Mathematic Department
The Mathematics' curriculum is comprised of three tracks to meet the needs of different levels of previous preparation and achievement. The CCs are prepared for the curriculum at USMA through the use of the mathematic's program Mathematica, which is an integral part of the higher calculus prospectus.
Placement in a particular track is based on performance which is assessed from the diagnostic tests administered prior to the school year beginning, the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and ACT (American College Test), previous mathematics experience, and academic performance during the first half of the first quarter.
Math 103 - Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus
This course follows the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) as administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). The AP course in mathematics consists of a full academic year of work in calculus and related topics comparable to courses in colleges and universities. The AP program will follow the curriculum for AB Calculus. Prerequisites for this track are 70% or better on the initial Basic Skills Entrance Examination, exceptional previous preparation and above-average results on standardized tests. Students in this course are required to take the national Advanced Placement AB Calculus Exam. Cadet Candidates attaining a score of 4 or 5 will then have the opportunity to validate a Plebe Calculus course.
Math 102 – Pre-calculus
This course is for Cadet Candidates with an average mathematics background and diagnostic scores who need to solidify their mathematics fundamentals before they begin to study calculus. This is the course that the majority of the Cadet Candidates will take. It is a thorough review and extension of the fundamentals and applications of algebra, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as other pre-calculus topics. The use of technology is an integral part of the entire mathematics program. Excel and Mathematica are the software packages used for projects throughout the year and Mathematica is used extensively in the classroom.
Math 101 – Algebra/Trigonometry
This course is for Cadet Candidates with a weak mathematics background and below average diagnostic scores. It is designed so that students have more time to work on learning the fundamental algebra skills needed to be successful in higher level math courses. These skills are reviewed and practiced throughout the year as the program moves into the trigonometry section of the course. Class size is kept to a minimum to ensure that students receive as much individual attention as possible. Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available to obtain extra help. Technology is used throughout the year but becomes a more integral part of the course during the second semester.