Mathematics
General Information
The mathematics program at Harry Ainlay provides all students with a strong foundation of knowledge, processes and problem solving strategies. Many post-secondary programs have minimum mathematics requirements. Applied Math 30 is currently being accepted for admission to several post-secondary institutions for programs that do not have mathematics intensive requirements. Algebra 35 is now available to students who have successfully completed Math 30 Applied. Completion of this course allows students to enroll in NAIT if they receive a minimum mark of 65%. NAIT accepts Algebra 35 as equivalent to Math 30 Pure.
For complete details on post-secondary acceptance of mathematics, visit the Alberta Education website or check with Student Services at Harry Ainlay High School.
In addition, there are opportunities to become involved in national and international math contests and competitions.
Calculators
The diploma exams in Pure/Applied Mathematics 30 require students to have a graphing calculator. We recommend that students in the Pure and Applied Mathematics streams also have a graphing calculator in Grades 10 and 11 so that they have the opportunity to become proficient in its use. Graphing calculators must be on Alberta Education’s approved list. Check their website or with your teacher for recommendations.
Recommended Prerequisite Courses

Pure Mathematics 10 pIB (Pre-IB Diploma)
The focus of this course is the development of basic algebra, coordinate geometry and trigonometry skills and their application to problem solving. Pure Mathematics 10 pIB includes an introduction to arithmetic and geometric growth, radicals, functions, matrices and linear systems.
Pure Mathematics 10
This is a highly theoretical mathematics course, leading to Mathematics 30P and 31. Units covered include number systems, polynomials, rational expressions, relations and functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry and statistics.
Applied Mathematics 10
This is the first in a course sequence leading to Mathematics 30 Applied. Topics covered include number concepts, patterns and operations, technological solutions using data tables, relations and functions, shape and space geometry, trigonometry, measurement.
Mathematics 10 Preparation
This course is designed for students who don’t have the prerequisites to enroll in either Applied or Pure Math 10 and wish to upgrade. Students who register in this course and achieve a mark of 65% or better are eligible to continue on to Mathematics 10 Pure. A mark of 50-64% leads to Mathematics 10 Applied. A mark of less than 50% leads to Mathematics 14. The content is based on the general outcomes for Grade 9 Mathematics and topics included are algebra, proportion, ratio and percent, trigonometry, fractions, problem-solving number skills and use of technology.
Mathematics 14
This is the first of a sequence of courses designed for students whose needs, interests and abilities focus on basic mathematics understanding. The course consists of four major strands: Number Concepts and Operations, Patterns and Relations, Shape and Space, and Statistics and Probability. Topics included are number operations and problem solving, basic algebra, number patterns, measurement, graphing and statistics.
Pure Mathematics 20 pIB (HARRY AINLAY PRE-IB DIPLOMA)
This course continues the study of functions with the introduction of quadratic and rational functions. Other topics include analysis of equations and inequalities, an introduction to logic, circle geometry, the mathematics of finance, and vectors.
Pure Mathematics 20
This course is intended for students interested in post-secondary training at a university or a math-intensive program at a technical school. As with Mathematics 10P, the theoretical development of topics is stressed. Topics covered include mathematics of finance, quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, analysis of equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, reasoning and geometry, properties of angles and chords, other circle properties and coordinate geometry.
Applied Mathematics 20
This is the second course in the applied stream. Topics in the course include graphing and design, regression and nonlinear equations, linear systems and programming, finance, circle geometry and design and measurement.
Mathematics 24
This course consists of three major strands: Number Operations, Shape and Space, and Statistics and Probability. Topics included are arithmetic operations and problems solving, budgeting and finance, graphing, measurement, geometry and data analysis. Completion of this course fulfills the minimum requirement in mathematics for an Alberta High School Diploma.
Pure Mathematics 30 IB Standard Level
In this course, the study of functions continues with the introduction of polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. The course also includes geometric sequences and series, transformations, conic sections, permutations and combinations, normal distribution, expectation and probabilities. Students will complete a portfolio assignment. TOK curriculum links will also be addressed.
Pure Mathematics 30
This is the concluding course in this sequence. Topics covered are a functions tool kit, exponential functions and logarithms, trigonometric functions of angles, trigonometric functions of real numbers, trigonometric equations and identities, permutations and combinations, probability, statistics and conic sections. Completion of Mathematics 30 Pure requires the writing of a provincial diploma examination.
Applied Mathematics 30
This is the concluding course in this sequence. Topics covered include matrices and pathways, finance and spreadsheets, patterns and fractals, vectors, statistics and probability and design. Completion of Mathematics 30 Applied requires the writing of a provincial diploma examination.
Pure Mathematics 31 IB Standard Level
The Mathematics 31IB course introduces the fundamental processes of calculus; the derivative, the integral and their application to problem solving and graphing. Students will complete a portfolio assignment.
Mathematics 31
This course is designed for highly motivated, academic students who wish to pursue a first course in calculus. Mathematics 30 Pure must be taken as a pre or co-requisite course. The topics of polynomial functions, series and sequence and trigonometry from the Pure Mathematics program are applied in this course. Proficiency in these topics is strongly recommended to ensure success in Mathematics 31.
Algebra 35
Algebra 35 is the fourth course in an Applied Math 10/20/30 sequence. A mark of at least 65% in Algebra 35 will be accepted as equivalent to Pure Math 30 for all programs offered by NAIT. This course is designed to present algebra skills without using a graphing calculator. There is no diploma exam for Algebra 35. The five modules will include polynomials and rational expressions, solving quadratic and systems of equations, transformations and quadratic relations, trigonometric functions and equations, exponents and logarithms.