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9th-grade math usually covers Algebra 1, and the basics of Geometry. Students may also learn the fundamentals of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Trigonometry.
Upon entering high school, as a freshman, students are given a choice of different tracks to complete their entire high school math curriculum. However, all students are expected to complete at least four years (4 credits) of mathematics education during their high school education, regardless of their chosen track.
Keep reading the article to learn the 9th-grade curriculum and core subjects.
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9th-grade math curriculum
9th-grade math is a component of the entire high school math curriculum i.e. the freshman-year math. It can be completed through three courses: advanced math courses, average math courses, and remedial math courses.
The candidate chooses the curriculum, which should be determined by the academic standing and comprehension of the student.
Advanced 9th-grade math courses
Students taking advanced placement mathematics begin their high school math education in middle school itself, i.e. 7th or 8th grade by taking Algebra I or Geometry. Then, they study detailed Geometry in freshman year.
Average 9th-grade math courses
Students on the average track begin high school with Algebra I in freshman year, followed by Geometry in sophomore year, Algebra II in junior year, and Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry in senior year.
Remedial 9th-grade math courses
Students in the remedial track start with Pre-Algebra in freshman year, followed by Algebra I in sophomore year, Geometry in junior year, and Algebra II and pre-calculus in senior year.
📖If you want to learn whether or not 9th-grade math is difficult, you may read: Is 9th-grade Math Hard?
Core math subjects of 9th grade
All 9th graders, regardless of their education track, will be tested and expected to demonstrate an understanding of the core syllabus of High School, which are:
Algebra I
- Expressions, equations, and functions
- Exploring real numbers
- Linear equations, functions, visualization
- Functions and real-world problems
- Solving Linear inequalities
- Systems of linear inequalities and equations
- Exponents and exponential functions
- Factoring and polynomials
- Quadratic equations
- Radical Expressions
- Rational Expressions
Geometry
- Transformations.
- Circles.
- Triangles.
- Polygons.
- Quadrilaterals.
- Congruence.
- Similarity.
- Right triangles and Trigonometry.
- Analytic Geometry.
- Conic Sections.
- Solid Geometry.
Some 9th-grade students may also take Algebra II or Pre-Calculus, depending on their academic level and their plans.
Algebra II
- Equations and inequalities
- Functions and linear equations
- Solving system of linear equations
- Matrices
- Polynomials
- Quadratic functions and inequalities
- Exponential and logarithmic functions
- Arithmetic sequences and series
- Probability
- Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
This class builds on the concepts of Algebra and Trigonometry to further prepare you for Calculus which is why it is called Pre-Calculus.
In Pre-Calculus, you will cover the following topics-
- Functions
- Trigonometry
- Polynomials
- Exponential and Logarithms
- Conic sections
- Vectors
- Complex numbers
- Matrices
🌟To learn most practical 9th-grade math tips please check out: 9th-grade Math Tips
What math should you be taking in 9th grade?
The math you should be taking in 9th grade depends on your academic level, future plans, and learning style. It also depends on what options your high school course offers.
It would be wise to base your decision on three key questions:
- How solid is your grasp of math?
- How will the 9th-grade math subject contribute to your future goal?
- Which math topic interests you the most?
If you have a solid grasp of math and you’ve performed well in 8th-grade math, you can go for any topic that interests you the most. If you plan to go to college for a STEM degree, you may want to consider taking Algebra 1 or Pre-Calculus in 9th grade. This will give you a head start on your math coursework and prepare you for more challenging math classes in the future.
If you are not as strong in math or are not sure what you want to do after high school, you may want to consider taking Geometry in 9th grade. These classes will give you a solid foundation in the essential math concepts that you will need for future success, regardless of your career path.
Also, avoid choosing a math subject that doesn’t interest you or doesn’t have a significant contribution to your future goal.
If you are not sure whether you are ready for Calculus, you can talk to your math teacher or counselor. One of the many benefits of working with a math tutor is they can help you assess your math skills and recommend the right course for you.
🥇Useful source: Best Tutoring Services for Math
👓📑 Recommended Reading 👓📑
- 9th-Grade Math Resources
- What Happens If You Fail In 9th Grade Math?
- How to Study for a Math Test in High School?
Key Takeaways
You can take Algebra I and II, Geometry, and pre-calculus in 9th-grade math. In conclusion, students in 9th grade can choose from three different math tracks: advanced, average, and remedial.
- Advanced track: Students complete Algebra I and Geometry by freshman year.
- Average track: Students mainly focus on Algebra I in their freshman year of high school.
- Remedial track: Students learn Pre-algebra in their freshman year.
The appropriate track for a student will depend on their academic level and understanding of math.
Looking to Learn 9th Grade Math? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top 9th Grade Math Tutors for Concepts, Projects, Homework help, and Assignment Help!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What math is taught in 9th grade?
The math taught in 9th grade varies depending on the school district and the student’s academic level. However, most 9th-grade students will take either Algebra 1 or Geometry.
Here are some important 9th-grade math topics:
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Pre-Calculus
Trigonometry
Statistics
What do 9th graders learn in Algebra 1?
9th graders in Algebra 1 typically learn about the following topics:
Functions, Graphs, and Features
Descriptive Statistics
Linear Expression & Single Variable Equations/Inequalities
Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Systems
Functions and Transformations
Exponents and Exponential Functions
Quadratic Functions and Solutions
Quadratic Equations and Applications
Is pre-algebra 9th grade?
Pre-algebra is a middle school math course that prepares students for algebra. It is typically taught in the 7th or 8th grade. Pre-algebra covers a variety of topics, including:
Whole numbers and integers
Fractions and decimals
Expressions and equations
Ratios and proportions
Percents and probability
Geometry and measurement
What is the hardest math class in high school?
In most cases, the most difficult math course that a high school offers is AP Calculus BC or IB Math HL.
AP Calculus BC: This course covers the material in AP Calculus AB, but it also continues the curriculum and addresses more challenging and advanced concepts.
IB Math HL: This course is designed to prepare students for university-level mathematics. It covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and statistics.
What math is commonly taught in 10th grade?
The most common math courses taught in 10th grade are Algebra II and Geometry.
Algebra II: This course covers equations and inequalities, variables, exponents, factoring polynomials, and functions (including trigonometric identities).
Geometry: This course covers formulas and rules related to shapes, such as triangles and circles. It also focuses on learning proofs to show that certain properties are true or false for particular figures.
Some schools also offer Pre-Calculus in 10th grade. This course covers trigonometric functions, exponents, logarithms, limits, and sequences.
Other math courses that may be offered in 10th grade include Statistics and Business Math. However, these courses are less common because they typically cover material not needed until later in high school
Written by
Medha PandeyReviewed by
Prerit Jain