Mathematics

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 PACK

The course pack contains all of the activities and some practice problems for the course.  The materials in the course pack will be used every day, so it is vital to purchase one as soon as possible. To lower the cost of the course pack, we are working with R J's Printing rather than the bookstore. 

The course pack cost $40 including tax and credit card surcharge.  To purchase the course pack, use the following QR code below and chose "in classroom" to have the pack delivered to you in class. If you do not have access to a credit card or need an alternative way to obtain the course pack, contact Dr. Eisenhart providing her with specifics about your situation: Developmental Mathematics Program <math-dev@wmich.edu>

QR code to purchase math 1110 course pack

COURSE INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR FALL 2026 BY NUMBER

  1. Monday, Sept. 21; 25 minutes
  2. Monday, Oct. 19 (Do not leave early for fall break); 50 minutes
  3. Wednesday, Nov. 11; 50 minutes
  4. Wednesday, Dec. 2; 25 minutes 

     Final Exam

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. 2 through Sept. 7: Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions
  2. Sept. 9 through Sept. 11: Labor Day recess and exponent rules
  3. Sept. 14 through Sept. 18: Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, and solving equations
  4. Sept. 21 through Sept. 25: Exam 1, functions, function notation, and expressions
  5. Sept. 28 through Oct. 2: Expressions, practical meaning of coefficients and constants, and equivalent expressions
  6. Oct. 5 through Oct. 9: Domain and range (review on Desmos), and functions and equations, the zero product property, equivalent equations, extraneous solutions,
  7. Oct. 12 through Oct. 16:  Function composition and decomposition,  linear functions, exponential functions and models
  8. Oct. 19:  Exam 2 and fall break recess
  9. Oct. 26 through Oct. 30: Finish exponential functions, inverse functions and logarithms   
  10. Nov. 2 through Nov. 6: Rules of logarithms, simplifying logarithmic expressions, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, change of base
  11. Nov. 9 through Nov. 13: Factoring trinomials by guess and check, Exam 3, and factoring  trinomials by grouping
  12. Nov. 16 through Nov. 20: Solving quadratic equations, factoring trinomials using the ac method, solving quadratic  equations, and cost, revenue and profit.
  13. Nov. 23 through Nov. 25:  Solving quadratic like equations: higher order polynomials,  equations involving roots, exponential and logarithmic equations involving factoring and Thanksgiving recess 
  14. Nov. 30 through Dec. 4: Three forms of a quadratic function, Exam 4, characteristics of quadratic functions, 
  15. Dec. 7 through Dec. 11: Completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
  16. Dec. 14 through Dec. 17: Final exams 

Monday, Nov. 16 is the last day a student can process an officially withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.