Schools What is involved in Canadian high school Calculus classes?

[thinkies]

Hello,

Since few days, I was looking forward to start some pre-calculus classes...but I am kind of confused with the 'types' of classes offered.

Oh and I am in 9th grade...prob. I'll take it next year(its not available in my school, I will probably have to learn somewhere else,can anyone point out where? I live in Canada...so you know any the institutions offering such class)

Ive heard AP,AB calculus and stuff like that?What are they o.0..? What should I take, I want to really begin, from the start, so pre-calculus is the class right?

Can someone explain in details calculus classes that come before college...just a better preparation ;)...

Tips/Advices are appreciated.Thanks in advance!

 

[thinkies]

are there also some preparatory physics classes for college...In my school physics if offered starting at 11th grade ^.^ I might eventually change school for a better one,where physics is offered starting from 10...

I have heard AP physics..lmao, those are prob. USA related education things, I wonder how is it called in Canada...all those "pre" classes or introductory classes..

 

[Cyrus]

Please sign up for english.

 

[thinkies]

Please sign up for english.

Since I've registered on this forum, there has been always criticism regarding my english. Its now becoming a propaganda against me...^.^

Ive seen other people not paying attentio to their english (correcting errors,etc).

Beside, EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE WRITTEN ABOVE IS COMPREHENSIBLE AT LEAST.

I do avoid mistakes when it comes to write english somewhere else then a forum or internet (school,etc etc)

I mean no offense to you...just that its annoying. You are all probably some 25 yrs and + people...and I am not that old, neither 'that' mature (but i am not immature either...)..^.^

 

[thinkies]

Please sign up for *english*.

English is a proper noun: It's English and not "english".

Why don't *we* sign up for English. :P

 

[Cyrus]

Please stop making those text faces. Its really irritating.

I can't understand half of what your typing. What math classes have you taken?

 

[thinkies]

Please stop making those text faces. Its really irritating.

Cool down, I have nothing personal against you...Try to explore other things if you don't have any advice. Once again, I hope you're not taking anything I've said offensively...

 

[thinkies]

I can't understand half of what your typing. What math classes have you taken?

I am planning to take a calculus class, i don't know which one...

 

[Cyrus]

Neither do I, what courses in calculus are offered?

 

[thinkies]

something introductory, i am only in 9...Also, i am pretty much sure my school doesn't offer pre-calculus or other typical calculus class (not sure)...Do you any other institutions where i might study them. And exactly 'when' should i study them? Starting from 10? I am sure I will have to take classe aside my normal 1's(school)...

 

[thinkies]

Neither do I, what courses in calculus are offered?

Practically none. Not in my school...

 

[thinkies]

This is what i am asking, what 'class' should i take, i don't even know about what i have as an options in calculus classes...and remember i am still in high school, so nothing high...

 

[Cyrus]

Seriously, take English. (Or take the time to properly write your questions when you post).

As for the math, I find it hard to believe that any high school would not have pre-calculus. You study calculus when you are ready for it, not when you reach a certain age or grade.

 

[thinkies]

I think my school does offer pre-calculus... Can you tell me what are the stuff you view in pre-calculus classes...? I think pre-calculus will likely be part of my regular math program (probably in my 10th-11th grade)..? I am sure its not available as a separate subject...

 

[Cyrus]

What math course are you currently taking?

 

[thinkies]

Regular 9 grade math...

 

[Cyrus]

I don't know what that means... I am sure there is a title to the class your taking.

 

[thinkies]

And i am in 9th grade to...

 

[thinkies]

Math 306

 

[thinkies]

Its a math program in Canada, particularly in the Province of Quebec ( I live in Montreal :D)

 

[Cyrus]

Alegbra, trig, pre calc, calc, these are names of math courses. I don't know what Math306 is.

 

[thinkies]

Well...it seems like your quit not familiar with the Canadian educations system. 9 grade math program is broad... it includes algebra,geometry, 3d solids, probability,etc etc

 

[thinkies]

trig is in 10th grade.

I don't have any pre cal or cal classes. I was wondering if you could tell if i can or should take pre-calculus classes and where should I take them (aside school)

 

[thinkies]

Comeback Cyrus! :)
Joking ;)

 

[awvvu]

Pre-calc comes after Algebra2/Trig I'm guessing.

What classes do 11th and 12th graders take then?

 

[thinkies]

ok.

In Canada, particularly in quebec(province),high school is upto 11th grade.
College starts at 12th...

 

[thinkies]

And due to some recent changes with the ministry of education, math courses in high school are very very competent..since the ministry wants us to be competitive thinkers in math...

 

[Cyrus]

trig is in 10th grade.

I don't have any pre cal or cal classes. I was wondering if you could tell if i can or should take pre-calculus classes and where should I take them (aside school)

This makes no sense. We had classes with titles to them. I don't even know what you have taken, so I can't tell you what to take.

 

[thinkies]

Thanks for your time Cyrus...i guess i wasnt good at explaining what really is my math course...:(

 

[awvvu]

You really need to actually give us some information about these classes. We don't know anything about your school system. Don't you have some kind of course list that lists the names and descriptions of these courses, or syllabuses for these courses? You need to tell us what these courses cover.

 

[thinkies]

as i mentioned up there,high school last upto 11th grade, and math classes generally cover almost everything that are normally viewed in high school...but I am sure pre-calculus is not covered in high school curiculum (though I am not sure, maybe it is?)...

 

[Cyrus]

Thanks for your time Cyrus...i guess i wasnt good at explaining what really is my math course...:(

In general, when you describe something and say, "etc, etc..." you have basically told the person nothing. I can't read your mind to find out what 'etc etc' is...

 

[awvvu]

I'm pretty sure precalc is a high-school course. Some colleges offer some kind of pre-calc class but for low or no credits.

Myself, I took geometry 9th grade, algebra 2 10th grade, precalc 11th grade, and calc 12th grade. And I'm not on an accelerated math schedule.

But like everyone here is saying, we don't know anything about "standard" in your school system. No school systems are "standard".

 

[thinkies]

You really need to actually give us some information about these classes. We don't know anything about your school system. Don't you have some kind of course list that lists the names and descriptions of these courses, or syllabuses for these courses? You need to tell us what these courses cover.

I have the list of 9th grade syllabuses,however its written in FRENCH! And its sooooooooo tough to translate in english. Often, titles change great in french!

 

[thinkies]

can you tell me what are the topics in algebra 2?
Theres no separate math class in our shchool,nor in Canada...We have geometry,algebra,etc etc combine,

 

[thinkies]

In general, when you describe something and say, "etc, etc..." you have basically told the person nothing. I can't read your mind to find out what 'etc etc' is...

The problem is french, if only i could translate my syllabuses from french to english! But you know how titles change in french for math! for example, when we say linear function(or w/e) in english, its not the same subject in math! It has a different name.

 

[symbolipoint]

Thinkies,

Maybe you should find out or someone from Canada explain to forum readers how secondary school mathematical curricula is structured (in Canada). A good sequence of courses in some regions of the world may conform to :

Introductory Algebra, Plane/Euclidean/College Preparatory Geometry; Intermediate Algebra; ...

After which you may find various courses like these:

Trigonometry (just a Trigonometry course);
Trigonometry and Mathematical Analysis (which could be a PreCalculus course but less advanced than what you find at community colleges);
PreCalculus (which might again be just another name for Trig + Math analysis, again also including some algebra more advanced than what was in Intermediate Algebra);
Mathematical Analysis (yes, again this is often what the high schools call their PreCalculus course, having Algebra at and a little above intermediate level, and some rigorous Trigonometry).

Those descriptions and sequencing might help you, but your high school counselor should also advise you, as well as your Mathematics teacher. Your description of your current course seems like a mess. Too many different general topic areas, the course not fully dedicated to any of them.

Be aware the Mathematical Analysis course in a high school is not equivalent to any kind of "Real Analysis" or "Complex Analysis" that you find in a college or university. The high school math analysis or PreCalculus courses might at the very most present an introduction to limits, and proofs by mathematical induction. Also know that Math Analysis or PreCalculus at a high school are LESS than a Precalculus course at colleges and universities.

 

[awvvu]

The problem is french, if only i could translate my syllabuses from french to english! But you know how titles change in french for math! for example, when we say linear function(or w/e) in english, its not the same subject in math! It has a different name.

Here are the course descriptions at my school.

Algebra 2:

Topics studied include the properties, applications, algebra, and parametric representation of functions; matrix algorithms; and linear, quadratic, radical, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and rational functions.

Precalc:

Precalculus completes the formal study of the elementary functions begun in Algebra 1 and continued in Algebra 2. Students use the mathematical and modeling skills previously developed to study and apply the trigonometric functions. The use of technology and problem solving are emphasized in units covering data analysis, circular functions, and trigonometric inverses and identities. The concepts of trigonometry are extended to the study of polar coordinates and complex numbers. Conics and quadratic relations are introduced through a locus definition using polar representations. Discrete topics include the Principles of Mathematical Induction, the Binomial Theorem, and sequences and series, where sequences are represented both explicitly and recursively.

 

[thinkies]

Thinkies,

Maybe you should find out or someone from Canada explain to forum readers how secondary school mathematical curricula is structured (in Canada). A good sequence of courses in some regions of the world may conform to :

Introductory Algebra, Plane/Euclidean/College Preparatory Geometry; Intermediate Algebra; ...

After which you may find various courses like these:

Trigonometry (just a Trigonometry course);
Trigonometry and Mathematical Analysis (which could be a PreCalculus course but less advanced than what you find at community colleges);
PreCalculus (which might again be just another name for Trig + Math analysis, again also including some algebra more advanced than what was in Intermediate Algebra);
Mathematical Analysis (yes, again this is often what the high schools call their PreCalculus course, having Algebra at and a little above intermediate level, and some rigorous Trigonometry).

Those descriptions and sequencing might help you, but your high school counselor should also advise you, as well as your Mathematics teacher. Your description of your current course seems like a mess. Too many different general topic areas, the course not fully dedicated to any of them.

Be aware the Mathematical Analysis course in a high school is not equivalent to any kind of "Real Analysis" or "Complex Analysis" that you find in a college or university. The high school math analysis or PreCalculus courses might at the very most present an introduction to limits, and proofs by mathematical induction. Also know that Math Analysis or PreCalculus at a high school are LESS than a Precalculus course at colleges and universities.

AHHH! Much much better. ^.^ i thought calculus was wayyyyy different. I am actually learning some of these o.0...i didnt know they were called 'pre calculus'....o.0

In this case, can I take some 'advance' pre-cal classes,for better college preparation.If so,where should i take them?

 

[thinkies]

as i mentioned,titles vary from french to english ^.^

 

[Cyrus]

You really going to have to stop writing like that, please.

 

[thinkies]

Here are the course descriptions at my school.

Algebra 2:

Topics studied include the properties, applications, algebra, and parametric representation of functions; matrix algorithms; and linear, quadratic, radical, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and rational functions.

Precalc:

Precalculus completes the formal study of the elementary functions begun in Algebra 1 and continued in Algebra 2. Students use the mathematical and modeling skills previously developed to study and apply the trigonometric functions. The use of technology and problem solving are emphasized in units covering data analysis, circular functions, and trigonometric inverses and identities. The concepts of trigonometry are extended to the study of polar coordinates and complex numbers. Conics and quadratic relations are introduced through a locus definition using polar representations. Discrete topics include the Principles of Mathematical Induction, the Binomial Theorem, and sequences and series, where sequences are represented both explicitly and recursively.

oooh..this course is offered in 10th grade at my school (im in 9,so next year)..Though its not called algebra II ^.^

 

[thinkies]

You really going to have to stop writing like that, please.

Whats bothering..my grammar,vocabulary or sentences? It seems like my english is mentally torturing you

No offense...

 

[PowerIso]

Thinkies, when you come into certain social groups, you generally have to change your attitude if you expect any form of respect. I'm surprised Cyrus has been this patient with you. Cyrus has been trying to assist you, and the least you can do is attempt to make yourself more clear.

Besides, the ... and the ^,^ are annoying. Simply try to write a clear sentence. That way you won't have to repeat yourself. A little bit of effort here saves you from a lot of effort later.

Anyway, what you described, seems to me, as a simple pre-algebra class. A class that seems to cover graphs, some geometry, some basic probability, and solving basic equations. I didn't realize people took that pre-algebra type classes in high school, but that is what it appears you are taking.

Anyway, you're jumping to far ahead of yourself. Why begin to think about Calculus, before you even finished algebra. If you want to prepare for it, do well in everything before it. After you master some "advance" algebra skills and Trig skills, you'll be ready for Calculus.

Until then, stop bouncing around and trying to go ahead. Focus on NOW to do well LATER.

 

[vincebs]

The Canadian School System 101:

The Canadian high school system is similar to the American one. It goes from kindergarten to 12th grade (Grade 12). There is no national school system, each province sets its own curriculum. After high school (Grades 9 to 12), people go on to college. Quebec, however, is different. High school ends at 11th grade, students then go on to a sort of junior college called a CEGEP (French for "college of general and professional education") for two years, after which they may go on to a university.

For example, McGill's bachelor's degrees are only three years in duration, unlike those of other Canadian provinces and U.S. states. But if you are from outside of Quebec, you are forced to take an extra "Freshman year" ("freshman" and sometimes "frosh" is Canadian English for a first-year student in college), bringing the total up to the usual four years.

AP courses are offered throughout Canada, though in many provinces they are not as popular as in the U.S. However they are popular in some provinces where the curriculum isn't very challenging, e.g. some provinces do not even teach calculus in high school.