Math 1100 Algebra I

PURPOSE OF MATH 1100

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 I, as a team, we will create and critique explanations and justifications.  We will also determine which tools/strategies are needed to complete an argument.  A theme throughout the semester is to examine statement to determine if it is sometimes true of always true.  Then justify the claim with examples if the statement is sometimes true or complete explanation of every possibility if the statement is always true.

The Developmental Math Program in the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University offers Math 1100, a mastery-based algebra course covering the arithmetic foundations of algebra, properties of real numbers, linear equations and inequalities and systems of linear equations.

This course serves solely as a prerequisite course.  Math 1100 does not satisfy any general education or essential studies requirement.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

EXAM DATES FOR Fall 2021 BY NUMBER

  1. Monday, Sept. 20; 25 minute
  2. Friday, Oct. 15; 50 minutes
  3. Wednesday, Nov. 10; 25 minutes
  4. Friday, Dec 3; 50 minutes

If you are unable to attend class on any exam day you must notify Mrs. Thayma Lutz (269) 387-4524  before the exam, so that she can assist you in a timely manner.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE BY WEEK

    1. Course info, Classroom Environment, sometimes always
    2. Sometimes vs Always, Commutative Property
    3. Equivalent Expressions, Distributive Property, Expanding and Factoring
    4. Exam 1, Polynomials, More Sometimes vs Always
    5. Percent Change, Growth and Decay Factor
    6. Solving Equations, Analyzing Different Strategies for Solving Equations
    7. Solving Equations Continued, Conditional, Contradiction, Identity, Literal Equations, Exam 2
    8. Literal Equation Continued, Fall Break
    9. Systems of Equations
    10. Types of Lines
    11. Graphing, Exam 3
    12. Intro to Functions, Linear Functions, Linear Functions in Context
    13. Linear, Exponential, Neither, Thanksgiving Recess
    14. Linear, Exponential, Neither, Exam 4
    15. Linear, Exponential, Neither
    16. Final exam week

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

    ALGEBRA VIDEOS

    There are many online videos on Algebra I topics. As with anything viewed on the Web, one should first sift through and determine which information is of value and actually correct. The director of the Developmental Mathematics Program recommends Algebra I students view the Khan Academy videos for Pre-Algebra and Algebra I.