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 Pack

There are two options when purchasing the pack:

Purchase directly from R J's Printing at 1001 Second Street Monday Through Friday 8am-5pm to purchase the pack.
Note that the Metro Bus 10 has a stop on Mills and Second which is minutes from R J's Printing.
Use the following QR code to purchase online with a credit card and chose "in classroom" to have the pack delivered to you in class. Note that a credit card surcharge will be added, so your total will be $36.14.

QR code to purchase the math 1090 course pack

COURSE INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR SPRING 2026 BY EXAM NUMBER

Friday, Jan. 30; 25 minutes
Monday, Feb. 23; 50 minutes
Monday, March 30; 25 minutes
Wednesday, April 15; 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

Jan. 12 through Jan. 16: Problem solving worksheet (Polya method), whole numbers and E-Learning Demo
Jan. 19 through Jan. 23: MLK day, meanings of operators, use the distributive property to simplify calculations, and order of operations
Jan. 26 through Jan. 30: Order of operations and writing both addition and subtraction statements given an illustration, and Exam 1
Feb. 2 through Feb. 6: Decimals, variable sense, combining like terms, and using variables for problem solving (Polya method)
Feb. 9 through Feb. 13: Area verses perimeter and expressions and equations
Feb. 16 through Feb. 20: Evaluate, solve, factor vs multiple
Feb. 23 through Feb. 27: Exam 2, definition/meaning of fraction, equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, and start ratios and proportions
March 2 through March 6: Finish ratios and proportions, start adding fractions, and Spirit Day
March 9 through March 13: Spring break
March 16 through March 20: Adding fractions, multiplying fractions, and comparing fraction additions and multiplications
March 23 through March 27: Dividing fractions, revisit number properties and variable sense with fractions, and signed number meaning
March 30 through April 3: Exam 3, comparing signed numbers, and adding signed numbers and subtracting signed numbers,
April 6 through April 10: Multiplying signed numbers, revisit number properties and variable sense with signed numbers, powers and signed numbers, and dividing signed numbers
April 13 through April 17: Meaning of mixed numbers, adding and subtracting mixed numbers, Exam 4, multiplying mixed numbers, and partial product
April 20 through April 24: Finish mixed numbers, comparing decimals by using mixed numbers, and unit conversions
April 28: Final exam on Tuesday, April 28 at 12:30 p.m. in our regular classroom

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Monday, March 23 is the last day a student can process an official withdrawal from a class to avoid a failing grade.