Do you want to travel to Mars?
Design houses or create computer software?
Do you want to discover a cure to cancer or protect rivers and oceans from pollution?

If you do, be sure to take lots of math in school.

Many challenging and rewarding careers - not just engineering - demand a strong background in math. Classes like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry may be difficult, but they will open the doors to many exciting opportunities in your future.

Since you have to take most math class in a particular order, it's important to start early so that you are prepared to take the right classes in high school. Here are some math classes that you will want to take:

Algebra
Algebra is extremely useful for solving problems. Algebra uses basic arithmetic rules to describe and group things, and to discover the value of something unknown (usually represented by a letter in an equation). Algebra is the foundation for many other math subjects.

Geometry
Geometry is the study of the properties of and relationships between points, lines, angles, and surfaces. Geometry uses logic and mathematical laws to describe the physical world and will give you several other important problem solving tools.

Trigonometry
In trigonometry, you study triangles and trigonometric functions like sine, cosine, and tangent. Trigonometry has real world applications dealing with everything from radio waves and electricity to telescopes and ship navigation.

Calculus
With calculus, you combine everything you've learned about math and take the next step. Calculus uses special symbols and logic to do difficult calculations, like determining the orbit of a space vehicle, or predicting the time it takes a car to stop on a wet road. Calculus is a very powerful tool for solving complex problems.

Here are some links you'll want to check out if you're struggling with a math problem or if you like math and want to learn something new: