What Type of Math is in High School?

A lot of students want to know what type of math is in high school. It helps them get an overview of important math concepts and arrange useful resources to practice the topics.

In high school, you’ll learn different types of math that help you build important skills. These math subjects include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus. Let’s explore what each of these math types involves and why they matter for your education.

Each type of math in high school offers valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in various real-life situations and future academic pursuits. Algebra helps you solve equations and work with unknown values, while geometry focuses on shapes and their properties. Trigonometry deals with angles and triangles, while calculus delves into change and motion. Similarly, there are other math concepts in high school math.

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So, let’s delve deeper into what you’ll learn in high school math!

High School math levels

There are different tracks to choose your own high school math curriculum from 9th grade onwards. Students may begin their high school math education with either Geometry, Pre-Algebra, or Algebra I, depending on their chosen track i.e. Advanced, Remedial, or Average.

Advanced math level

Students taking advanced placement mathematics begin their high school math education in seventh or eighth grade by taking Algebra I or Geometry. This frees up time for them to study more advanced math in their senior year. Freshmen on the advanced track start high school with Algebra II or Geometry, depending on which math course they took in junior high.

The average math level

Students on the average track begin high school with Algebra I, followed by Geometry in sophomore year, Algebra II in junior year, and Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry in senior year. 

Remedial math level

Students in the remedial track start with Pre-Algebra in ninth grade, followed by Algebra I in tenth, Geometry in eleventh, and Algebra II in senior year.

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Core concepts in high school math

High School math courses typically cover Algebra I and II, Geometry, Precalculus, and Trigonometry.

Algebra I and II

Algebra I is the first of the core high school math courses. It covers basic algebraic concepts such as variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities.

Algebra II builds on the concepts learned in Algebra I and introduces more advanced topics such as polynomials, functions, and trigonometry.

Geometry

High school geometry is a course that covers the basic concepts of geometry, such as the Pythagorean theorem, points, lines, planes, angles, shapes, and solids. It is typically one of the four core high school math courses, along with algebra I, algebra II, and pre-calculus. It is a challenging but rewarding subject.

Trigonometry

High school trigonometry is a course that covers the basic concepts of trigonometry, such as trigonometric ratios, trigonometric functions, and trigonometric identities. 

Students will learn how to use trigonometric ratios to solve problems involving right triangles. They will also learn about the different trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, and their graphs. Additionally, students will also come across trigonometric identities, which are relationships between different trigonometric functions.

Pre-calculus

High school pre-calculus is a course that covers the topics that are needed to prepare students for calculus. The specific topics covered in precalculus vary from school to school, but some common topics include Functions and trigonometry, Analytic geometry, Limits, Series and sequences, and Logarithmic and exponential functions.

These topics are essential for success in calculus, which is a required course for many STEM majors in college. In addition to preparing students for calculus, precalculus also helps them to develop their problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills. 

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Other types of math courses in high school

The math subjects that we have already discussed are core high school math subjects. However, depending on their personal interest, career needs, and expertise students might choose other elective or advanced math courses like:

Calculus

Not all students take Calculus in high school as it is more advanced and typically a college math subject. Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies the rates of change of quantities. It is a fundamental subject in many STEM fields, such as engineering, physics, and economics. Calculus is also used in many other fields, such as medicine, finance, and business.

Two main types of calculus are taught in high school:

• Calculus AB: This is the basic calculus course, and it is selected by students who are interested in majoring in a STEM field in college. Calculus AB covers topics like limits, Derivatives, Integrals, and Applications of calculus.
• Calculus BC: This is a more advanced calculus course, and it is also typically taken by students who are planning to major in a STEM field such as engineering, physics, or mathematics. Calculus BC covers all of the topics covered in Calculus AB, as well as topics like Infinite series, Conic sections, Parametric equations, Polar coordinates, and Vector functions.

Statistics

High school statistics is a course that teaches students how to collect, analyze, and interpret data. In high school statistics, students will learn about Data collection. This includes learning how to design surveys, collect data from experiments, and sample populations. It also covers probability and statistical inference which teaches how to calculate the probability of events occurring and use data to make inferences about populations.

Liberal arts math

Liberal Arts Mathematics 1 introduces students to a variety of essential algebraic, geometric, and statistical concepts, beginning with a review of problem-solving skills. Throughout the course, students develop their computational skills and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Specific course topics include problem-solving, real numbers and operations, functions and graphing, systems of linear equations, polynomials and factoring, coordinate geometry, properties of geometric shapes, and descriptive statistics.

Applied math

Applied mathematics is a course that teaches students how to use mathematics to solve real-world financial problems. Students will learn both mathematical skills and theory, and they will apply what they learn to real-world situations.

Consumer math

Consumer math is a course that teaches students essential math skills for everyday life, such as balancing a checkbook, creating a budget, buying a car or home, keeping personal records, and paying taxes. The goal of consumer math is to help students make informed financial decisions.

The course covers a variety of consumer-related topics, including purchasing a car, buying a home, and insurance. Students will learn about the math involved in each of these processes and how to use that math to make wise decisions.

Business math

Business math teaches students how to apply basic math skills to real-world business and personal finance situations. Topics include earning a paycheck, opening a bank account, using a credit card, purchasing a car, buying or renting a home, and shopping.

The course also provides an overview of business management and operations. Students are encouraged to take Algebra 1 before this course, and a graphing calculator is required.

Discrete math

Discrete mathematics is the branch of mathematics that deals with countable sets. Objects studied in discrete mathematics include integers, graphs, and statements in logic. Discrete mathematics is a rapidly growing field of mathematics, with new applications being discovered all the time. It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand how computers work and how to solve problems using algorithms. It covers topics such as Graph theory,  Combinatorics, Probability theory, Number theory, Logic, Automata theory, and Computability theory.

Integrated math

Integrated mathematics is a curriculum approach that teaches mathematics in a more integrated way, rather than teaching algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as separate subjects. Integrated math courses typically cover a variety of mathematical topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and probability. One of the main benefits of integrated math is that it allows students to see how different mathematical concepts are connected. 

For example, in an integrated math course, students might learn about linear equations and then apply that knowledge to solving real-world problems involving geometric shapes. This can help students to develop a deeper understanding of the mathematics they are learning.

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Key takeaway on type of math in high school

• Algebra I and II are crucial high school math classes for any STEM student.
• Geometry, Trigonometry, and Precalculus are other standard high school math subjects.
• After completing the core math courses, students may choose advanced math subjects depending on their personal interests and career needs.
• It is best to choose a high school math course that aligns with your future goals. If you’re not sure about the course please, get help from a high school math tutor to suggest the best high school math courses for you.
• At Wiingy, you can get 1-on-1 personalized online tutoring from top high school math tutors starting at $28 per hour.