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
• Participation
• Presentations
• 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 SPRING 2025 BY EXAM NUMBER

1. Friday, Jan. 24; 25 minutes
2. Friday, Feb. 21; 50 minutes
3. Monday, March 24; 50 minutes
4. Monday, April 7; 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. 6 through Jan. 10: Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions and start exponent rules
2. Jan. 13 through Jan. 17: Exponent rules
3. Jan. 20 through Jan. 24: Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, solving equations,  and Exam 1
4. Jan. 27 through Jan. 31: Functions, function notation, expressions and practical meaning of coefficients and constants
5. Feb. 3 through Feb. 7: Equivalent expressions, functions and equations, and the zero product property
6. Feb. 10 through Feb. 14: Equivalent equations, extraneous solutions,  and linear functions
7. Feb. 17 through Feb. 21: Function composition and decomposition,  domain and range (review on Desmos), and exponential functions and models and Exam 2
8. Feb. 24 through Feb. 28:  finish exponential functions, inverse functions, and Spirit Day
9. March 3 through March 7: Spring break
10. March 10 through March 14: Inverse functions and logarithms, rules of logarithms, and simplifying logarithmic expressions.    
11. March 17 through March 21: Solving exponential and logarithmic equations, and change of base  
12. March 24 through March 28: Exam 3, factoring trinomials by guess and check, and factoring  trinomials by grouping
13. March 31 through April 4: Solving quadratic equations, factoring trinomials using the ac method, solving quadratic and quadratic like expressions and equations, and cost, revenue and profit 
14. April 7 through April 11:  Exam 4, solving exponential and logarithmic equations that involve factoring, three forms of a quadratic function,  and characteristics of quadratic functions
15. April 14 through April 18: Completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
16. April 22 through April 24: Final exams

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Monday, March 17 is the last day a student can process an official withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.