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 Fall 2021 BY NUMBER

    1. Friday, Sept. 17; 25 minutes
    2. Monday, Oct. 11; 50 minutes
    3. Friday, Nov. 5; 25 minutes
    4. Wednesday, Dec. 1; 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

Classes meet the Wednesday before Thanksgiving up until noon, so plan accordingly.

  1. Sept. 1 through Sept. 3: Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions
  2. Sept. 7 through Sept. 10: Exponent rules 
  3. Sept. 13 through Sept. 17: Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, solving equations,  and Exam 1
  4. Sept. 20 through Sept. 24: Functions, function notation, expressions and practical meaning of coefficients and constants
  5. Sept. 27 through Oct. 1: Equivalent expressions, functions and equations, and the zero product property
  6. Oct. 4 through Oct. 8: Equivalent equations, extraneous solutions, average rate of change, and linear functions
  7. Oct. 11 through Oct. 15: Exam 2, Function composition and decomposition,  and domain and range (review on Desmos)
  8. Oct. 18 through Oct. 19: Factoring trinomials by guess and check
  9. Oct. 25 through Oct. 29: Factoring  trinomials by grouping, solving quadratic equations, factoring trinomials using the ac method, and solving quadratic and quadratic like expressions and equations
  10. Nov. 1 through Nov. 5: Simplifying rational expressions,  combining rational expressions using the four number operators,  exponential functions and models, and Exam 3
  11. Nov. 8 through Nov. 12: Finish exponential functions, inverse functions and logarithms
  12. Nov. 15 through Nov. 19: Rules of logarithms, simplifying logarithmic expressions, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, change of base
  13. Nov. 22 through Nov. 24: Finish logarithms and Thanksgiving break
  14. Nov. 29 through Dec. 3: Three forms of a quadratic function, Exam 4, and characteristics of quadratic functions 
  15. Dec. 6 through Dec. 10: Completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
  16. Dec. 13 through Dec. 16: Final exam week

Monday, November 1 is the last day a student can process an officially withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.