Mathematics

Department of Mathematics
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5248 USA
(269) 387-4510

Math 1090 Pre-Algebra

COURSE PURPOSE

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 pre-algebra as a team we will examine final answers in terms of reasonableness to the given problem and to determine if the answer addresses the original problem (Polya step 4). In addition, we will explore the power of estimation as a tool to determine accuracy of solutions to numeric and or real world problems.

Math 1090 in the Developmental Math Program in the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University is a mastery-based course designed to sharpen computational skills involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, geometric figures and word problems.

Since Math 1090 is a remedial course, these two credits do not towards graduation.  Your final letter grade will be calculated into your gpa, so use this as an opportunity to boost your gpa.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR SPRING 2025 BY EXAM NUMBER

  1. Friday, Jan. 24; 25 minutes
  2. Monday, Feb. 17; 50 minutes
  3. Friday, March 21; 25 minutes
  4. Wednesday, April 9; 50 minutes

If you are unable to attend class on any exam day you must notify Dr. Kirsty 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: Problem solving worksheet (Polya method), whole numbers and E-Learning Demo
  2. Jan.15 through Jan. 17: Meanings of operators, use the distributive property to simplify calculations, and order of operations
  3. Jan. 20 through Jan. 24: Order of operations and writing both addition and subtraction statements given an illustration, and Exam 1
  4. Jan. 27 through Jan. 31: Decimals, variable sense, combining like terms, and using variables for problem solving (Polya method)
  5. Feb. 3 through Feb. 7: Area verses perimeter and expressions and equations 
  6. Feb. 10 through Feb. 14: Evaluate, solve, factor vs multiple
  7. Feb. 17 through Feb. 21: Exam 2, definition/meaning of fraction, equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, and start ratios and proportions 
  8. Feb. 24 through Feb. 28: Finish ratios and proportions, start adding fractions, and Spirit Day
  9. March 3 through March 7: Spring break
  10. March 10 through March 14: Adding fractions, multiplying fractions, and comparing fraction additions and multiplications
  11. March 17 through March 21: Dividing fractions, revisit number properties and variable sense with fractions, and Exam 3
  12. March 24 through March 28: Signed number meaning, comparing signed numbers, and adding signed numbers and subtracting signed numbers,
  13. March 31 through April 4: Multiplying signed numbers, revisit number properties and variable sense with signed numbers, powers and signed numbers, and dividing signed numbers  
  14. April 7 through April 11:  Meaning of mixed numbers, adding and subtracting mixed numbers, Exam 4, multiplying mixed numbers, and partial product 
  15. April 14 through April 18: Finish mixed numbers, comparing decimals by using mixed numbers,  and unit conversions
  16. April 22: Final exam on Tuesday, April 22 at 12:30 p.m. in our regular classroom

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.