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 as a prerequisite course and does not satisfy the Proficiency 3 general education requirement.
COURSE INFORMATION
- Course learning outcomes
- Course syllabus
- How to use activity learning outcomes and goals to improve your grade
- Mobius (On-line homework) due dates
- Participation
- Presentations
- TI 83/84 directions (Note that YouTube is also a good source for directions with any type of calculator)
- Tips for success
EXAM DATES FOR FALL 2019 BY NUMBER
- Friday, Sept. 13 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes); Thursday, Sept. 12 (Tuesday and Thursday classes); 25 minutes
- Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes); Thursday, Oct. 10 (Tuesday and Thursday classes); 50 minutes
- Wednesday, Oct. 30 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes); Thursday, Oct. 31 (Tuesday and Thursday classes); 25 minutes
- Wednesday, Nov. 20 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes); Tuesday, Nov. 19 (Tuesday and Thursday classes); 50 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 or a make-up may be denied.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE BY WEEK
- Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions
- Exponent rules
- Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, solving equations, and Exam 1
- Functions, function notation, expressions and practical meaning of coefficients and constants
- Equivalent expressions, functions and equations, and the zero product property
- Average rate of change, linear functions, function composition and decomposition
- Function decomposition, Exam 2, and factoring trinomials by guess and check
- Factoring trinomials by regrouping, solving quadratic equations, and fall break
- Factoring trinomials using the ac method, solving quadratic and quadratic like expressions and equations, and simplifying rational expressions
- Combining rational expressions using the four number operators, Exam 3, exponential functions and models
- Finish exponential functions, inverse functions and logarithms
- Rules of logarithms, simplifying logarithmic expressions, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, change of base
- Finish logarithms, Exam 4, three forms of a quadratic function
- Quadratic functions and Thanksgiving break
- Characteristics of quadratic functions and completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
- Final exam week
Monday, October 28 is the last day a student can process an officially withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.