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 INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR SPRING 2023 BY EXAM NUMBER

  1. Friday, Jan. 27; 25 minutes
  2. Friday, Feb. 24; 50 minutes
  3. Wednesday, March 22; 25 minutes
  4. Wednesday, April 12; 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, so that she can assist you in a timely manner.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE BY WEEK NUMBER

  1. Jan.9 through Jan. 13: Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions and start exponent rules
  2. Jan.17 through Jan. 20: Exponent rules
  3. Jan. 23 through Jan. 27: Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, solving equations,  and Exam 1
  4. Jan. 30 through Feb. 3: Functions, function notation, expressions and practical meaning of coefficients and constants
  5. Feb. 6 through Feb. 10: Equivalent expressions, functions and equations, and the zero product property
  6. Feb.13 through Feb. 17: Equivalent equations, extraneous solutions,  and linear functions
  7. Feb. 20 through Feb. 24: Function composition and decomposition,  domain and range (review on Desmos), and Exam 2
  8. Feb. 27 through March 3: Factoring trinomials by guess and check, factoring polynomials by grouping and Spirit Day
  9. March 6 through March 10: Spring break
  10. March 13 through March 17: Solving quadratic equations, factoring trinomials using the ac method, and solving quadratic and quadratic like expressions and equations
  11. March 20 through March 24: Simplifying rational expressions,  combining rational expressions using the four number operators, average rate of change,  Exam 3 and exponential functions and models
  12. March 27 through March 31: Finish exponential functions, inverse functions and logarithms
  13. April 3 through April 7: Rules of logarithms, simplifying logarithmic expressions, and solving exponential and logarithmic equations
  14. April 10 through April 14: Cost, revenue and profit, Exam 4, three forms of a quadratic function,  and characteristics of quadratic functions
  15. April 17 through April 21: Completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
  16. April 24 through April 26: Final exams

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Monday, March 20 is the last day a student can process an official withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.