Mathematics

Department of Mathematics
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5248 USA
(269) 387-4510

Math 1110 Algebra II

PURPOSE OF MATH 1110

The purpose of all of the developmental mathematics courses is to support student success academically and beyond by advancing critical thinking and reasoning skills. Specifically in Algebra II, as a team, we will examine ways to use the algebraic structure provided to form strategies that are appropriate for the given problem and minimize the amount of work needed to arrive at a conclusion.  In other words, use the structure to determine how to simplify an expression, factor a polynomial, or solve an equation efficiently.

Math 1110 in the Developmental Math Program in the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University is designed to sharpen algebraic skills and concepts in a function-based setting. Topics include linear functions, quadratic functions, composing and decomposing functions, inverse functions, logarithmic and exponential functions. The course emphasizes both the manipulation of symbols and an understanding of when manipulations are effective and appropriate.

This course serves solely as a prerequisite course.  Math 1110 does not satisfy any general education or essential studies requirement.

Course Pack

There are two options for purchasing the pack.

  1. Purchase a math 1110 pack (algebra 2)  directly from R J's Printing at 1001 Second Street Monday Through Friday 8am-5pm to purchase the pack. 
    Note that the Metro Bus 10 has a stop on Mills and Second which is minutes from R J's Printing.
     
  2. Use the following QR code to purchase online with a credit card and chose "in classroom" to have the pack delivered to you in class.  Note that a credit card surcharge will be added, so your total will be $36.14.
QR code to purchase the math 1110 course pack

COURSE INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR SPRING 2026 BY EXAM NUMBER

  1. Friday, Jan. 30; 25 minutes
  2. Friday, Feb. 27; 50 minutes
  3. Monday, March 30; 50 minutes
  4. Monday, April 13; 25 minutes

If you are unable to attend class on any exam day you must notify Dr. Eisenhart (269) 387-4117 or (269) 873-8194 before the exam, so that she can assist you in a timely manner.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE BY WEEK NUMBER

  1. Jan. 12 through Jan. 16: Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions and start exponent rules
  2. Jan. 19 through Jan. 13: MLK day, exponent rules
  3. Jan. 26 through Jan. 30: Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, solving equations,  and Exam 1
  4. Feb. 2 through Feb. 6: Functions, function notation, expressions and practical meaning of coefficients and constants
  5. Feb. 9 through Feb. 13: Equivalent expressions, functions and equations, and the zero product property
  6. Feb. 16 through Feb. 20: Equivalent equations, extraneous solutions,  and linear functions
  7. Feb. 23 through Feb. 27: Function composition and decomposition,  domain and range (review on Desmos), and exponential functions and models and Exam 2
  8. March 2 through March 6:  finish exponential functions, inverse functions, and Spirit Day
  9. March 9 through March 13: Spring break
  10. March 16 through March 20: Inverse functions and logarithms, rules of logarithms, and simplifying logarithmic expressions.    
  11. March 23 through March 27: Solving exponential and logarithmic equations, and change of base
  12. March 30 through April 3: Exam 3, factoring trinomials by guess and check, and factoring  trinomials by grouping
  13. April 6 through April 10: Solving quadratic equations, factoring trinomials using the ac method, solving quadratic and quadratic like expressions and equations, and cost, revenue and profit
  14. April 13 through April 17:  Exam 4, solving exponential and logarithmic equations that involve factoring, three forms of a quadratic function,  and characteristics of quadratic functions
  15. April 20 through April 24: Completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
  16. April 27 through April 29: Final exams

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Monday, March 23 is the last day a student can process an official withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.