Math 1110 Algebra II Fall Semester

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 INFORMATION

• Course learning outcomes
• Course syllabus
• How to use activity learning outcomes and goals to improve your grade
• Participation
• Presentations
• TI 83/84 directions (Note that YouTube is also a good source for directions with any type of calculator)
• Calculator basics
• Graphing
• Solving graphically
• Tips for success

EXAM DATES FOR FALL 2023 BY NUMBER

1. Monday, Sept. 18; 25 minutes
2. Monday, Oct. 16; 50 minutes
3. Friday, Nov. 10; 50 minutes
4. Friday, Dec. 1; 25 minutes 

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. Aug. 30 through Sept. 1: Properties of numbers and consequences for expressions
2. Sept. 4 through Sept. 8: Labor Day recess and exponent rules 
3. Sept. 11 through Sept. 15: Using exponent rules to simplify expressions, and solving equations 
4. Sept. 18 through Sept. 22: Exam 1, functions, function notation, and expressions 
5. Sept. 25 through Sept. 29: Expressions, practical meaning of coefficients and constants, and equivalent expressions
6. Oct. 2 through Oct. 6: Domain and range (review on Desmos), and functions and equations, the zero product property, equivalent equations, extraneous solutions, 
7. Oct. 9 through Oct. 13:  Function composition and decomposition,  linear functions, exponential functions and models
8. Oct. 16 through Oct. 20:  Exam 2 and fall break recess
9. Oct. 23 through Oct. 27: Finish exponential functions, inverse functions and logarithms   
10. Oct. 30 through Nov. 3: Rules of logarithms, simplifying logarithmic expressions, solving exponential and logarithmic equations, change of base 
11. Nov. 6 through Nov. 10: Factoring trinomials by guess and check, factoring  trinomials by grouping, and Exam 3
12. Nov. 13 through Nov. 17: Solving quadratic equations, factoring trinomials using the ac method, solving quadratic and quadratic like expressions and equations and solving exponential and logarithmic equations involving factoring
13. Nov. 20 through Nov. 24:  Simplifying rational expressions, combining rational expressions using the four number operators and Thanksgiving recess
14. Nov. 27 through Dec. 1: Three forms of a quadratic function, Exam 4, and characteristics of quadratic functions 
15. Dec. 4 through Dec. 8: Completing the square, quadratic formula, solving quadratic and quadratic like equations efficiently, and linear functions
16. Dec. 11 through Dec. 14: Final exam week

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