to Mr. Thumser, head of the mathematics depart- ment, Students have been found to be capable of handling calculus on the high school level and by virtue of taking it then, they can start out taking more advanced math courses when they reach college. This year fifty-five Seaholm students, who took Part l of the Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition, qualified for the top 4'Xa of the state by cor- rectly answering at least half of the thirty multiple choice questions. The second half was much more difficult with six problems to solve in one hundred minutes. .lim Weinrich scored second highest in the entire state. During her College Algebra and Trigonometry class, Wendy Erb draws a chart on the blackboard to explain the graph she used in finding a solution to her problem. After drawing sketches of their problems, F Marin and Nancy Burce show the work required it

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tie l i K QQ? life'- 5 . se. B, e g Q Q Tie - ft E Ei E t I i l s 5 t- 5 YW -3 x ic as 5- its Q. :E Lixfi 31 si is ati .. i?L. S 2 i i ' r 15323, at i me 1... , f, is Lag ii , T. . fl ...fs .1 Donna Christman 2 - . ,f,:,5: V it' Mathematics teaches why as well as how Beverly - Chute Although mathematics at Seaholm is elec- vision to the solution of equations. Students tive, there is a large number of students who also learn the techniques used for solving A decide upon at least one course. Maintain- verbal problems. A T A ing-high standards of excellence, the mathe- Geometry is the study of two and three matics department constantly attempts to dimensional figures. ln the course students improve its curriculum so that it may better prove statements about the figures. The 1' . serve these students. Now, the students must maior importance of this course is that it s i learn the why as well as the how of helps teach the students to logically and or- mathematical operations. derly reason things out. Dexter New this year is the flexible geometry , ln Algebra ll the students make a more Clark similar in concept to flexible scheduling in intensive study of the fundamental opera- ii ,lill V English and history. ln this pilot proiect, fifth tions and principles already learned in their ' if hour classes are combined into one large previous mathematics courses. Some of the group for lectures during part of the week. things that they make a deeper study of in- A Then they split into smaller groups, formed clude solving linear equations, simplifying N according to ability, to receive specialized fractions and using exponents and radicals. help and instruction according to their needs. They also explore the new fields of infinite - if ln Algebra I, which is a prerequisite for series, progressions, systems of equations . .r... all other mathematics courses, emphasis is other than linear, quadratic functions and placed on relating the basic operations of logarithms. Dglztid ua.. ' -Qz5iV.4',i es sei? .X ,.... -2 s- me addition, subtraction, multiplication, and di- Students react differently to mathematics as evidenced below. Jonel Lennox puzzles over a problem which seems perfectly clear to Pat Dawson, while Debbie Linton studies her paper and John Calver listens. :E - ts Ju ie Clark l Heather Clifton

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nlve their problems, and explain the hps they used to the class. ln his honors calculus class, Tom Gardner finds he needs his slide rule to solve the problem he is doing ot the board as the class works in their seats. Paul Cahill solves a periodic trigonometric function at his desk with the help of a accurately and carefully made sketch of the function. ww N.. - -1- W. ,si ' .sxrwvw Marcia Cloud Lawrence Colgrove , 2195? .. , . ti tsrt 5, .. g aw ,R- SEE IXVSXE X 5 - is: wig A Carol Collins Elizabeth Colville fp. ..,,,. Q Lance Connolly Richard Connolly S . yyyp y