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What does a student learn in ?

High school math is where students stop solving problems one step at a time and start building models. They write and rewrite equations, graph functions like parabolas and exponentials, and use the rules of geometry to prove why shapes behave the way they do. Statistics shows up too, so students learn to read data, spot trends, and decide what a graph is really saying. By spring, students can take a real situation, pick the right equation or shape, and explain their answer.

  • Algebra
  • Functions and graphs
  • Geometry proofs
  • Right triangle trigonometry
  • Statistics and data
  • Probability
  • Quadratic equations
Source: Alabama Alabama Course of Study
Year at a glance
How the year usually goes. Every school and district set their own curriculum, so treat this as a guide, not official pacing.
  1. 1

    Algebra I foundations

    Students start high school math by working with linear, quadratic, and exponential expressions. They solve equations, graph functions, and use real numbers and exponents to describe everyday situations like savings growth or the path of a thrown ball.

  2. 2

    Data, probability, and chance

    Students learn to read and build two-way tables, scatter plots, and probability models. They look at how two things might be related, like study time and test scores, and decide whether the connection is real or just coincidence.

  3. 3

    Geometry and shape

    Students prove why shapes behave the way they do. They work with triangles, circles, and solids, measure with coordinates, and use slides, flips, and turns to show when two figures match or scale up and down.

  4. 4

    Right triangle trigonometry

    Students use sine, cosine, and tangent to find missing sides and angles in right triangles. They apply these tools to real problems like ramp heights, ladder angles, and distances that cannot be measured directly.

  5. 5

    Algebra II and advanced functions

    Students stretch into polynomial, logarithmic, radical, and trig functions. They graph each family, solve harder equations, work with complex numbers, and start using the unit circle to describe patterns that repeat, like sound waves or seasons.

  6. 6

    Statistics and modeling

    Students design surveys and experiments, work with normal distributions, and build confidence intervals from samples. They also use modeling to tackle real questions about money, design, and predictions, often in courses like Precalculus or Mathematical Modeling.

Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 9.
Geometry with Data Analysis
  • Together, irrational numbers and rational numbers complete the real number…

    GDA.NQ.A
    High School

    Real numbers cover every point on a number line, from simple fractions to never-ending decimals like pi. Complex numbers go further, covering values that real numbers alone cannot reach.

  • Extend understanding of irrational and rational numbers by rewriting…

    GDA.NQ.A.1
    High School

    Students simplify and combine radical expressions, such as square roots, using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The goal is to spot the repeating numerical patterns that show up in geometric figures.

  • Quantitative reasoning includes and mathematical modeling requires attention to…

    GDA.NQ.B
    High School

    Students practice choosing and converting units so their math matches the real world. A speed in miles per hour, a weight in grams, a length in feet: picking the right unit keeps calculations and models accurate.

  • Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of…

    GDA.NQ.B.2
    High School

    Students use units like miles, hours, or dollars to make sense of a multi-step problem and check that their answer lands in the right ballpark.

  • Choose and interpret units consistently in formulas

    GDA.NQ.B.2.a
    High School

    Students pick units that make sense for a formula (miles per hour, square feet, dollars per pound) and make sure those units stay consistent from the first number to the final answer.

  • Choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays

    GDA.NQ.B.2.b
    High School

    Students decide where a graph's number line should start and how far apart the tick marks should be, then explain why those choices make the data easier to read.

  • Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling

    GDA.NQ.B.2.c
    High School

    Students choose which numbers actually matter for a problem, such as picking speed instead of distance when modeling a commute. The skill is deciding what to measure, not just how to measure it.

  • Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations of measurements when…

    GDA.NQ.B.2.d
    High School

    Students learn to match their reported answer to the precision their measuring tool actually allows. A ruler that reads to the nearest millimeter, for example, cannot support an answer stated to the nearest tenth of a millimeter.

  • The structure of an equation or inequality

    GDA.AF.A
    High School

    Students learn to read what an equation is actually asking before deciding how to solve it. For linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and two-variable systems, they choose a solving method on purpose and explain why their answer works.

  • Find the coordinates of the vertices of a polygon determined by a set of lines…

    GDA.AF.A.3
    High School

    Students find where two lines on a graph cross by solving their equations together or reading the intersection off the graph. They repeat this for each pair of lines to locate every corner of a polygon.

  • Expressions, equations

    GDA.AF.B
    High School

    Algebra lets students write equations and inequalities to model real situations, like predicting costs or population growth. They work with linear, quadratic, and exponential patterns to analyze data and make predictions.

  • Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same…

    GDA.AF.B.4
    High School

    Students learn to rewrite a formula so a specific variable stands alone on one side, the way they'd solve for x in an equation. If a formula gives area, they can rearrange it to solve for length instead.

  • Graphs can be used to obtain exact or approximate solutions of equations…

    GDA.AF.C
    High School

    Students use graphs to solve equations and inequalities, reading exact or estimated answers directly from a plotted line or curve. This includes finding where two lines cross or where a line meets a curved path.

  • Verify that the graph of a linear equation in two variables is the set of all…

    GDA.AF.C.5
    High School

    Students check that every point on a straight-line graph is a solution to the equation, and that every solution lands on that same line. The graph and the equation are two ways of showing the same relationship.

  • Derive the equation of a circle of given center and radius using the…

    GDA.AF.C.6
    High School

    Students use the Pythagorean Theorem to build the equation of a circle from its center point and radius. It shows why every point on a circle sits exactly the same distance from the center.

  • Given the endpoints of the diameter of a circle, use the midpoint formula to…

    GDA.AF.C.6.a
    High School

    Students find the center of a circle by locating the midpoint between two given endpoints, then use the Pythagorean Theorem to write the circle's equation.

  • Derive the distance formula from the Pythagorean Theorem

    GDA.AF.C.6.b
    High School

    Students use the Pythagorean Theorem to build the formula for measuring the straight-line distance between any two points on a graph. It connects geometry to coordinate math in one step.

  • Mathematical and statistical reasoning about data can be used to evaluate…

    GDA.DSP.A
    High School

    Students learn to look at data critically, spot weak conclusions, and judge whether a risk is worth taking. This is the thinking behind headlines, studies, and everyday decisions.

  • Use mathematical and statistical reasoning with quantitative data, both…

    GDA.DSP.A.7
    High School

    Students read graphs and data tables to spot patterns, then use those patterns to draw conclusions and judge how likely something is to go wrong or work out.

  • Data arise from a context and come in two types

    GDA.DSP.B
    High School

    Numbers and categories are two different kinds of data, and real data often needs sorting and cleaning before it means anything. Students learn to recognize which type they're working with and how to organize messy data sets so analysis can actually begin.

  • Use technology to organize data, including very large data sets, into a useful…

    GDA.DSP.B.8
    High School

    Students use spreadsheets or software to sort and organize large sets of numbers so the data is easier to read and work with.

  • Distributions of quantitative data

    GDA.DSP.C
    High School

    Students learn to read a set of data and describe its shape, typical middle value, and spread, including how spread out the numbers are using standard deviation. They also spot values that fall far outside the pattern and use all of this to compare two groups side by side.

  • Represent the distribution of univariate quantitative data with plots on the…

    GDA.DSP.C.9
    High School

    Students pick the right type of chart (dot plot, histogram, box plot, or scatter plot) to display a set of numbers, then build it by hand for small data sets and with a calculator or software for larger ones.

  • Use statistics appropriate to the shape of the data distribution to compare and…

    GDA.DSP.C.10
    High School

    Students compare two or more data sets by looking at where each group clusters (mean or median) and how spread out the values are (interquartile range or standard deviation). The shape of the data determines which measure fits best.

  • Explain how standard deviation develops from mean absolute deviation

    GDA.DSP.C.10.a
    High School

    Standard deviation is a more precise version of mean absolute deviation. Students learn how both measure how spread out a set of data is, and why squaring the differences (instead of ignoring their sign) gives a more useful picture of that spread.

  • Calculate the standard deviation for a data set, using technology where…

    GDA.DSP.C.10.b
    High School

    Students calculate how spread out the numbers in a data set are from the average. This measure, called standard deviation, shows whether the values cluster tightly together or scatter widely.

  • Interpret differences in shape, center

    GDA.DSP.C.11
    High School

    Students compare two or more data sets by looking at their shape, center, and spread, then decide whether an unusually high or low value is skewing the average or making the data look more spread out than it really is.

  • Scatter plots, including plots over time, can reveal patterns, trends, clusters

    GDA.DSP.D
    High School

    Scatter plots show how two real-world things relate by plotting them as dots on a graph. Students read the pattern those dots make to spot trends, clusters, or gaps in the data.

  • Represent data of two quantitative variables on a scatter plot

    GDA.DSP.D.12
    High School

    Students plot two sets of numbers on a graph to see if they move together. For example, they might chart height and shoe size to find out whether taller people tend to wear bigger shoes.

  • Find a linear function for a scatter plot that suggests a linear association…

    GDA.DSP.D.12.a
    High School

    Students draw a best-fit line through a scatter plot, then check how far off each prediction is by measuring the gaps between the line and the actual data points. Adjusting the line to shrink those gaps makes the prediction more accurate.

  • Use technology to find the least-squares line of best fit for two quantitative…

    GDA.DSP.D.12.b
    High School

    Students use a calculator or software to draw the line that fits a scatter plot as closely as possible, then use that line to spot trends between two sets of numbers.

  • Analyzing the association between two quantitative variables should involve…

    GDA.DSP.E
    High School

    Students learn to draw a line of best fit through a scatterplot, check how well it matches the data, and calculate how strongly two quantities are related. They also learn why a strong pattern in data does not prove one thing causes the other.

  • Compute (using technology) and interpret the correlation coefficient of a…

    GDA.DSP.E.13
    High School

    Students use a calculator or software to find a number between -1 and 1 that measures how closely two things are related on a graph. A result near 1 or -1 means a strong relationship; a result near 0 means little to none.

  • Distinguish between correlation and causation

    GDA.DSP.E.14
    High School

    Correlation means two things tend to move together. Causation means one thing actually causes the other. Students learn why spotting a pattern in data does not prove that one factor is responsible for the change.

  • Data analysis techniques can be used to develop models of contextual situations…

    GDA.DSP.F
    High School

    Students learn to read real data, build a model that fits the situation, and use it to make decisions or predictions. The work connects math to problems worth solving.

  • Evaluate possible solutions to real-life problems by developing linear models…

    GDA.DSP.F.15
    High School

    Students build a straight-line equation from real data, such as temperature over time or price versus quantity, then use it to predict values the data did not show.

  • Use the linear model to solve problems in the context of the given data

    GDA.DSP.F.15.a
    High School

    Students use a line drawn through a scatterplot to make predictions about real-world situations, such as estimating future sales or expected test scores based on a trend in the data.

  • Interpret the slope

    GDA.DSP.F.15.b
    High School

    Students read a graph's trend line and explain what the steepness and starting point actually mean for the real situation, such as how fast a price rises or what the value was at day zero.

  • Areas and volumes of figures can be computed by determining how the figure…

    GDA.GM.A
    High School

    Students figure out the area or volume of a complex shape by mentally cutting it into simpler pieces, like rectangles or triangles, then adding those pieces back together.

  • Identify the shapes of two-dimensional cross-sections of three-dimensional…

    GDA.GM.A.16
    High School

    Slice a 3D shape like a cone or cylinder and name the flat shape you see in the cut. Students also figure out what 3D shape spinning a flat figure around an axis would create.

  • Model and solve problems using surface area and volume of solids, including…

    GDA.GM.A.17
    High School

    Students calculate surface area and volume for 3D shapes, including shapes made by combining two solids or cutting a piece out of one. Think of a box with a cylinder drilled through it.

  • Give an informal argument for the formulas for the surface area and volume of a…

    GDA.GM.A.17.a
    High School

    Students explain why the volume and surface area formulas for spheres, cylinders, pyramids, and cones actually work, not just how to use them. They use visual reasoning and comparisons between shapes to build the argument.

  • Apply geometric concepts to find missing dimensions to solve surface area or…

    GDA.GM.A.17.b
    High School

    Students use geometry formulas to find an unknown length, width, or height when the surface area or volume of a shape is already known. They work backward from the answer to find the missing measurement.

  • Constructing approximations of measurements with different tools, including…

    GDA.GM.B
    High School

    Students practice estimating measurements using tools like rulers, calculators, and apps to build a clearer sense of how measurement actually works. Getting close to the right answer first helps make the exact answer meaningful.

  • Given the coordinates of the vertices of a polygon, compute its perimeter and…

    GDA.GM.B.18
    High School

    Students find the perimeter and area of a shape when only its corner coordinates are given, using formulas or geometry tools, then check whether the answer makes sense.

  • When an object is the image of a known object under a similarity…

    GDA.GM.C
    High School

    Two shapes are similar when one is a scaled version of the other. Students use that ratio to find a missing length, area, or volume on the larger or smaller shape without measuring it directly.

  • Derive and apply the relationships between the lengths, perimeters, areas

    GDA.GM.C.19
    High School

    Students learn how scaling a shape up or down affects its perimeter, area, and volume by predictable amounts. If a shape doubles in size, its perimeter doubles, its area quadruples, and its volume multiplies by eight.

  • Derive and apply the formula for the length of an arc and the formula for the…

    GDA.GM.C.20
    High School

    Students learn where the arc length and sector area formulas come from, then use them to solve problems. Both formulas scale a circle's full circumference or area by the fraction of the circle the angle cuts out.

  • Applying geometric transformations to figures provides opportunities for…

    GDA.GM.D
    High School

    Students learn how sliding, flipping, or rotating a shape changes its position without changing its size or angles. They also explore which shapes look identical before and after a move, which is how symmetry works.

  • Represent transformations and compositions of transformations in the plane

    GDA.GM.D.21
    High School

    Students use graph paper or geometry software to draw, move, and combine shape transformations, such as slides, flips, and turns, to show how a figure changes position or orientation on a flat surface.

  • Describe transformations and compositions of transformations as functions that…

    GDA.GM.D.21.a
    High School

    Students describe how moves like slides, flips, and rotations work as rules that take a point's location and produce a new location. They write those rules in plain language and in function notation.

  • Compare transformations which preserve distance and angle measure to those that…

    GDA.GM.D.21.b
    High School

    Students sort geometric transformations into two groups: those that keep shapes the same size and angle, like slides and flips, and those that stretch or shrink them. The goal is recognizing what changes and what stays the same.

  • Explore rotations, reflections

    GDA.GM.D.22
    High School

    Students practice moving, flipping, and rotating shapes on a coordinate grid, using graph paper or software to see exactly how each transformation changes a shape's position without changing its size.

  • Given a geometric figure and a rotation, reflection

    GDA.GM.D.22.a
    High School

    Students draw a shape after it has been slid, flipped, or turned, using graph paper or geometry software to place the new shape correctly.

  • Specify a sequence of rotations, reflections

    GDA.GM.D.22.b
    High School

    Students describe the exact steps (rotate, flip, or slide) needed to move one shape so it lands perfectly on top of another.

  • Draw figures with different types of symmetries and describe their attributes

    GDA.GM.D.22.c
    High School

    Students draw shapes that have line symmetry, rotational symmetry, or both, then describe what makes each type distinct.

  • Develop definitions of rotation, reflection

    GDA.GM.D.23
    High School

    Rotation, reflection, and translation are the three ways to move a shape without changing its size. Students define each move using angles, parallel lines, and other geometric relationships.

  • Showing that two figures are congruent involves showing that there is a rigid…

    GDA.GM.E
    High School

    Two shapes are congruent if you can slide, flip, or rotate one until it lines up exactly with the other. Students prove congruence by identifying the specific moves that get one figure to land perfectly on top of the other.

  • Define congruence of two figures in terms of rigid motions

    GDA.GM.E.24
    High School

    Two shapes are congruent if you can slide, spin, or flip one until it lands exactly on the other. Students identify the specific moves that map one shape onto its match.

  • Verify criteria for showing triangles are congruent using a sequence of rigid…

    GDA.GM.E.25
    High School

    Students prove two triangles are identical in size and shape by sliding, flipping, or rotating one until it lines up exactly with the other.

  • Verify that two triangles are congruent if and only if corresponding pairs of…

    GDA.GM.E.25.a
    High School

    Two triangles are congruent when every matching side and every matching angle are equal in size. Students check this by comparing each pair of sides and angles across both triangles.

  • Verify that two triangles are congruent if

    GDA.GM.E.25.b
    High School

    Students use measurements of angles and sides to prove two triangles are identical in size and shape. They apply four shortcut rules (SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS) that tell you when matching parts are enough to confirm a perfect match.

  • Showing that two figures are similar involves finding a similarity…

    GDA.GM.F
    High School

    Students prove two shapes are similar by finding the resize, flip, slide, or turn that maps one onto the other. If one shape is a scaled-up or scaled-down version of another, a single dilation or a short sequence of moves connects them.

  • Verify experimentally the properties of dilations given by a center and a scale…

    GDA.GM.F.26
    High School

    Students test what happens to a shape when it's enlarged or shrunk from a fixed point. They check that the new shape stays the same proportions as the original, just bigger or smaller.

  • Verify that a dilation takes a line not passing through the center of the…

    GDA.GM.F.26.a
    High School

    Students zoom a figure in or out from a fixed center point and check what happens to nearby lines. Lines that miss the center shift outward but stay parallel; lines that run through the center don't move at all.

  • Verify that the dilation of a line segment is longer or shorter in the ratio…

    GDA.GM.F.26.b
    High School

    Students scale a line segment up or down using a given ratio, then confirm the new length matches what the math predicts. If the scale factor is 3, the image should be exactly three times as long.

  • Given two figures, determine whether they are similar by identifying a…

    GDA.GM.F.27
    High School

    Students decide if two shapes are similar by finding the combination of slides, flips, turns, and size changes that maps one shape exactly onto the other.

  • Verify criteria for showing triangles are similar using a similarity…

    GDA.GM.F.28
    High School

    Students prove two triangles are similar by finding the exact combination of slides, flips, rotations, and size changes that maps one triangle perfectly onto the other.

  • Verify that two triangles are similar if and only if corresponding pairs of…

    GDA.GM.F.28.a
    High School

    Students check whether two triangles are truly similar by confirming that their matching angles are equal and their matching sides scale up or down by the same ratio.

  • Verify that two triangles are similar if

    GDA.GM.F.28.b
    High School

    Students check whether two triangles are the same shape but different sizes by comparing their angles and side lengths. Two matching angles, two proportional sides with the angle between them, or all three sides in proportion each confirm the triangles are similar.

  • Using technology to construct and explore figures with constraints provides an…

    GDA.GM.G
    High School

    Students use digital tools to build geometric shapes under set rules, then test whether changing one part of a figure forces other parts to change. This reveals which properties are truly connected and which are independent.

  • Find patterns and relationships in figures including lines, triangles…

    GDA.GM.G.29
    High School

    Students look for patterns across shapes like triangles, rectangles, and circles, using rulers, graphing tools, or software to spot what stays the same and what changes between figures.

  • Construct figures, using technology and other tools, in order to make and test…

    GDA.GM.G.29.a
    High School

    Students use drawing tools or geometry software to build shapes, then test their hunches about how those shapes behave. The goal is to notice patterns and check whether they hold up.

  • Identify different sets of properties necessary to define and construct figures

    GDA.GM.G.29.b
    High School

    Students learn which measurements and rules are the minimum needed to draw a specific shape accurately. Given a triangle or quadrilateral, they decide which properties, like side lengths or angles, are enough to pin it down.

  • Proof is the means by which we demonstrate whether a statement is true or false…

    GDA.GM.H
    High School

    Students learn to prove whether a geometric statement is true or false and write that proof in a clear, logical argument. The format can vary: a two-column layout, a paragraph, or another organized structure that shows each step.

  • Develop and use precise definitions of figures such as angle, circle…

    GDA.GM.H.30
    High School

    Students learn the exact definitions of basic shapes and lines: what makes lines parallel, what defines a circle, and how angles and segments are measured. These precise definitions are the foundation for every geometry proof and problem that follows.

  • Justify whether conjectures are true or false in order to prove theorems and…

    GDA.GM.H.31
    High School

    Students decide whether a geometry rule is true or false, write out the reasoning that proves it, and then use that proven rule to solve problems. Proofs can be written as a paragraph, a two-column chart, or a flow diagram.

  • Investigate, prove, and apply theorems about lines and angles, including but…

    GDA.GM.H.31.a
    High School

    When two straight lines cross, students prove why certain angle pairs must be equal. They also show why cutting across parallel lines creates matching angles, and why the midpoint line of a segment stays perfectly centered between its two endpoints.

  • Investigate, prove, and apply theorems about triangles, including but not…

    GDA.GM.H.31.b
    High School

    The three inside angles of any triangle always add up to 180 degrees. Students also prove rules about equal sides, midpoints, parallel lines, and the Pythagorean Theorem, then use those rules to solve real geometry problems.

  • Investigate, prove, and apply theorems about parallelograms and other…

    GDA.GM.H.31.c
    High School

    Students prove why four-sided shapes like rectangles, rhombuses, and trapezoids follow specific rules, such as when opposite sides must be equal or parallel, and how those shapes relate to one another.

  • Proofs of theorems can sometimes be made with transformations, coordinates

    GDA.GM.I
    High School

    Geometry proofs can use different methods: moving shapes around, plotting points on a grid, or writing equations. Students learn that no single method works best every time, and switching approaches can make a hard proof click.

  • Use coordinates to prove simple geometric theorems algebraically

    GDA.GM.I.32
    High School

    Students use x-y coordinates on a graph to prove geometric facts, like showing two sides of a shape are equal or that two lines are perpendicular, using algebra instead of a ruler.

  • Prove the slope criteria for parallel and perpendicular lines and use them to…

    GDA.GM.I.33
    High School

    Students prove why parallel lines have equal slopes and perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals, then use those rules to solve geometry problems on a coordinate grid.

  • Recognizing congruence, similarity, symmetry, measurement opportunities

    GDA.GM.J
    High School

    Students spot geometric relationships in everyday objects and situations, like using right triangle ratios to find a building's height or checking whether two shapes are identical. Recognizing those connections turns geometry into a practical problem-solving tool.

  • Use congruence and similarity criteria for triangles to solve problems in…

    GDA.GM.J.34
    High School

    Students apply triangle rules to real-world problems, using what they know about matching or scaled triangles to find missing measurements like distances or heights they can't measure directly.

  • Discover and apply relationships in similar right triangles

    GDA.GM.J.35
    High School

    Students use the proportions inside similar right triangles to find missing side lengths and angles. If two right triangles share the same shape but different sizes, the ratios between their sides stay the same.

  • Derive and apply the constant ratios of the sides in special right triangles

    GDA.GM.J.35.a
    High School

    Special right triangles have side lengths that always stay in the same ratio. Students learn those fixed ratios for 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 triangles, then use them to find missing side lengths without measuring.

  • Use similarity to explore and define basic trigonometric ratios, including sine…

    GDA.GM.J.35.b
    High School

    Students use the proportions inside similar triangles to define the three core trig ratios: sine, cosine, and tangent. Each ratio compares two sides of a right triangle relative to one of its angles.

  • Explain and use the relationship between the sine and cosine of complementary…

    GDA.GM.J.35.c
    High School

    Students learn that the sine of any angle equals the cosine of its complement, and vice versa. So sin(30°) and cos(60°) are always the same value, because 30 and 60 add up to 90 degrees.

  • Demonstrate the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem

    GDA.GM.J.35.d
    High School

    Students use side lengths to prove whether a triangle is a right triangle. If the three sides satisfy a² + b² = c², the triangle has a right angle.

  • Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles…

    GDA.GM.J.35.e
    High School

    Students use sine, cosine, and the Pythagorean Theorem to find missing side lengths and angles in right triangles, then apply those skills to real problems like calculating the area of a hexagon or the height of a ramp.

  • Use geometric shapes, their measures

    GDA.GM.J.36
    High School

    Students use shapes like circles, rectangles, and triangles to represent real objects, then use measurements and properties of those shapes to solve practical problems.

  • Investigate and apply relationships among inscribed angles, radii

    GDA.GM.J.37
    High School

    Students study the hidden rules that govern circles: why an angle drawn from the center differs from one drawn on the edge, why a triangle tucked inside a semicircle always has a right angle, and why a radius meets a tangent line at exactly 90 degrees.

  • Experiencing the mathematical modeling cycle in problems involving geometric…

    GDA.GM.K
    High School

    Students work through real-world problems using geometry: they simplify a messy situation, solve it with geometric tools, then check whether their answer actually makes sense in the real world.

  • Use the mathematical modeling cycle involving geometric methods to solve design…

    GDA.GM.K.38
    High School

    Students apply geometry to real design problems, working through a full cycle of planning, modeling, and checking their solution. This might mean using area, scale, or shape to figure out whether a design actually works.

Algebra I With Probability
  • Together, irrational numbers and rational numbers complete the real number…

    A1P.NQ.A
    High School

    Rational numbers (like fractions and repeating decimals) and irrational numbers (like the square root of 2) together cover every point on the number line. Beyond those sits another category, complex numbers, which include values no point on the number line can represent.

  • Explain how the meaning of rational exponents follows from extending the…

    A1P.NQ.A.1
    High School

    Rational exponents are a shorthand for roots. Students learn why writing 8 to the power of 1/3 means the same thing as the cube root of 8, connecting the rules they already know for whole-number exponents to this new notation.

  • Rewrite expressions involving radicals and rational exponents using the…

    A1P.NQ.A.2
    High School

    Students rewrite square roots and cube roots as fractional exponents, and flip between the two forms using basic exponent rules. This skill shows up whenever students simplify or rearrange expressions in algebra.

  • Define the imaginary number <em>i</em> such that <em>i² = -1</em>

    A1P.NQ.A.3
    High School

    Students learn that mathematicians invented a number called *i* to handle square roots of negative numbers. It follows one rule: multiply *i* by itself and you get -1.

  • Expressions can be rewritten in equivalent forms by using algebraic properties…

    A1P.AF.A
    High School

    Rewriting an expression means rearranging it into an equivalent form that shows something useful, like a hidden factor or a simpler structure. Students use rules for addition, multiplication, and exponents to make those features visible without changing the value.

  • Interpret linear, quadratic

    A1P.AF.A.4
    High School

    Students look at a math expression and figure out what each part means in real life. For example, in a formula about money growing over time, they treat a chunk of the expression as one meaningful piece instead of breaking it into separate operations.

  • Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it

    A1P.AF.A.5
    High School

    Students look at an expression like x² - 9 and spot that it can be rewritten as (x+3)(x-3). Recognizing the shape of an expression helps students simplify or factor it without starting from scratch.

  • Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain…

    A1P.AF.A.6
    High School

    Students rewrite an expression, such as a quadratic or exponential, into a different form to make a hidden property visible, like seeing the maximum value of a parabola or the growth rate of an investment.

  • Factor quadratic expressions with leading coefficients of one

    A1P.AF.A.6.a
    High School

    Students rewrite a quadratic expression like x² + 5x + 6 into two multiplied parentheses, then use that form to find where the graph crosses the x-axis.

  • Use the vertex form of a quadratic expression to reveal the maximum or minimum…

    A1P.AF.A.6.b
    High School

    Rewriting a quadratic equation in vertex form shows where a parabola peaks or bottoms out and what line splits it in half. Students also practice completing the square to get there when the equation starts with x².

  • Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential…

    A1P.AF.A.6.c
    High School

    Students rewrite exponential expressions using exponent rules, such as turning 2 to the 3x power into 8 to the x power. This shows two equations that look different actually describe the same function.

  • Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials, showing that polynomials form a system…

    A1P.AF.A.7
    High School

    Students add, subtract, and multiply polynomial expressions, noticing that the result is always another polynomial. The math stays inside the same family of expressions, the way adding two whole numbers always gives back a whole number.

  • Finding solutions to an equation, inequality

    A1P.AF.B
    High School

    Solving an equation or inequality isn't just finding an answer. Students check every candidate solution to confirm it actually works, catching answers that look right on paper but break the original problem.

  • Explain why extraneous solutions to an equation involving absolute values may…

    A1P.AF.B.8
    High School

    Solving an equation with absolute values can produce answers that look right but fail when plugged back in. Students learn why that happens and how to check each answer against the original equation.

  • The structure of an equation or inequality

    A1P.AF.C
    High School

    Students look at an equation or inequality, figure out the most straightforward way to solve it, and then explain why their answer is correct. This applies to linear equations, quadratic equations, and systems with two variables.

  • Select an appropriate method to solve a quadratic equation in one variable

    A1P.AF.C.9
    High School

    Students choose the best method to solve a quadratic equation, whether that means factoring, using the quadratic formula, or completing the square. The goal is picking the approach that fits the equation, not just defaulting to one method every time.

  • Use the method of completing the square to transform any quadratic equation in…

    A1P.AF.C.9.a
    High School

    Students rewrite any quadratic equation by completing the square, which turns it into a simpler form they can solve directly. Then they use that same process to show where the quadratic formula comes from.

  • Solve quadratic equations by inspection

    A1P.AF.C.9.b
    High School

    Students practice several methods for solving equations where a variable is squared, choosing the right approach based on how the equation is written. They also learn that some equations produce no real-number answer.

  • Select an appropriate method to solve a system of two linear equations in two…

    A1P.AF.C.10
    High School

    Students choose the best method (graphing, substitution, or elimination) to find where two linear equations meet. The skill is knowing which approach fits the problem, not just grinding through one method every time.

  • Solve a system of two equations in two variables by using linear combinations

    A1P.AF.C.10.a
    High School

    Students solve two equations at once by adding or subtracting them to cancel out one variable. They also learn when that approach is faster than plugging one equation into the other.

  • Contrast solutions to a system of two linear equations in two variables…

    A1P.AF.C.10.b
    High School

    Students solve the same pair of equations three ways: by working through the algebra, by plotting lines on a graph, and by checking a table of values. Then they compare what each method shows and explain why all three land on the same answer.

  • Expressions, equations

    A1P.AF.D
    High School

    Students use equations and inequalities to analyze patterns and make predictions in real situations, such as figuring out when two phone plans cost the same or how a population grows over time.

  • Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve…

    A1P.AF.D.11
    High School

    Students write an equation or inequality with one unknown to match a real situation, then solve it. The skill covers linear, quadratic, exponential, and absolute value relationships.

  • Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between…

    A1P.AF.D.12
    High School

    Students write equations that connect two changing quantities, like time and cost, then graph those equations to spot patterns and make predictions. Covers straight lines, curves, and other common shapes.

  • Represent constraints by equations and/or inequalities

    A1P.AF.D.13
    High School

    Students write equations or inequalities to describe real-world limits, such as a budget or a time restriction, then solve to find which answers actually work in that situation.

  • Functions shift the emphasis from a point-by-point relationship between two…

    A1P.AF.E
    High School

    Students learn to think of a function not as a list of individual input-output pairs but as a single object with its own patterns and behavior. That shift makes it easier to analyze and compare relationships between two quantities.

  • Given a relation defined by an equation in two variables, identify the graph of…

    A1P.AF.E.14
    High School

    An equation in two variables has infinitely many solutions. When students plot those solutions in the coordinate plane, the pattern they form is the graph of that equation.

  • Define a function as a mapping from one set

    A1P.AF.E.15
    High School

    A function is a rule that matches each input to exactly one output. Students learn to tell whether a relationship qualifies as a function by checking that no input points to two different outputs.

  • Use function notation, evaluate functions for inputs in their domains

    A1P.AF.E.15.a
    High School

    Students read and write functions using notation like f(x), plug in a value to find the output, and explain what that output means in a real situation, like the cost of buying a certain number of items.

  • Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the…

    A1P.AF.E.15.b
    High School

    The domain is the set of input values a function will accept. Students read a graph to identify which x-values make sense for a linear, quadratic, exponential, or absolute value function, and explain why certain values are excluded.

  • Compare and contrast relations and functions represented by equations, graphs

    A1P.AF.E.16
    High School

    Students look at equations, graphs, and tables to decide whether a relationship is a function. A function has exactly one output for every input, written as y = f(x).

  • Combine different types of standard functions to write, evaluate

    A1P.AF.E.17
    High School

    Students mix and match linear, quadratic, exponential, and absolute value functions to build new ones that model real situations. They write, calculate, and explain what the combined function means in context.

  • Use arithmetic operations to combine different types of standard functions to…

    A1P.AF.E.17.a
    High School

    Students add, subtract, multiply, or divide standard functions like linear and quadratic expressions to build new functions and calculate their output for a given input.

  • Use function composition to combine different types of standard functions to…

    A1P.AF.E.17.b
    High School

    Students combine two functions by plugging one into the other, then evaluate the result for a given input. For example, they might feed a linear function into a quadratic one to model a real situation.

  • Graphs can be used to obtain exact or approximate solutions of equations…

    A1P.AF.F
    High School

    Students use graphs to find exact or approximate solutions to equations and inequalities, including pairs of linear equations and mixed linear-quadratic systems. Reading the graph replaces (or checks) the algebra.

  • Solve systems consisting of linear and/or quadratic equations in two variables…

    A1P.AF.F.18
    High School

    Students find where a line and a curve (or two lines) cross on a graph, reading off the x and y values where the equations share the same point. Graphing tools like Desmos are fair game.

  • Explain why the <em>x</em>-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the…

    A1P.AF.F.19
    High School

    Students explain why the x-values where two graphed lines or curves cross are the solutions to an equation. Reading a graph and solving algebra lead to the same answer, and this standard asks students to say why.

  • Find the approximate solutions of an equation graphically, using tables of…

    A1P.AF.F.19.a
    High School

    Students find where two graphed lines or curves cross by reading a graph, scanning a table of values, or zooming in with a calculator until the answer gets close enough.

  • Graph the solutions to a linear inequality in two variables as a half-plane

    A1P.AF.F.20
    High School

    Students graph a linear inequality by shading the region of a coordinate plane where the solutions live. When two inequalities are combined, students shade both and identify where the shaded regions overlap.

  • Functions can be described by using a variety of representations

    A1P.AF.G
    High School

    Functions show the same relationship between inputs and outputs, and students read and use that relationship written as an equation like f(x) = x², a table, a graph, or a diagram. All four forms describe the same rule.

  • Compare properties of two functions, each represented in a different way

    A1P.AF.G.21
    High School

    Students compare two functions shown in different forms, such as an equation alongside a graph or a table alongside a written description, to figure out which grows faster, peaks higher, or behaves differently.

  • Define sequences as functions, including recursive definitions, whose domain is…

    A1P.AF.G.22
    High School

    Sequences are patterns of numbers that follow a rule. Students learn to treat each sequence as a function where the position (1st, 2nd, 3rd) determines the value, including rules where each new term depends on the one before it.

  • Write explicit and recursive formulas for arithmetic and geometric sequences…

    A1P.AF.G.22.a
    High School

    Students write two types of rules for number patterns: one that jumps straight to any term, and one that builds each term from the one before it. They connect those rules to linear and exponential equations they already know.

  • Functions that are members of the same family have distinguishing attributes

    A1P.AF.H
    High School

    Functions in the same family share the same basic shape and structure. Students learn to recognize these shared patterns so they can identify a function type from its equation or graph.

  • Identify the effect on the graph of replacing <em>f

    A1P.AF.H.23
    High School

    Students learn how adding a number to a function or multiplying it by a number shifts, stretches, or flips its graph. They also work backward from two graphs to figure out what change was made.

  • Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and…

    A1P.AF.H.24
    High School

    Students look at real-world patterns and decide whether the numbers grow by adding the same amount each time or by multiplying. A steady climb points to a linear model; repeated doubling or halving points to an exponential one.

  • Show that linear functions grow by equal differences over equal intervals…

    A1P.AF.H.24.a
    High School

    Linear functions add the same amount over every equal stretch of time or distance. Exponential functions multiply by the same factor instead. Students prove both patterns using tables and equations.

  • Define linear functions to represent situations in which one quantity changes…

    A1P.AF.H.24.b
    High School

    Students identify situations where one quantity grows or shrinks at a steady rate and write a linear function to model them. Think of a car traveling at a constant speed or a savings account adding the same amount each month.

  • Define exponential functions to represent situations in which a quantity grows…

    A1P.AF.H.24.c
    High School

    Students learn that when something grows or shrinks by the same percentage over and over (interest on a savings account, a population doubling each year), that pattern is an exponential function. They write an equation to model it.

  • Construct linear and exponential functions, including arithmetic and geometric…

    A1P.AF.H.25
    High School

    Students build a linear or exponential equation from a graph, a written description, or two points from a table. They practice recognizing whether a pattern grows by adding the same amount each time or by multiplying.

  • Use graphs and tables to show that a quantity increasing exponentially…

    A1P.AF.H.26
    High School

    Students compare graphs of exponential, linear, and quadratic functions to see that exponential growth eventually outpaces the others, no matter how slowly it starts.

  • Interpret the parameters of functions in terms of a context

    A1P.AF.H.27
    High School

    Students read the numbers inside a function's equation and explain what they mean in a real situation. For a savings account growing over time, for example, students identify the starting amount, the growth rate, and what the graph's high points and crossings tell you.

  • For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key…

    A1P.AF.H.28
    High School

    Students read a graph or table and explain what the highest point, lowest point, or change in direction means for the real situation it represents. This extends from straight-line patterns to curves, U-shapes, and graphs that bend or shift.

  • Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function

    A1P.AF.H.29
    High School

    Students find how fast a function's output changes over a chosen interval, like calculating the average speed of a car between two time stamps. They do this by reading an equation, a table, or a graph.

  • Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by…

    A1P.AF.H.30
    High School

    Students graph equations by hand and with a calculator, then label the key features: where the line or curve crosses the axes, where it peaks or bottoms out, and whether it rises or falls over time.

  • Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima

    A1P.AF.H.30.a
    High School

    Students graph straight lines and U-shaped curves on a coordinate plane, then label where each graph crosses the axes and where it peaks or bottoms out.

  • Graph piecewise-defined functions, including step functions and absolute value…

    A1P.AF.H.30.b
    High School

    Students graph functions that change rules at different points, like a parking rate that jumps after the first hour. This includes V-shaped absolute value graphs and step functions that jump between flat levels.

  • Graph exponential functions, showing intercepts and end behavior

    A1P.AF.H.30.c
    High School

    Students graph exponential functions on a coordinate plane, marking where the curve crosses the axes and describing what happens to the line as it moves far left or far right.

  • Functions model a wide variety of real situations and can help students…

    A1P.AF.I
    High School

    Students use functions to model real situations, like predicting costs or tracking distance over time. They practice adjusting assumptions, assigning variables, and solving problems grounded in everyday contexts.

  • Use the mathematical modeling cycle to solve real-world problems involving…

    A1P.AF.I.31
    High School

    Students apply math models to real-world situations, choosing the right type of equation (linear, quadratic, or exponential) to fit the problem, solve it, and check whether the answer actually makes sense.

  • Mathematical and statistical reasoning about data can be used to evaluate…

    A1P.DSP.A
    High School

    Students use data and basic probability to decide whether a conclusion holds up and whether a risk is worth taking. Think of it as the math behind deciding if a coin is actually fair or if a health claim is backed by real numbers.

  • Use mathematical and statistical reasoning with bivariate categorical data in…

    A1P.DSP.A32
    High School

    Students look at two yes/no or category-based traits collected together, such as smoking habits and health outcomes, then use the numbers to decide whether a connection is real and how much risk it actually implies.

  • Making and defending informed, data-based decisions is a characteristic of a…

    A1P.DSP.B
    High School

    Students look at real data, decide what it means, and explain why their conclusion makes sense. This standard is about building the habit of using numbers to back up a claim rather than just guessing.

  • Design and carry out an investigation to determine whether there appears to be…

    A1P.DSP.B.33
    High School

    Students pick two real-world categories, collect data, and look for a pattern between them. Then they write an argument explaining what the data shows and why it matters.

  • Data arise from a context and come in two types

    A1P.DSP.C
    High School

    Numbers and words collected from the real world fall into two buckets: things you measure or count (like height or test scores) and things you sort into groups (like favorite color or grade level). Students learn to organize raw data so it's ready to analyze.

  • Distinguish between quantitative and categorical data and between the…

    A1P.DSP.C.34
    High School

    Quantitative data uses numbers you can measure or count, like test scores or heights. Categorical data sorts things into groups, like favorite colors or yes/no answers. Students learn which type of data calls for which analysis method.

  • The association between two categorical variables is typically represented by…

    A1P.DSP.D
    High School

    Two-way tables and segmented bar graphs show whether two categories are related. Students read and build these displays to spot patterns, like whether students who study more also tend to score higher.

  • Analyze the possible association between two categorical variables

    A1P.DSP.D.35
    High School

    Students look at two categories of data, like gender and favorite sport, to figure out whether one tends to go along with the other. They use tables or graphs to decide if a real pattern exists or if the two categories seem unrelated.

  • Summarize categorical data for two categories in two-way frequency tables and…

    A1P.DSP.D.35.a
    High School

    Students sort data into a two-way table that crosses two categories, such as grade level and favorite sport, then display the results as a bar graph where each bar is divided into segments showing the breakdown.

  • Interpret relative frequencies in the context of categorical data

    A1P.DSP.D.35.b
    High School

    Students read a two-way table and figure out what the percentages mean. For example, they can tell whether boys or girls in a survey chose a particular answer more often, looking at the whole group or just one row at a time.

  • Identify possible associations and trends in categorical data

    A1P.DSP.D.35.c
    High School

    Students look at data sorted into categories and describe patterns they notice, such as whether one group tends to choose or experience something more than another group does.

  • Data analysis techniques can be used to develop models of contextual situations…

    A1P.DSP.E
    High School

    Students use graphs, tables, and equations to model real situations, then analyze the data to figure out what's likely to happen or what the best solution might be.

  • Generate a two-way categorical table in order to find and evaluate solutions to…

    A1P.DSP.E.36
    High School

    Students build a table that sorts real data into two categories at once, like age and favorite sport, then use the table to answer a question or spot a pattern.

  • Aggregate data from several groups to find an overall association between two…

    A1P.DSP.E.36.a
    High School

    Students combine data from multiple groups to look for a pattern between two categories, such as whether students who play sports also tend to get higher grades.

  • Recognize and explore situations where the association between two categorical…

    A1P.DSP.E.36.b
    High School

    Students learn why a pattern that looks true in grouped data can flip or disappear when the groups are combined. A trend seen overall may reverse when you account for a third factor hidden in the data.

  • Two events are independent if the occurrence of one event does not affect the…

    A1P.DSP.F
    High School

    Students decide whether two events are connected or unrelated by checking if one outcome changes the odds of the other. This skill helps make sense of probability calculations that involve more than one event.

  • Describe events as subsets of a sample space

    A1P.DSP.F.37
    High School

    Students learn to sort and describe probability outcomes using everyday logic: "this or that," "both of these," or "everything except this." It's the math behind organizing what could happen in a random situation.

  • Explain whether two events, A and B, are independent, using two-way tables or…

    A1P.DSP.F.38
    High School

    Students look at a two-way table or tree diagram and decide whether two events affect each other's likelihood. If knowing that one event happened changes the odds of the other, the events are not independent.

  • Conditional probabilities – that is, those probabilities that are "conditioned"…

    A1P.DSP.G
    High School

    Students learn to find the probability of one event given that another event has already happened. They practice reading two-way tables (like survey results sorted by age and opinion) to calculate those conditional probabilities.

  • Compute the conditional probability of event A given event B, using two-way…

    A1P.DSP.G.39
    High School

    Students find the probability that something happens given that something else already happened. They use a two-way table or tree diagram to work through the numbers.

  • Recognize and describe the concepts of conditional probability and independence…

    A1P.DSP.G.40
    High School

    Students learn what it means for two events to be connected or unrelated. For example, whether it rains today might affect the chance of a picnic, but it has no effect on whether a coin lands heads.

  • Explain why the conditional probability of A given B is the fraction of B's…

    A1P.DSP.G.41
    High School

    Students figure out how likely one event is when they already know another event happened. For example, if you know it rained, what are the chances the game was cancelled? The answer comes from looking only at the outcomes where rain occurred.

Algebra II With Statistics
  • Together, irrational numbers and rational numbers complete the real number…

    A2S.NQ.A
    High School

    Students learn that every point on a number line has a real number, made up of either rational or irrational numbers. They also meet complex numbers, which go beyond the number line entirely.

  • Identify numbers written in the form <em>a + bi</em>, where <em>a</em> and…

    A2S.NQ.A.1
    High School

    Numbers like 3 + 2i look strange at first. Students learn that this form, combining a regular number with a multiple of i (where i squared equals negative one), is called a complex number.

  • Add, subtract, and multiply complex numbers using the commutative, associative

    A2S.NQ.A.1.a
    High School

    Adding, subtracting, and multiplying complex numbers (numbers that include an imaginary part) the same way students combine or distribute regular numbers. The order and grouping rules that work with whole numbers apply here too.

  • Matrices are a useful way to represent information

    A2S.NQ.B
    High School

    Students learn to organize data into a grid of rows and columns called a matrix. This makes it easier to compare, track, and work with large amounts of information at once.

  • Use matrices to represent and manipulate data

    A2S.NQ.B.2
    High School

    Students use a grid of numbers called a matrix to organize and work with data. Think of it as a spreadsheet without the labels, where position tells you what each number means.

  • Multiply matrices by scalars to produce new matrices

    A2S.NQ.B.3
    High School

    Students multiply a matrix (a grid of numbers) by a single number to scale every value inside it up or down. This is the foundation for adjusting data sets and solving real-world problems in physics, economics, and more.

  • Add, subtract, and multiply matrices of appropriate dimensions

    A2S.NQ.B.4
    High School

    Students add, subtract, and multiply grids of numbers (called matrices) when the grids are the right sizes to work together. It's a way to organize and calculate with large sets of data at once.

  • Describe the roles that zero and identity matrices play in matrix addition and…

    A2S.NQ.B.5
    High School

    Matrices have two special cases that work like 0 and 1 do in regular arithmetic. Students learn how the zero matrix and the identity matrix affect addition and multiplication, and why they behave the same way 0 and 1 do with ordinary numbers.

  • Find the additive and multiplicative inverses of square matrices, using…

    A2S.NQ.B.5.a
    High School

    Students find the "opposite" of a square matrix (one that cancels it out by addition) and the "reciprocal" matrix (one that cancels it out by multiplication). A calculator or software handles the heavy arithmetic.

  • Explain the role of the determinant in determining if a square matrix has a…

    A2S.NQ.B.5.b
    High School

    Students learn when a square matrix can be "undone" by another matrix. If the determinant equals zero, no inverse exists; if it's any other number, the inverse can be found.

  • Expressions can be rewritten in equivalent forms by using algebraic properties…

    A2S.AF.A
    High School

    Rewriting an expression in a different but equal form reveals patterns that were hard to see before. Students rearrange terms using rules for addition, multiplication, and exponents to make solving or graphing easier.

  • Factor polynomials using common factoring techniques

    A2S.AF.A.6
    High School

    Factoring breaks a polynomial into simpler pieces so students can quickly find where the function hits zero on a graph. Students practice techniques like grouping and difference of squares to rewrite expressions and solve equations.

  • Prove polynomial identities and use them to describe numerical relationships

    A2S.AF.A.7
    High School

    Students verify algebraic rules that always hold true, such as the difference of squares, then use those rules to explain patterns in numbers. The focus is on building a logical case, not just checking that the math works out.

  • Finding solutions to an equation, inequality

    A2S.AF.B
    High School

    Solving equations and inequalities isn't finished until students check their answers. A solution that passes the algebra but fails in the original problem is discarded as extraneous.

  • Explain why extraneous solutions to an equation may arise and how to check to…

    A2S.AF.B.8
    High School

    Solving radical equations sometimes produces answers that look right but fail when plugged back in. Students learn why those false answers appear and how to check every solution to confirm it actually works.

  • The structure of an equation or inequality

    A2S.AF.C
    High School

    Students look at the structure of an equation or inequality before solving it, choosing the most efficient method based on what they see. They then explain why their solution is correct.

  • For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to…

    A2S.AF.C.9
    High School

    Students rewrite an equation like 2 raised to some power equals a target number by converting it into a logarithm, then use a calculator to find the exact value of the unknown exponent.

  • Expressions, equations

    A2S.AF.D
    High School

    Algebra uses expressions, equations, and inequalities to spot patterns and make predictions. Students apply these tools to real situations involving steady growth, curved paths, and rapid change.

  • Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems

    A2S.AF.D.10
    High School

    Students write equations or inequalities using polynomial, trig, logarithmic, and radical expressions, then solve them to answer real problems. The focus is on function types that go beyond basic linear and quadratic work.

  • Solve quadratic equations with real coefficients that have complex solutions

    A2S.AF.D.11
    High School

    Quadratic equations don't always have clean whole-number answers. Students solve equations where the solutions involve imaginary numbers, written with the letter i, and learn to work with those results the same way they would with any other answer.

  • Solve simple equations involving exponential, radical, logarithmic

    A2S.AF.D.12
    High School

    Students practice "undoing" equations that involve exponents, square roots, logarithms, and trig functions. To isolate the unknown, students apply the matching inverse operation, the same idea as dividing to undo multiplication, but with more complex functions.

  • Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between…

    A2S.AF.D.13
    High School

    Students write equations that describe how two quantities relate, then graph those equations to spot patterns and make predictions. The work covers a wide range of function types, from polynomials and logarithms to sine, cosine, and radical expressions.

  • Graphs can be used to obtain exact or approximate solutions of equations…

    A2S.AF.E
    High School

    Reading a graph to find where two equations meet gives the answer to a system of equations. Students use graphs to solve problems that would be hard to crack with algebra alone, including lines paired with curves.

  • Explain why the <em>x</em>-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the…

    A2S.AF.E.14
    High School

    Where two lines or curves cross on a graph, the x-value at that crossing point is the answer to the equation where both formulas are set equal. Students explain why that connection is true, not just find the point.

  • Find the approximate solutions of an equation graphically, using tables of…

    A2S.AF.E.14.a
    High School

    Students find where two graphs cross or where a function hits a target value, using a graphing tool, a table, or repeated closer guesses. The functions involved can be polynomials, sine and cosine curves, logarithms, or other complex shapes.

  • Functions can be described by using a variety of representations

    A2S.AF.F
    High School

    Functions show the same relationship between inputs and outputs, just displayed different ways. Students read and connect those different forms, such as a table of values, a graph, and an equation, so they can work with whichever one a problem gives them.

  • Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way

    A2S.AF.F.15
    High School

    Students compare two functions shown in different forms, such as an equation, a graph, or a table, and explain what the differences mean. Functions covered include polynomials, sine and cosine curves, logarithms, and others.

  • Functions that are members of the same family have distinguishing attributes

    A2S.AF.G
    High School

    Functions in the same family share a recognizable shape and structure. Students learn to spot those shared traits across different equations and graphs, so they can predict how a function will behave before they work through every detail.

  • Identify the effect on the graph of replacing <em>f

    A2S.AF.G.16
    High School

    Students learn how changing a number inside or outside a function formula shifts, stretches, or flips its graph. They practice spotting those changes on a graph and working backward to find the exact number that caused them.

  • Functions can be represented graphically

    A2S.AF.H
    High School

    A graph of a function tells the same story as its equation, just drawn out. Students read both versions and connect what they see on the graph, like peaks, dips, and crossing points, to what the symbols in the equation actually mean.

  • For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key…

    A2S.AF.H.17
    High School

    Students read a graph or table and explain what its peaks, valleys, and turning points mean in real life. They also sketch a graph from a written description, working across a wide range of function types including polynomial, trigonometric, logarithmic, and piecewise.

  • Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the…

    A2S.AF.H.18
    High School

    Students read a graph to figure out which input values a function will actually accept, then explain what those limits mean in real-world terms. They practice this with curved, wavy, logarithmic, and broken-rule functions.

  • Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function

    A2S.AF.H.19
    High School

    Students find how fast a function's output rises or falls across a chosen interval, reading that from an equation, a table, or a graph. This applies to curved and wave-shaped functions, not just straight lines.

  • Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by…

    A2S.AF.H.20
    High School

    Students graph advanced functions, including polynomials, sine and cosine curves, logarithms, and others, then identify key features like peaks, intercepts, and asymptotes. Simple cases are done by hand; more complex ones use graphing technology.

  • Graph polynomial functions expressed symbolically, identifying zeros when…

    A2S.AF.H.20.a
    High School

    Students graph polynomial functions by hand or with tools, marking where the curve crosses the x-axis and showing which direction the ends of the curve head as x grows large or small.

  • Graph sine and cosine functions expressed symbolically, showing period, midline

    A2S.AF.H.20.b
    High School

    Students graph sine and cosine curves by hand or on a calculator, marking how tall the wave is, where its middle sits, and how long it takes to repeat one full cycle.

  • Graph logarithmic functions expressed symbolically, showing intercepts and end…

    A2S.AF.H.20.c
    High School

    Students graph logarithmic functions by hand or with technology, marking where the curve crosses an axis and describing how it behaves as x grows very large or approaches zero.

  • Graph reciprocal functions expressed symbolically, identifying horizontal and…

    A2S.AF.H.20.d
    High School

    Students graph fractions like 1/x, finding the invisible lines the curve approaches but never crosses. Those boundary lines are called asymptotes.

  • Graph square root and cube root functions expressed symbolically

    A2S.AF.H.20.e
    High School

    Students graph square root and cube root functions by hand or with tools, plotting key points to show the curve's shape and direction.

  • Compare the graphs of inverse functions and the relationships between their key…

    A2S.AF.H.20.f
    High School

    Students look at pairs of inverse functions side by side and explain how their graphs mirror each other, noting how key features like intercepts, peaks, and end behavior swap roles when the functions are reversed.

  • Explain how the unit circle in the coordinate plane enables the extension of…

    A2S.AF.H.21
    High School

    The unit circle is a circle with radius 1 centered at the origin. Students use it to define sine and cosine for any angle, not just angles inside a right triangle, by tracking where a point lands as it travels around the circle.

  • Functions model a wide variety of real situations and can help students…

    A2S.AF.I
    High School

    Students use functions to model real situations, like predicting costs or population growth. They practice adjusting assumptions, assigning variables, and solving problems grounded in the real world.

  • Use the mathematical modeling cycle to solve real-world problems involving…

    A2S.AF.I.22
    High School

    Students apply math to real-world situations by choosing the right type of function, solving the problem, and checking whether the answer actually makes sense in context.

  • Mathematical and statistical reasoning about data can be used to evaluate…

    A2S.DSP.A
    High School

    Students learn to look at data critically, questioning whether a conclusion actually follows from the numbers and whether a risk is as large or small as it sounds.

  • Use mathematical and statistical reasoning about normal distributions to draw…

    A2S.DSP.A.23
    High School

    Students look at data that follows a bell-curve shape to draw conclusions about what's likely or unlikely. They make informal judgments about risk, like whether a test score or measurement falls in a normal range or out on the edges.

  • Making and defending informed data-based decisions is a characteristic of a…

    A2S.DSP.B
    High School

    Students use real data to make a decision and explain why it holds up. This standard is about thinking critically with numbers, not just calculating them.

  • Design and carry out an experiment or survey to answer a question of interest

    A2S.DSP.B.24
    High School

    Students plan a real experiment or survey around a question they care about, collect the data, and write an argument explaining what they found and why it matters.

  • Distributions of quantitative data

    A2S.DSP.C
    High School

    Students learn to describe and compare data sets by looking at the overall shape, the typical middle value, how spread out the numbers are, and which values fall unusually far from the rest.

  • From a normal distribution, use technology to find the mean and standard…

    A2S.DSP.C.25
    High School

    Students read data from a normal (bell-shaped) distribution and use a calculator or software to find the average and spread. From there, they apply a standard rule to estimate what percentage of the population falls within a given range.

  • Use technology to determine if a given set of data is normal by applying the…

    A2S.DSP.C.25.a
    High School

    Students use a calculator or software to check whether a set of data follows the classic bell curve. They apply the 68-95-99.7 rule to see if the data spreads out the way a normal distribution predicts.

  • Estimate areas under a normal curve to solve problems in context, using…

    A2S.DSP.C.25.b
    High School

    Students use a bell-shaped curve to estimate what percentage of a data set falls within a given range, such as how many test scores land between 70 and 90. They use calculators or tables to find those areas.

  • Study designs are of three main types

    A2S.DSP.D
    High School

    Students learn to tell apart three ways researchers collect data: asking people questions (a survey), testing something under controlled conditions (an experiment), or watching what happens without interfering (an observational study).

  • Describe the purposes of and differences among sample surveys, experiments

    A2S.DSP.D.26
    High School

    Students learn when to use a survey, a controlled experiment, or simple observation to answer a question, and why randomly choosing who participates makes the results trustworthy.

  • The role of randomization is different in randomly selecting samples and in…

    A2S.DSP.E
    High School

    Randomly selecting people for a survey helps results represent a whole population. Randomly assigning people to groups in an experiment helps show whether a treatment actually caused a change. These are two different jobs for chance.

  • Distinguish between a statistic and a parameter and use statistical processes…

    A2S.DSP.E.27
    High School

    A statistic describes a sample; a parameter describes the whole population. Students use data from a random sample to make reasonable guesses about what's true for the larger group.

  • Describe differences between randomly selecting samples and randomly assigning…

    A2S.DSP.E.28
    High School

    Picking a random sample lets students draw conclusions about a whole population. Randomly assigning people to groups in an experiment lets students draw conclusions about cause and effect. These two methods answer different questions.

  • The scope and validity of statistical inferences are dependent on the role of…

    A2S.DSP.F
    High School

    Randomness in how a study is set up determines how far you can trust its conclusions. Students learn why a survey or experiment needs random selection before its results can apply to a broader group.

  • Explain the consequences, due to uncontrolled variables, of non-randomized…

    A2S.DSP.F.29
    High School

    Students learn why experiments without random assignment can mislead. If researchers let people choose their own groups, hidden differences between those groups, not the treatment itself, may explain the results.

  • Bias, such as sampling, response

    A2S.DSP.G
    High School

    Surveys don't always reflect reality. Students learn how flawed questions, skipped responses, or a poorly chosen group can skew results and why that matters before drawing conclusions from any data.

  • Evaluate where bias, including sampling, response

    A2S.DSP.G.30
    High School

    Students look at a survey and decide whether the results can be trusted. They identify where bias crept in, whether from who was asked, who answered, or how the questions were worded.

  • The larger the sample size, the less the expected variability in the sampling…

    A2S.DSP.H
    High School

    Bigger samples give more reliable results. When students collect data from more people or items, the numbers they calculate (like an average) are less likely to swing wildly from one sample to the next.

  • Evaluate the effect of sample size on the expected variability in the sampling…

    A2S.DSP.H.31
    High School

    Larger samples produce more consistent results. Students explore how the number of people surveyed affects how much a statistic, like an average or percentage, is likely to shift from sample to sample.

  • Simulate a sampling distribution of sample means from a population with a known…

    A2S.DSP.H.31.a
    High School

    Students repeatedly pull random samples from a population, then compare what happens to the spread of those sample averages as the sample size grows larger. Bigger samples produce tighter, more predictable results.

  • Demonstrate that the standard deviation of each simulated sampling distribution…

    A2S.DSP.H.31.b
    High School

    Students run repeated random samples, then show that the spread in their results shrinks predictably as sample size grows. Bigger samples produce tighter estimates, and the math behind that pattern is the population's standard deviation divided by the square root of the sample size.

  • The sampling distribution of a sample statistic formed from repeated samples…

    A2S.DSP.I
    High School

    Students learn how taking many samples from the same population reveals a pattern, and that pattern lets you estimate what the whole population looks like. The margin of error describes how much a sample result might differ from the real figure.

  • Produce a sampling distribution by repeatedly selecting samples of the same…

    A2S.DSP.I.32
    High School

    Students take the same-size sample from a population over and over, then plot the results to see how a statistic like the mean varies by chance. Early practice is done by hand; later work uses a calculator or software to run hundreds of samples at once.

  • Verify that a sampling distribution is centered at the population mean and…

    A2S.DSP.I.32.a
    High School

    Students check that when you survey many large groups, the averages of those groups cluster around the true population average and form a bell-shaped curve. This only works reliably when each sample is big enough.

  • Verify that 95% of sample means are within two standard deviations of the…

    A2S.DSP.I.32.b
    High School

    Students check whether 95% of sample averages fall within two standard deviations of the true population average, confirming the pattern holds in real data.

  • Create and interpret a 95% confidence interval based on an observed mean from a…

    A2S.DSP.I.32.c
    High School

    Students calculate a range around a sample mean and use it to estimate where the true population mean likely falls 95% of the time. This is how researchers turn survey results into trustworthy conclusions.

  • Use data from a randomized experiment to compare two treatments

    A2S.DSP.I.33
    High School

    Students compare results from two test groups to figure out whether the difference they see is real or just random chance. They run simple simulations to check if the outcome would happen on its own without any treatment at all.

  • When an object is the image of a known object under a similarity…

    A2S.GM.A
    High School

    When two shapes are similar, their lengths, areas, and volumes stay in proportion. Students use that ratio to find a missing measurement on the larger or smaller version without measuring it directly.

  • Define the radian measure of an angle as the constant of proportionality of the…

    A2S.GM.A.34
    High School

    Radians are a way to measure angles by comparing the curved arc an angle cuts out to the length of the circle's radius. Students learn that one radian is the angle you get when the arc and the radius are exactly the same length.

  • Recognizing congruence, similarity, symmetry, measurement opportunities

    A2S.GM.B
    High School

    Students apply geometry to real situations: spotting similar shapes, using symmetry, and working out distances or angles with right triangle trigonometry. The goal is solving actual problems, not just practicing procedures.

  • Choose trigonometric functions

    A2S.GM.B.35
    High School

    Students pick a sine or cosine equation to describe real-world patterns that repeat, like tides or sound waves, by matching the height of the peaks, how often the cycle repeats, and where the middle of the pattern sits.

  • Prove the Pythagorean identity <em>sin²

    A2S.GM.B.36
    High School

    Students use a right triangle on the unit circle to show why sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) always equals 1, then apply that relationship to find unknown sine, cosine, or tangent values from a single known ratio.

  • Derive and apply the formula <em>A = ½·ab·sin

    A2S.GM.B.37
    High School

    Students find the area of any triangle using two side lengths and the angle between them. This works even when the angle is larger than 90 degrees, because the formula stretches the usual definition of sine to cover those cases too.

  • Derive and apply the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines to find unknown…

    A2S.GM.B.38
    High School

    Students use two formulas to find missing side lengths and angles in any triangle, not just right triangles. This builds on basic trig by stretching sine and cosine to work with obtuse angles too.

Mathematical Modeling
  • Mathematical modeling and statistical problem-solving are extensive, cyclical…

    MM.M.A
    High School

    Modeling is how students turn a messy real-world question into math, work through it, and check whether the answer actually holds up. The process loops back on itself until the solution fits the problem.

  • Use the full Mathematical Modeling Cycle or Statistical Problem-Solving Cycle…

    MM.M.A.1
    High School

    Students pick a real question they actually care about, then work through the full process of building a math model or statistical analysis to answer it. The problem drives every step, from setting up the question to interpreting the results.

  • Mathematical models involving growth and decay are useful in solving real-world…

    MM.FPM.A
    High School

    Students use math to see how loans grow over time and how investments build up, then organize those numbers in a spreadsheet to make sense of real financial decisions.

  • Use elements of the Mathematical Modeling Cycle to solve real-world problems…

    MM.FPM.A.2
    High School

    Students apply math to real financial decisions like budgeting, borrowing, or saving. They build a model, test it against real numbers, and revise it until it actually answers the question they started with.

  • Organize and display financial information using arithmetic sequences to…

    MM.FPM.A.3
    High School

    Students use number patterns to track how a savings account grows with simple interest or how a car loses value at a steady rate each year. Each step in the pattern changes by the same fixed amount.

  • Organize and display financial information using geometric sequences to…

    MM.FPM.A.4
    High School

    Students use geometric sequences to model how money grows with compound interest or loses value through depreciation. They work with interest that compounds yearly, monthly, weekly, or continuously.

  • Explain the relationship between annual percentage yield

    MM.FPM.A.4.a
    High School

    APY and APR are two ways to express an interest rate, and they produce different results when plugged into a growth formula. Students learn why APY gives a more accurate picture of what an account actually earns over a year.

  • Compare simple and compound interest

    MM.FPM.A.5
    High School

    Students learn how two types of interest grow savings or debt over time, then apply the same thinking to how equipment or cars lose value. Compound interest grows faster than simple interest; proportional depreciation shrinks value faster early on than straight-line depreciation does.

  • Investigate growth and reduction of credit card debt using spreadsheets…

    MM.FPM.A.6
    High School

    Students use a spreadsheet to track how credit card debt grows or shrinks over time, adjusting for interest rates, payments, new purchases, and fees to see how each variable changes the total owed.

  • Compare and contrast housing finance options including renting, leasing to…

    MM.FPM.A.7
    High School

    Students weigh the real costs and trade-offs of renting versus buying a home, including what a mortgage actually means for monthly payments and long-term spending.

  • Research and evaluate various mortgage products available to consumers

    MM.FPM.A.7.a
    High School

    Students compare real mortgage options side by side, looking at interest rates, loan terms, and total cost over time to figure out which deal actually saves money.

  • Compare monthly mortgage payments for different terms, interest rates

    MM.FPM.A.7.b
    High School

    Students figure out how changing the loan length, interest rate, or down payment shifts a monthly mortgage payment up or down. The goal is to read those numbers and make a smarter borrowing decision.

  • Analyze the financial consequence of buying a home

    MM.FPM.A.7.c
    High School

    Students compare the long-term costs of owning a home (mortgage payments, maintenance, and possible resale gain) against renting and investing the money saved. The goal is to weigh real numbers, not just assumptions, about which choice builds more wealth over time.

  • Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of various means of paying for an…

    MM.FPM.A.8
    High School

    Students compare three ways to pay for a car: leasing, paying cash, or taking out a loan. They weigh what each option costs over time and what trade-offs come with it.

  • Two- and three-dimensional representations, coordinates systems, geometric…

    MM.D3D.A
    High School

    Students use sketches, scale models, and coordinate grids to plan and build real-world designs, from a floor plan to a bridge. Geometric tools like rotation and reflection help turn a flat drawing into a working three-dimensional solution.

  • Use the Mathematical Modeling Cycle to solve real-world problems involving the…

    MM.D3D.A.9
    High School

    Students apply math to design real objects, like containers, structures, or product shapes, by measuring, calculating, and adjusting until the design actually works for its purpose.

  • Construct a two-dimensional visual representation of a three-dimensional object…

    MM.D3D.A.10
    High School

    Students draw a flat picture or diagram that shows what a 3D object looks like from different angles. This skill shows up in architecture, engineering, and any job where a sketch on paper has to describe something built in the real world.

  • Determine the level of precision and the appropriate tools for taking the…

    MM.D3D.A.10.a
    High School

    Students decide how exact their measurements need to be and which tools (a ruler, a protractor, a digital scanner) will get them there when drawing a 3-D object on paper.

  • Create an elevation drawing to represent a given solid structure, using…

    MM.D3D.A.10.b
    High School

    Students draw what a 3D structure looks like from the front, side, or top, showing its true shape and measurements on a flat surface.

  • Determine which measurements cannot be taken directly and must be calculated…

    MM.D3D.A.10.c
    High School

    When drawing a 3-D object on paper, some lengths and angles can be measured directly. Students figure out which ones can't be measured and calculate those missing values from the measurements they do have.

  • Determine an appropriate means to visually represent an object or structure…

    MM.D3D.A.10.d
    High School

    Students choose how to show a real object or structure as a flat drawing or digital graphic, then decide which format communicates the design most clearly.

  • Plot coordinates on a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system and use…

    MM.D3D.A.11
    High School

    Students place points in 3D space using x, y, and z coordinates, then use the distances and relationships between those points to solve real design problems like sizing a structure or mapping a room.

  • Describe the features of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system and…

    MM.D3D.A.11.a
    High School

    Students learn to plot points in 3D space using three number lines (x, y, and z) that meet at right angles. Think of it as giving an exact location inside a room using distance from the floor, a side wall, and the front wall.

  • Graph a point in space as the vertex of a right prism drawn in the appropriate…

    MM.D3D.A.11.b
    High School

    Students plot a point in 3-D space by sketching a box-shaped solid with its corner at that point, with the box's edges lined up along the three number lines of the coordinate grid.

  • Find the distance between two objects in space given the coordinates of each

    MM.D3D.A.11.c
    High School

    Students calculate the straight-line distance between two points floating in three-dimensional space, using their x, y, and z coordinates. Think of measuring the shortest path between two corners of a room.

  • Find the midpoint between two objects in space given the coordinates of each

    MM.D3D.A.11.d
    High School

    Students find the exact halfway point between two locations in 3D space using their coordinates. This is the same idea as finding the midpoint on a number line, extended to all three directions at once.

  • Use technology and other tools to explore the results of simple transformations…

    MM.D3D.A.12
    High School

    Students use graphing software to move, rotate, flip, and resize 3D shapes in space. They track how each change shifts the shape's coordinates along the x, y, and z axes.

  • Create a scale model of a complex three-dimensional structure based on observed…

    MM.D3D.A.13
    High School

    Students build a scale model of a real structure, like a bridge or building, using measurements they collect or calculate indirectly. They resize, flip, slide, and rotate each part to make everything fit the correct proportions.

  • Functions can be used to represent general trends in conditions that change…

    MM.D3D.B
    High School

    Students use equations or graphs to capture a real-world trend, like rising temperatures or falling prices, and then use that pattern to predict what comes next.

  • Use elements of the Mathematical Modeling Cycle to make predictions based on…

    MM.D3D.B.14
    High School

    Students collect real measurements that change over time, like a population growing or a pendulum swinging, then build a math model to predict what comes next.

  • Use regression with statistical graphing technology to determine an equation…

    MM.D3D.B.15
    High School

    Students use graphing software to find an equation that best matches a set of real-world data points, even when the pattern curves instead of forming a straight line.

  • Create a scatter plot with a sufficient number of data points to predict a…

    MM.D3D.B.15.a
    High School

    Students collect enough real-world data points to build a scatter plot, then use the pattern they see to make a prediction.

  • Describe the overall relationship between two quantitative variables

    MM.D3D.B.15.b
    High School

    Students look at a graph or data set and put the relationship into words: whether values rise or fall, whether the curve bends or stays straight, and where it peaks or shifts direction.

  • Make a prediction based upon patterns

    MM.D3D.B.15.c
    High School

    Students spot a pattern in real data and use it to predict what comes next, like forecasting next month's sales from a graph that keeps climbing the same way each week.

  • Create a linear representation of non-linear data and interpret solutions…

    MM.D3D.B.16
    High School

    Students take data that curves on a graph and use logarithms to straighten it into a line, then read that line to make predictions. A calculator or software handles the heavy computation.

  • Statistical studies allow a conclusion to be drawn about a population that is…

    MM.D3D.C
    High School

    Statistical studies let researchers draw conclusions about large groups without surveying every person, or figure out what actually causes what in an experiment. Students learn to read those conclusions critically and judge whether they hold up.

  • Use the Statistical Problem Solving Cycle to answer real-world questions

    MM.D3D.C.17
    High School

    Students follow a four-step process to answer a real question with data: they ask the question, collect numbers, analyze what those numbers show, and draw a conclusion.

  • Construct a probability distribution based on empirical observations of a…

    MM.D3D.C.18
    High School

    Students collect real data from an experiment or survey, then build a table or graph showing how likely each outcome is. The result is a picture of what actually happened, not what theory predicts.

  • Estimate the probability of each value for a random variable based on empirical…

    MM.D3D.C.18.a
    High School

    Students use data from real experiments or computer simulations to estimate how likely each outcome is for a random event. A calculator or statistical tool does the number-crunching; students decide what the results mean.

  • Represent a probability distribution by a relative frequency histogram and/or a…

    MM.D3D.C.18.b
    High School

    Students build a bar chart or running-total graph to show how often each outcome showed up in a data set. The shape of that chart reveals whether results clustered together or spread out.

  • Find the mean, standard deviation, median

    MM.D3D.C.18.c
    High School

    Students calculate the average, spread, and middle values of a probability distribution to predict what will likely happen over time. They also decide which numbers best describe the data depending on whether the distribution is symmetric or skewed.

  • Construct a sampling distribution for a random event or random sample

    MM.D3D.C.19
    High School

    Students build a picture of how a result (like a coin flip or survey answer) would vary across many repeated trials. That picture, called a sampling distribution, shows which outcomes are typical and which are rare.

  • Use the binomial theorem to construct the sampling distribution for the number…

    MM.D3D.C.19.a
    High School

    Students use a math formula to predict how often a yes/no outcome (like a coin flip or survey response) would occur across many random samples, building a picture of what results to expect by chance.

  • Use the normal approximation of a proportion from a random event or sample when…

    MM.D3D.C.19.b
    High School

    Students use a bell-curve estimate to describe how likely different survey or experiment results are, as long as the sample is large enough and random. This connects probability to real data without needing exact calculations.

  • Use the central limit theorem to construct a normal sampling distribution for…

    MM.D3D.C.19.c
    High School

    Students learn why averages from repeated random samples tend to cluster into a bell-shaped curve. They use that pattern to predict how far a sample mean is likely to stray from the true population mean.

  • Find the long-term probability of a given range of outcomes from a random event…

    MM.D3D.C.19.d
    High School

    Students calculate the likelihood that repeated random events, like rolling a die or pulling survey responses, will land within a specific range over time. The focus is on what tends to happen in the long run, not just once.

  • Perform inference procedures based on the results of samples and experiments

    MM.D3D.C.20
    High School

    Students use data from a sample or experiment to draw conclusions about a larger group, deciding whether a result is likely real or just due to chance.

  • Use a point estimator and margin of error to construct a confidence interval…

    MM.D3D.C.20.a
    High School

    Students learn to take a survey result, such as a poll percentage, and build a range of plausible values around it using a margin of error. That range is a confidence interval, and it shows how much the estimate might shift if the study were repeated.

  • Interpret a confidence interval in context and use it to make strategic…

    MM.D3D.C.20.b
    High School

    Students learn what a confidence interval means in plain terms and use it to make a real decision, like whether a new policy or product is worth adopting based on a range of likely outcomes.

  • Perform a significance test for null and alternative hypotheses

    MM.D3D.C.20.c
    High School

    Students run a statistical test to decide whether a result from a sample is real or just random chance. They set up two competing explanations, then use math to determine which one the data supports.

  • Interpret the significance level of a test in the context of error probabilities

    MM.D3D.C.20.d
    High School

    Students learn what a significance level really means: there is a small but real chance of calling a result important when it isn't. They use that risk to decide whether the evidence is strong enough to act on.

  • Critique the validity of reported conclusions from statistical studies in terms…

    MM.D3D.C.21
    High School

    Students read the findings from a real study and decide whether the conclusion holds up. They look for bias in how the data was collected and consider how much of the result might be due to chance rather than a real pattern.

  • Conduct a randomized study on a topic of student interest

    MM.D3D.C.22
    High School

    Students design and run their own study, using random selection or random assignment to collect data on a question they choose. Then they use the results to draw a real conclusion.

Applications of Finite Mathematics
  • The validity of a statement or argument can be determined using the models and…

    FM.LR.A
    High School

    Students learn to decide whether an argument is actually sound, not just convincing. They use formal logic tools like "if-then" statements and quantifiers to test whether a conclusion really follows from the given facts.

  • Represent logic statements in words, with symbols

    FM.LR.A.1
    High School

    Students learn to translate "if-then" rules and other logical statements into symbols and truth tables, then flip or reverse those statements to test whether the new versions still hold.

  • Represent logic operations such <em>as and, or, not, nor</em>

    FM.LR.A.2
    High School

    Students practice the basic yes/no logic that runs computer circuits and coding: "and," "or," "not," and a few others. They write each rule in plain words, in symbols, and in a table that shows every true-or-false outcome.

  • Use truth tables to solve application-based logic problems and determine the…

    FM.LR.A.3
    High School

    Students build truth tables to figure out whether logical statements are true or false. This includes "not" statements, "if-then" statements, and combinations of both.

  • Determine whether statements are equivalent and construct equivalent statements

    FM.LR.A.3.a
    High School

    Students decide whether two logical statements mean the same thing, even when worded differently. They also rewrite a statement in a new form that carries the same meaning.

  • Determine whether a logical argument is valid or invalid, using laws of logic…

    FM.LR.A.4
    High School

    Students read two-step logical arguments and decide whether the conclusion actually follows from the premises. They apply rules like "if A leads to B and B leads to C, then A leads to C" to test whether reasoning holds up or breaks down.

  • Determine whether a logical argument is a tautology or a contradiction

    FM.LR.A.4.a
    High School

    Students learn to spot arguments that are always true no matter what (a tautology) or always false no matter what (a contradiction). The goal is to test whether the logic holds up on its own, before any facts are considered.

  • Prove a statement indirectly by proving the contrapositive of the statement

    FM.LR.A.5
    High School

    Students prove a statement is true by flipping it around and proving the opposite. If "not B" leads to "not A," then "A leads to B" must hold.

  • Complex counting problems can be solved efficiently using a variety of…

    FM.AC.A
    High School

    Counting problems get complicated fast. Students learn methods like combinations and permutations to count large sets of possibilities without listing every single one by hand.

  • Use multiple representations and methods for counting objects and developing…

    FM.AC.A.6
    High School

    Students practice several ways to count large groups of objects without listing every one, such as drawing diagrams, spotting patterns, or using a formula. The goal is finding the fastest, most reliable method for each situation.

  • Develop and use the Fundamental Counting Principle for counting independent and…

    FM.AC.A.7
    High School

    Students learn a shortcut for counting possibilities: multiply the number of choices at each step together. This works whether each choice is independent (like picking an outfit) or whether earlier choices limit what comes next (like assigning seats).

  • Use various counting models

    FM.AC.A.7.a
    High School

    Students figure out when the Fundamental Counting Principle applies by drawing tree diagrams or making lists to see how choices multiply. The key skill is recognizing which real-world setups actually fit that pattern.

  • Using application-based problems, develop formulas for permutations…

    FM.AC.A.8
    High School

    Students figure out the counting formulas themselves by working through real problems, then compare what they built to the standard versions. This covers permutations, combinations, and situations where repeats are allowed.

  • Identify differences between applications of combinations and permutations

    FM.AC.A.8.a
    High School

    Students learn when order matters in counting and when it doesn't. Picking a 4-digit PIN uses permutations because sequence matters; choosing 3 toppings from a menu uses combinations because it doesn't.

  • Using application-based problems, calculate the number of permutations of a set…

    FM.AC.A.8.b
    High School

    Students count the number of ways to arrange all the items in a group, then count the ways to arrange just some of those items when order matters. Think of ranking three finalists chosen from ten candidates.

  • Using application-based problems, calculate the number of subsets of size…

    FM.AC.A.8.c
    High School

    Students figure out how many ways to pick a smaller group from a larger one when the order of selection does not matter. This is the core idea behind combinations, often written as "n choose r."

  • Using application-based problems, calculate the number of combinations with…

    FM.AC.A.8.d
    High School

    Students figure out how many ways to choose items from a group when the same item can be picked more than once. They use a specific formula to count those possibilities.

  • Use various counting techniques to determine probabilities of events

    FM.AC.A.9
    High School

    Students use counting methods, like permutations and combinations, to figure out how likely an event is to happen. They calculate the number of ways something can occur, then compare that to all possible outcomes.

  • Use the Pigeonhole Principle to solve counting problems

    FM.AC.A.10
    High School

    Students learn that if you sort more items into fewer categories than items, at least one category must hold more than one. They use this logic to answer questions like: what's the minimum number of socks to grab to guarantee a matching pair?

  • Recursion is a method of problem solving where a given relation or routine…

    FM.R.A
    High School

    Recursion is a problem-solving method where students apply the same rule or operation over and over, using each result as the starting point for the next step.

  • Find patterns in application problems involving series and sequences

    FM.R.A.11
    High School

    Students look at a pattern in a real-world situation, like a loan balance shrinking each month, and write a formula that either uses the previous term or jumps straight to any term in the sequence.

  • Determine characteristics of sequences, including the Fibonacci Sequence, the…

    FM.R.A.12
    High School

    Students study number patterns that grow in predictable ways, like the Fibonacci sequence, where each term is the sum of the two before it. They identify how these patterns are built and what makes each one distinct.

  • Use the recursive process and difference equations to create fractals…

    FM.R.A.13
    High School

    Students apply repeated rules to build fractals, model how a population grows over time, and generate number sequences. Each step feeds into the next, so a simple starting value can produce surprisingly complex results.

  • Use mathematical induction to prove statements involving the positive integers

    FM.R.A.14
    High School

    Students learn a step-by-step proof technique: show a statement works for the number 1, then show that if it works for any number n, it must work for n+1. That chain of logic proves the statement holds for every positive whole number.

  • Develop and apply connections between Pascal's Triangle and combinations

    FM.R.A.15
    High School

    Students find patterns in Pascal's Triangle and connect each row's numbers to combination formulas used in counting and probability problems.

  • Complex problems can be modeled using vertex and edge graphs and…

    FM.N.A
    High School

    Students learn to draw diagrams made of dots and connecting lines to map out complex problems, like delivery routes or scheduling conflicts. The structure of the diagram reveals the solution.

  • Use vertex and edge graphs to model mathematical situations involving networks

    FM.N.A.16
    High School

    Students use dot-and-line diagrams to map out real-world networks like roads, flight routes, or computer connections. The dots mark locations or nodes, and the lines show how they link.

  • Identify properties of simple graphs, complete graphs, bipartite graphs…

    FM.N.A.16.a
    High School

    Students learn to recognize five types of graphs used to map connections, from basic networks with no loops to layered structures where two distinct groups of points connect only to each other.

  • Solve problems involving networks through investigation and application of…

    FM.N.A.17
    High School

    Students figure out whether a network of connected points and paths can be traveled without repeating an edge or without repeating a stop. They apply these rules to real problems like delivery routes or wiring layouts.

  • Develop optimal solutions of application-based problems using existing and…

    FM.N.A.17.a
    High School

    Students practice solving real-world problems by following step-by-step procedures, then build their own procedures to find the most efficient answer.

  • Give an argument for graph properties

    FM.N.A.17.b
    High School

    Students look at a graph or network diagram and explain in plain terms why it has a specific property, such as why every path between two points is connected or why no routes overlap.

  • Apply algorithms relating to minimum weight spanning trees, networks, flows

    FM.N.A.18
    High School

    Students find the most efficient way to connect points in a network, like planning roads or pipes that reach every location without wasting distance or cost.

  • Use shortest path techniques to find optimal shipping routes

    FM.N.A.18.a
    High School

    Students find the most efficient route through a network of roads or shipping paths, using math to prove no shorter connection exists. This is the same logic delivery companies use to cut travel time and fuel costs.

  • Show that every connected graph has a minimal spanning tree

    FM.N.A.18.b
    High School

    Students prove that any connected graph, no matter how many nodes and paths it has, always contains a spanning tree with the fewest possible connections. This is a foundational proof in network design.

  • Use Kruskal's Algorithm and Prim's Algorithm to determine the minimal spanning…

    FM.N.A.18.c
    High School

    Students use two step-by-step methods to find the shortest connected path through a weighted network, picking the least costly links until every point is joined without creating a loop.

  • Use vertex-coloring, edge-coloring

    FM.N.A.19
    High School

    Students use graph-coloring methods to solve real scheduling or assignment conflicts, like figuring out which events can share a time slot or which workers can share a shift without overlap.

  • Determine the minimum time to complete a project using algorithms to schedule…

    FM.N.A.20
    High School

    Students figure out the fastest possible timeline for finishing a multi-step project by ordering tasks, identifying which steps can't be delayed, and testing scheduling methods, including ones they design themselves.

  • Use the adjacency matrix of a graph to determine the number of walks of length…

    FM.N.A.21
    High School

    An adjacency matrix is a grid of numbers that maps out which points in a network connect to each other. Students use that grid to count how many different routes of a given number of steps exist between any two points.

  • Various methods for determining a winner in a voting system can result in…

    FM.FD.A
    High School

    Different voting methods can produce different winners from the same ballots. Students study why that happens and what it means for a fair election.

  • Analyze advantages and disadvantages of different types of ballot voting…

    FM.FD.A.22
    High School

    Students compare voting methods, like ranked-choice or winner-take-all, and weigh what each one gets right and where it can produce unfair results.

  • Identify impacts of using a preferential ballot voting system and compare it to…

    FM.FD.A.22.a
    High School

    Students examine how ranked-choice voting works and what it changes about election outcomes. They compare it to standard single-vote elections to see how each system can produce different winners from the same pool of candidates.

  • Analyze the impact of legal and cultural features of political systems on the…

    FM.FD.A.22.b
    High School

    Elections are shaped by rules like districting boundaries and voting procedures. Students study how those legal and political choices affect which candidates win and whether the math behind an election reflects what voters actually wanted.

  • Apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot…

    FM.FD.A.23
    High School

    Students practice eight different ways to decide an election winner when voters rank candidates by preference, from simple plurality to Borda point counts to head-to-head comparisons.

  • Identify issues of fairness for different methods of determining a winner using…

    FM.FD.A.24
    High School

    Students compare voting methods, such as ranked-choice ballots and runoff systems, to see which ones can produce unfair or contradictory results. They learn why a candidate can win under one method and lose under another.

  • Use methods of weighted voting and identify issues of fairness related to…

    FM.FD.A.25
    High School

    Students learn how some votes count more than others, then use a scoring method to measure how much real influence each voter actually holds in a group decision.

  • Distinguish between weight and power in voting

    FM.FD.A.25.a
    High School

    In voting, weight is how many votes someone controls. Power is whether those votes actually change the outcome. Students learn why a voter with more votes isn't always more influential.

  • Methods used to solve non-trivial problems of division of objects often reveal…

    FM.FDV.A
    High School

    Students learn how to divide things fairly when splitting something isn't simple, like sharing an inheritance, land, or a collection of items. The math shows where "equal" gets complicated and how to find a solution everyone can accept.

  • Explain and apply mathematical aspects of fair division, with respect to…

    FM.FDV.A.26
    High School

    Students learn how to divide things fairly, whether it's splitting an inheritance, carving up a map for voting districts, or cutting a shared resource so everyone gets a reasonable share. The math behind each situation is more precise than it looks.

  • Identify and apply historic methods of apportionment for voting districts…

    FM.FDV.A.27
    High School

    Students study five historic methods for dividing up seats in a voting district based on population, then examine where each method breaks down or produces unfair results.

  • Use spreadsheets to examine apportionment methods in large problems

    FM.FDV.A.28
    High School

    Students use spreadsheet software to run apportionment calculations across large datasets, testing how different methods distribute seats or resources. The focus is on reading and comparing results, not doing the arithmetic by hand.

  • Effective systems for sending and receiving information include components that…

    FM.IP.A
    High School

    Sending and receiving information reliably requires careful design. Students study how real systems handle accuracy, efficiency, and security, from error-checking codes to encryption methods used in everyday digital communication.

  • Critically analyze issues related to information processing including accuracy…

    FM.IP.A.29
    High School

    Students examine real tradeoffs in how computers store, send, and protect data. They weigh speed against accuracy, and convenience against security, using concrete examples like file compression or password encryption.

  • Apply ciphers (encryption and decryption algorithms) and cryptosystems for…

    FM.IP.A.30
    High School

    Students learn how codes and encryption work, then practice both locking and unlocking messages using real methods like symmetric-key and public-key systems.

  • Use modular arithmetic to apply RSA

    FM.IP.A.30.a
    High School

    Students use clock-style arithmetic (where numbers wrap around after a set point) to lock and unlock digital messages the way websites secure your passwords and credit card numbers.

  • Use matrices and their inverses to encode and decode messages

    FM.IP.A.30.b
    High School

    Students use a grid of numbers called a matrix to scramble a text message into code, then apply its inverse to reverse the process and read the original message back.

  • Apply error-detecting codes and error-correcting codes to determine accuracy of…

    FM.IP.A.31
    High School

    Students learn how hidden check digits catch typos and transmission errors in data, like the barcode on a cereal box or a credit card number. They practice finding and fixing mistakes before bad data causes real problems.

  • Apply methods of data compression

    FM.IP.A.32
    High School

    Students learn how to reduce the size of data files without losing important information. This shows up in real life every time a photo is compressed for sending or a video streams without buffering.

Precalculus
  • Perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers

    PC.NQ.A
    High School

    Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide complex numbers, the kind that include a real part and an imaginary part. This is the arithmetic students already know, extended to numbers that contain the square root of a negative number.

  • Define the constant <em>e</em> in a variety of contexts

    PC.NQ.A.1
    High School

    Students learn where the number *e* (roughly 2.718) comes from by seeing it appear in compound interest, population growth, and other real situations where change keeps building on itself.

  • Explore the behavior of the function <em>y = e<sup>x</sup></em> and its…

    PC.NQ.A.1.a
    High School

    Students graph y = e^x, study how quickly it grows, and connect it to real situations like population growth or compound interest.

  • Explore the behavior of <em>ln

    PC.NQ.A.1.b
    High School

    Students graph and interpret the natural log function, ln(x), and use it to model real situations like population growth or radioactive decay.

  • Find the conjugate of a complex number

    PC.NQ.A.2
    High School

    Students find the "mirror image" of a complex number by flipping the sign of its imaginary part, then use that mirror image to calculate how far the number sits from zero and to divide one complex number by another.

  • Represent complex numbers and their operations on the complex plane

    PC.NQ.B
    High School

    Students plot complex numbers on a grid that uses a real axis and an imaginary axis, then show what happens to those points when the numbers are added, subtracted, or multiplied.

  • Represent complex numbers on the complex plane in rectangular and polar form

    PC.NQ.B.3
    High School

    Students plot complex numbers on a coordinate grid using two different formats: the familiar x-y rectangular form and a polar form that uses distance and angle. Then students explain why both descriptions point to the exact same number.

  • Represent addition, subtraction, multiplication

    PC.NQ.B.4
    High School

    Students plot complex numbers on a graph and use that picture to add, subtract, multiply, and find conjugates. Seeing the geometry makes the arithmetic easier to check and reason through.

  • Calculate the distance between numbers in the complex plane as the modulus of…

    PC.NQ.B.5
    High School

    Students find the distance between two complex numbers by computing the modulus of their difference, and locate the midpoint of a segment by averaging the two endpoint values. Both skills extend familiar number-line ideas into the complex plane.

  • Use complex numbers in polynomial identities and equations

    PC.NQ.C
    High School

    Students work with imaginary and complex numbers to solve equations and factor polynomials that have no real-number solutions.

  • Analyze possible zeros for a polynomial function over the complex numbers by…

    PC.NQ.C.6
    High School

    Finding all the solutions to a polynomial equation, including ones that involve imaginary numbers. Students use graphs, factoring, or the rule that a polynomial of degree n has exactly n solutions (counting repeats).

  • Understand limits of functions

    PC.NQ.D
    High School

    Students learn what happens to a function's output as the input gets closer and closer to a specific value, even if it never quite reaches it. This is the foundation for calculus.

  • Determine numerically, algebraically

    PC.NQ.D.7
    High School

    Students find where a function is heading as its input approaches a specific number or grows without bound. They work this out by plugging in values, using algebra, and reading a graph.

  • Apply limits of functions at specific values and at infinity in problems…

    PC.NQ.D.7.a
    High School

    Students figure out what a function's output approaches as it heads toward a specific number or toward infinity. This shows whether a sequence or series eventually settles at a value or keeps growing without bound.

  • Represent and model with vector quantities

    PC.NQ.E
    High School

    Vectors are arrows with both a direction and a size. Students use them to represent real situations like a boat pushed by current and wind, writing and sketching vectors to show how those forces combine.

  • Explain that vector quantities have both magnitude and direction

    PC.NQ.E.8
    High School

    Vectors are arrows that carry two pieces of information: how far and which way. Students learn to draw and label them as directed line segments, and to write the correct notation for both the vector itself and its length.

  • Find the components of a vector by subtracting the coordinates of an initial…

    PC.NQ.E.9
    High School

    Students subtract the starting point's coordinates from the ending point's coordinates to find a vector's horizontal and vertical parts. This turns two points on a graph into a single arrow with a measurable direction and length.

  • Solve problems involving velocity and other quantities that can be represented…

    PC.NQ.E.10
    High School

    Students use vectors to solve real problems involving speed, direction, and force. They find where a moving object ends up, how fast it is going, or how two pushes combine into one.

  • Find the scalar (dot) product of two vectors as the sum of the products of…

    PC.NQ.E.11
    High School

    Students calculate the dot product by multiplying matching components of two vectors and adding the results. That single number reveals the angle between the vectors, connecting algebra to geometry in a way that shows up across physics, engineering, and graphics.

  • Perform operations on vectors

    PC.NQ.F
    High School

    Students add, subtract, and scale vectors, combining direction and distance the way you might combine steps on a map to find a total path.

  • Add and subtract vectors

    PC.NQ.F.12
    High School

    Students add and subtract vectors by combining their directions and magnitudes, the way you'd describe walking two blocks east then three blocks north. The result is a single arrow showing the net movement.

  • Add vectors end-to-end, component-wise

    PC.NQ.F.12.a
    High School

    Students add vectors using two methods: lining them up tip-to-tail or breaking each into horizontal and vertical parts. The combined arrow's length is usually shorter than simply adding the two original lengths.

  • Given two vectors in magnitude and direction form, determine the magnitude and…

    PC.NQ.F.12.b
    High School

    Students add two vectors given as a length and an angle, then find the length and angle of the combined result. This is the core of navigation and physics problems where forces or directions stack on top of each other.

  • Explain vector subtraction, <em>v – w, as v +

    PC.NQ.F.12.c
    High School

    Subtracting one vector from another means adding its opposite, a version with the same length but flipped direction. Students work this out on a graph by connecting arrow tips in the right order, and by subtracting the matching number pairs.

  • Multiply a vector by a scalar

    PC.NQ.F.13
    High School

    Students scale a vector up or down by multiplying it by a number, changing how long the arrow is without changing its direction (unless the number is negative, which flips it).

  • Represent scalar multiplication graphically by scaling vectors and possibly…

    PC.NQ.F.13.a
    High School

    Students multiply a vector by a number to stretch or shrink its length, and sometimes flip its direction. They also do this calculation by multiplying each component separately.

  • Compute the magnitude of a scalar multiple <em>cv</em> using ||cv|| = |c|v

    PC.NQ.F.13.b
    High School

    When a vector is multiplied by a number, students find the new length by multiplying the original length by that number's absolute value. They also determine whether the arrow points the same direction as before or flips to the opposite direction.

  • Multiply a vector (regarded as a matrix with one column) by a matrix of…

    PC.NQ.F.14
    High School

    Students multiply a matrix by a vector to produce a new vector, then explore how matrices act as rules that move or reshape vectors in space.

Algebra
  • Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems

    PC.A.A
    High School

    Rewriting an expression means changing its form without changing its value. Students rearrange and factor algebraic expressions to make a problem easier to solve.

  • Derive the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series

    PC.A.A.15
    High School

    Students learn where the geometric series formula comes from, then use it to find the total of a sequence where each term is multiplied by the same number. They also extend that thinking to sequences that go on forever.

  • Understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials

    PC.A.B
    High School

    Students learn why a polynomial equals zero at certain x-values and how those values connect to the polynomial's factors. This is the algebra behind factoring and graphing curved equations.

  • Derive and apply the Remainder Theorem

    PC.A.B.16
    High School

    When you divide a polynomial by (x - a), the remainder equals the polynomial's value at x = a. If that value is zero, (x - a) is a factor. Students use this shortcut to find factors without long division.

  • Use polynomial identities to solve problems

    PC.A.C
    High School

    Students apply formulas like the difference of squares or perfect square trinomials to factor expressions and solve equations faster than multiplying everything out by hand.

  • Know and apply the Binomial Theorem for the expansion of <em>

    PC.A.C.17
    High School

    Students use a shortcut called the Binomial Theorem to expand expressions like (x + y) raised to a power without multiplying the whole thing out by hand. Pascal's Triangle tells them the coefficients.

  • Rewrite rational expressions

    PC.A.D
    High School

    Rewriting rational expressions means simplifying or rearranging fractions that contain variables, the way you might simplify 6/4 to 3/2. Students learn to factor and cancel shared terms so the expression is easier to work with.

  • Rewrite simple rational expressions in different forms

    PC.A.D.18
    High School

    Students divide one polynomial expression by another, the way long division works with whole numbers, to rewrite a fraction with variables into a simpler, more usable form.

  • Add, subtract, multiply

    PC.A.D.19
    High School

    Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions that contain variables instead of plain numbers. The work is the same as fraction arithmetic, but the numerators and denominators are algebraic expressions.

  • Explain why rational expressions form a system analogous to the rational…

    PC.A.D.19.a
    High School

    Rational expressions are fractions made with polynomials instead of whole numbers. Students explain why you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide them (as long as you avoid dividing by zero) and still land on another rational expression every time.

  • Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the…

    PC.A.E
    High School

    Solving an equation is more than finding the answer. Students explain each step they take and why it keeps both sides of the equation balanced.

  • Explain each step in solving an equation as following from the equality of…

    PC.A.E.20
    High School

    Students explain why each step of an equation solution follows logically from the one before it. They also defend their chosen method, not just arrive at an answer.

  • Solve simple rational equations in one variable

    PC.A.E.21
    High School

    Students solve equations that contain fractions with variables in the denominator, then check whether each answer actually works in the original equation. Some answers that look correct turn out to be invalid, and students explain why.

  • Solve systems of equations

    PC.A.F
    High School

    Students find the values that make two or more equations true at the same time. That usually means figuring out where two lines or curves cross on a graph.

  • Represent a system of linear equations as a single matrix equation in a vector…

    PC.A.F.22
    High School

    Students write a group of linear equations as one compact matrix equation, treating the unknowns as a single vector. This is the setup step that makes solving several equations at once faster and more organized.

  • Find the inverse of a matrix if it exists and use it to solve systems of linear…

    PC.A.F.23
    High School

    Students find the reverse of a matrix and use it to crack a system of equations. For larger matrices (three rows or more), they use a calculator or software to do the heavy arithmetic.

Functions
  • Interpret functions that arise in applications in terms of the context

    PC.F.A
    High School

    Students read a function from a graph, table, or equation and explain what it means in a real situation, like how cost changes with time or how height changes with speed.

  • Compare and contrast families of functions and their representations…

    PC.F.A.24
    High School

    Students compare function types (like exponential growth, parabolas, and sine waves) by looking at their graphs, equations, and tables to identify what each one does and how it behaves differently from the others.

  • Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function

    PC.F.A.25
    High School

    Students find how fast a function's output is changing over a chosen interval, then read the same idea off a graph. The work covers rational functions and all six trigonometric functions, not just polynomials and exponentials.

  • Find the difference quotient <em>f

    PC.F.A.25.a
    High School

    Students calculate how fast a function is changing over a small interval, then use that calculation to find the average rate of change at a specific point. This is the foundational algebra behind derivatives in calculus.

  • Explore how the average rate of change of a function over an interval

    PC.F.A.25.b
    High School

    Students examine what happens to the average rate of change of a function as the time interval shrinks, discovering how that average closes in on the exact rate of change at a single moment. This is the foundational idea behind calculus.

  • Analyze functions using different representations

    PC.F.B
    High School

    Students read graphs, tables, and equations for the same function and explain what each one reveals about how the output changes.

  • Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by…

    PC.F.B.26
    High School

    Students graph equations by hand and with technology, then identify key features like intercepts, peaks, and end behavior. The goal is to move in both directions: from equation to graph and from graph back to the equation.

  • Graph rational functions, identifying zeros and asymptotes when suitable…

    PC.F.B.26.a
    High School

    Students graph rational functions (fractions with polynomials on top and bottom), marking where the graph crosses zero, where it has gaps or vertical walls it never touches, and what happens to the curve as x runs toward positive or negative infinity.

  • Graph trigonometric functions and their inverses, showing period, midline…

    PC.F.B.26.b
    High School

    Students graph sine, cosine, and similar wave-shaped functions by hand or on a coordinate plane, marking how tall the wave is, how wide each cycle is, and whether the wave has shifted left, right, or up from its usual position.

  • Build a function that models a relationship between two quantities

    PC.F.C
    High School

    Students write or assemble a function that captures how one real quantity changes in response to another, such as how distance changes with time or how cost changes with the number of items bought.

  • Compose functions. Extend to polynomial, trigonometric, radical

    PC.F.C.27
    High School

    Students combine two functions into one by plugging the output of the first into the second. They practice this with polynomials, trig functions, square roots, and fractions that include variables.

  • Build new functions from existing functions

    PC.F.D
    High School

    Students learn to take a function they already know and modify it by shifting, stretching, or combining it with another function to build something new.

  • Find inverse functions

    PC.F.D.28
    High School

    Students find the inverse of a function by reversing its inputs and outputs. If a function turns 3 into 9, the inverse turns 9 back into 3.

  • Given that a function has an inverse, write an expression for the inverse of…

    PC.F.D.28.a
    High School

    Given a function, students write the rule that reverses it. If the original function turns 3 into 7, the inverse turns 7 back into 3. Students find that reversed rule as an algebraic expression.

  • Verify by composition that one function is the inverse of another

    PC.F.D.28.b
    High School

    Students check whether two functions are truly inverses by plugging one into the other and confirming the result is just x. If both orders give x, the functions undo each other perfectly.

  • Read values of an inverse function from a graph or a table, given that the…

    PC.F.D.28.c
    High School

    Students read an inverse function from a graph or table by finding where inputs and outputs swap roles. If a graph shows that f(3) = 7, students identify that the inverse gives 3 when the input is 7.

  • Produce an invertible function from a non-invertible function by restricting…

    PC.F.D.28.d
    High School

    Students take a function that fails the horizontal line test and cut its domain down to a piece where it does pass, making that restricted version reversible.

  • Use the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms to solve problems…

    PC.F.D.29
    High School

    Students use the connection between exponents and logarithms to solve equations, working with base 2 and base 10 logs first, then natural logs (base e). If an equation hides the variable in a power or a log, this skill is how students get it out.

  • Identify the effect on the graph of replacing <em>f

    PC.F.D.30
    High School

    When k is added to or multiplied into a function, the graph shifts, stretches, or flips. Students read those changes off a graph and reverse the process to find the number that caused them.

  • Graph conic sections from second-degree equations, extending from circles and…

    PC.F.D.31
    High School

    Students graph curves like ellipses and hyperbolas from equations, building on what they know about circles and parabolas. They use graphing tools to spot patterns in how the equation's numbers change the shape.

  • Graph conic sections given their standard form

    PC.F.D.31.a
    High School

    Students graph circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas by reading the key values from a standard equation and plotting the curve on a coordinate plane.

  • Identify the conic section that will be formed, given its equation in general…

    PC.F.D.31.b
    High School

    Given a quadratic equation with x² and y² terms, students identify whether the curve it describes is a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola before graphing it.

  • Recognize attributes of trigonometric functions and solve problems involving…

    PC.F.E
    High School

    Students read graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent to identify patterns like peaks, period length, and shifts, then use those relationships to solve real problems involving angles and cycles.

  • Solve application-based problems involving parametric and polar equations

    PC.F.E.32
    High School

    Students use parametric and polar equations to solve real-world problems, such as tracking the path of a projectile or plotting a curve that doesn't fit a standard x-y graph.

  • Graph parametric and polar equations

    PC.F.E.32.a
    High School

    Students graph curves described by two linked equations (parametric) or by distance and angle from a center point (polar). These go beyond the standard x-y grid to show paths like spirals and loops.

  • Convert parametric and polar equations to rectangular form

    PC.F.E.32.b
    High School

    Students rewrite equations that use angle-and-radius or t-based coordinates into the standard x-y form a graphing calculator or math class recognizes. The goal is to work with the same curve using whichever form makes the problem easier to solve.

  • Extend the domain of trigonometric functions using the unit circle

    PC.F.F
    High School

    Students learn to use the unit circle, a circle with radius 1 centered at the origin, to define sine, cosine, and tangent for any angle, not just the acute angles found in right triangles.

  • Use special triangles to determine geometrically the values of sine, cosine

    PC.F.F.33
    High School

    Students use the geometry of 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 triangles to find exact sine, cosine, and tangent values at key angles, then use the unit circle to predict how those values shift when the angle is reflected or rotated.

  • Use the unit circle to explain symmetry

    PC.F.F.34
    High School

    The unit circle is a circle with radius 1 centered at the origin. Students use it to explain why sine and cosine repeat their values in a predictable cycle and why some trig functions mirror across an axis while others don't.

  • Model periodic phenomena with trigonometric functions

    PC.F.G
    High School

    Students use sine and cosine functions to model real-world cycles like tides, sound waves, or seasonal temperature changes. They find the equation that fits the pattern.

  • Demonstrate that restricting a trigonometric function to a domain on which it…

    PC.F.G.35
    High School

    Students show why a sine or cosine curve needs to be cut down to one rising or falling section before its inverse can work. A function that doubles back on itself cannot be reversed without ambiguity.

  • Use inverse functions to solve trigonometric equations that arise in modeling…

    PC.F.G.36
    High School

    Students use inverse trig functions to work backward from a known value and find the angle that produced it. They check their answers with a calculator and explain what those angles mean in the real situation being modeled.

  • Prove and apply trigonometric identities

    PC.F.H
    High School

    Students prove that trig equations like sin²x + cos²x = 1 are always true, then use those relationships to simplify expressions and solve problems.

  • Use trigonometric identities to solve problems

    PC.F.H.37
    High School

    Students apply known trig relationships, like how sine and cosine connect, to rewrite and simplify expressions or solve equations. The goal is turning a complicated trig problem into one that's easier to work with.

  • Use the Pythagorean identity <em>sin²

    PC.F.H.37.a
    High School

    Students start with the equation sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1 and rearrange it to produce two related identities. The goal is to see how all three forms come from the same starting equation.

  • Use the angle sum formulas for sine, cosine

    PC.F.H.37.b
    High School

    Students use the formulas for adding two angles to work out what happens when both angles are the same, producing shortcuts for sine, cosine, and tangent of a doubled angle. This is how the double angle formulas are built from scratch.

  • Use the Pythagorean and double angle identities to prove other simple…

    PC.F.H.37.c
    High School

    Students use two core trig formulas, the Pythagorean identity and the double angle identity, to build proofs of other trig equations. Think of it as using known shortcuts to show why a new equation always holds.

Common Questions
  • What math will students take in high school?

    Most students move through a sequence built around geometry, algebra with data, and algebra with statistics. After that, students may take precalculus, finite math, or a modeling course. Each one builds on the last, so skipping or rushing usually shows up later.

  • How can I help at home if my teen is stuck on homework?

    Ask them to read the problem out loud and explain what the question is asking. Then ask what they already know and what they have tried. Two or three good questions usually unstick more than showing them how to solve it.

  • My teen says they are bad at math. What should I do?

    Try to separate speed from understanding. Many strong math students are slow and careful. Praise the work of checking answers, drawing a picture, or rewriting a problem in their own words, not how fast they finish.

  • Does my teen still need to memorize anything in high school math?

    Yes. Quick recall of basic facts, the unit circle, and a handful of formulas frees up brainpower for harder problems. A few minutes of flashcards or a quiz app a couple times a week goes a long way.

  • What should I sequence first in geometry with data analysis?

    Anchor the year in transformations and coordinate geometry early, then use that foundation for congruence, similarity, and right triangle trig. Weave the data and modeling standards through units instead of saving them for the end.

  • Which skills usually need the most reteaching?

    Plan extra time for completing the square, function transformations, interpreting slope and intercept in context, and the difference between correlation and causation. Students also often need a second pass on radian measure and on reading two-way tables.

  • How do I know my teen is ready for the next course?

    Look for whether they can explain their steps, not just get an answer. A student ready for the next course can read a graph, set up an equation from a word problem, and check whether their answer makes sense in context.

  • How should modeling and statistics fit into a packed year?

    Treat modeling as the frame, not an add-on unit. Pick two or three real data sets per term and return to them as new tools come up, so students see linear, quadratic, and exponential models on the same context.