Mathematics

Math 1090 Pre-Algebra

COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose of all developmental mathematics courses is to support student success, both academically and beyond, by advancing critical thinking and reasoning skills. Specifically, in pre-algebra, as a team, we will examine final answers for reasonableness relative to the given problem and determine whether the answer addresses the original problem (Polya step 4). In addition, we will explore the power of estimation as a tool for determining the accuracy of solutions to numerical 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 with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, geometric figures, and word problems.

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

Course Pack

The course pack contains all of the worksheets for the course and the writing assignments.  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 <@email>

 

COURSE INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR SPRING 2026 BY EXAM NUMBER

  1. Friday, Jan. 30; 25 minutes
  2. Monday, Feb. 23; 50 minutes
  3. Monday, March 30; 25 minutes
  4. 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

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