Eleventh graders are almost at the end of the road as far as high
school is concerned and the math will reflect that accomplishment.
Eleventh grade math is advanced and students will have to know and
understand linear equations, first degree inequalities, functions,
quadratic equations and polynomial expressions. Students will also
learn to manipulate polynomials, rational expressions, and exponential
expressions. Often in eleventh grade the concept of the Remainder
Theorem, the Factor Theorem, and the Rational Root Theorem are taught
but in some states this is not brought in until 12th grade. Students
will gain full knowledge of the slope of a line and rate of change.
Logarithmic Functions and in some cases Matrices and matrix equations
are also covered.
Eleventh grade is also when students are given instructions on functions
and relastions or pre calculus. During this time the concepts cover
investigating sequences and series, the understanding of properties
and applications of trigonometric functions and their inverses, the
applications of Conic sections while applying and demonstrating the
understanding of solving problems involving the sine law and the cosine
law. Investigate relationships between the graphs and the equations
of sinusoidal functions.
Trigonometric and circular functions, identities and inverses, and
their applications, the study of polar coordinates and complex numbers
are covered during this time frame too. They include financial spreadsheets
and various spreadsheet applications, compound interest and annuities.
Finite math is also covered in eleventh grade which more simply put
is finance, sets, (permutations of n objects) combinatorics, probability,
statistics, matrix algebra and linear equations.
Financial math is a big part of eleventh grade math, covering topics
such as income, budgeting, purchasing, banking, credit, investments,
taxation, and small business operations and then advancing on to compound
and simple interest applications. Probability and statistics for business
applications and financial math is covered in depth in this grade
including the comprehension of the collection, organizing, and analyzing
of data, amortization, loan, and investment ideas.
Eleventh grade is a very important year for grade point averages
and activities. The GPA or grade point average that is carried through
to college is from all the grades accumulated in high school. The
difference with eleventh grade is that it is the last year to boost
the grades and take more challenging course work. Although the senior
year's grades matter too but it is eleventh grade when students take
admission tests for college. Eleventh grade is the time to get ready
and take the standardized tests. Sometimes in eleventh grade the students
are offered pre-calculus classes. While for most this would be extended
math, others catch on very quickly. Pre calculus topics include properties
of functions, logarithms, sequence and series, trigonometric functions
and equations, vectors, polar coordinates, complex numbers, and conic
sections.
Again, normally offered in a student's senior year, some students
are advanced enough to take statistics. Some of the advanced statistics
courses include statistical analysis, summarizing and interpreting
data in meaningful ways, probability, linear and non-linear regressions,
hypothesis testing using Binomial, Normal, Student-t and Chi-square
distributions, the use of fundamental counting principles, permutations
and combinations, probability as relative frequency, and normal distribution
patterns. During this year it is best not to worry about competitive
exams and just focus on studies. Build a strong foundation and worrying
will just pull a student right off track. Just stay focused and study
a lot.
Begin eleventh grade with the end in mind and be proactive in all
efforts and remember that math can be a tough topic for many but you
have to master it in order to move on. Take advantage of tutors and
websites that can assist in explaining the tough stuff that you might
get hung up on.