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

• Course learning outcomes
• Course syllabus
• How to use activity learning outcomes and goals to improve your grade
• TI 83/84 directions (Note that YouTube is also a good source for directions with any type of calculator)
  • Calculator basics
  • Graphing
  • Solving graphically
• Tips for success

EXAM DATES FOR SUMMER I 2026 BY NUMBER

1. Thursday, May 21; 50 minutes
2. Thursday, June 4; 50 minutes
3. Monday, June 22; 50 minutes

The final exam is on the last day of class: Tuesday, June 30.

If you are unable to attend class on any exam day you must notify your instructor sufficiently prior to class to be able to make an alternative plan or a make-up may be denied.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE BY WEEK

1. Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions, distributive property, and exponent rules
2. Solving equations, definition of a function, function notation, and Exam 1
3. Expressions, equivalent expressions, practical meaning of coefficients and constants, and equivalent equations
4. Functions and equations, the zero product property, function composition and decomposition, exponential functions, modeling with exponential functions,  doubling time and half-life and Exam 2
5. Inverse functions and logarithms, rules of logarithms, and simplifying logarithmic expressions
6. Revisit doubling time and half-life symbolically, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, factoring trinomials by guess and check, factoring trinomials by regrouping, factoring trinomials using the ac method, and Exam 3
7. Finish factoring and solving quadratic and quadratic like equations, revisit logarithmic and exponential equations requiring factoring to solve, three forms of a quadratic, cost, profit, revenue, how the parameters adjust the graph of a parabola in factored form, standard form, and vertex form, and completing the square
8. Quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, linear functions and the final exam

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Wednesday, June 8, is the last day a student can process an official withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.