MATH 107 Help & Answers at UMGC
We Can Handle Your Alegbra Work!
Quick Answer: What Is UMGC MATH 107?
MATH 107 is UMGC’s 3-credit College Algebra course delivered through MyMathLab (Pearson) over an 8-week session. It covers equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing—building the foundation you’ll need for STAT 200, Business Calculus, or Pre-Calculus. Most students find the compressed format and MyMathLab’s strict answer formatting more challenging than the math itself.
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Course Overview
UMGC’s MATH 107 College Algebra is designed for adult learners who need to build or refresh their algebra skills before moving into statistics, calculus, or other quantitative courses. The course runs entirely online through two platforms: LEO (UMGC’s learning management system) for announcements, discussions, and grades, and MyMathLab (Pearson) for all homework, quizzes, and exams.
Duration
8 Weeks
Platform
MyMathLab
Format
Fully Online
Final Exam
Open-Book (2 attempts)
MATH 107 serves as the first course in UMGC’s two-course algebra sequence (followed by MATH 108 Intermediate Algebra), or as preparation for MATH 115 Pre-Calculus. It’s also a prerequisite for STAT 200, making it a gateway course for many degree programs. The course assumes you’ve had some algebra exposure—even if it was years ago—and focuses on building procedural fluency with equations, functions, and graphs.
Week-by-Week Breakdown
The 8-week format moves fast. Here’s how the content typically unfolds, though your instructor may adjust the pacing slightly.
Weeks 1–2
Foundations
- Real numbers and their properties
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Absolute value equations
- Complex numbers introduction
Weeks 3–4
Functions Core
- Function notation and evaluation
- Domain and range
- Graphing and transformations
- Quadratic functions (parabolas)
Weeks 5–6
Advanced Functions
- Polynomial functions
- Rational functions and asymptotes
- Exponential functions
- Logarithmic functions
Weeks 7–8
Applications & Final
- Systems of equations
- Mathematical modeling
- Review and synthesis
- Comprehensive final exam
Each week follows MyMathLab’s “Ready, Set, Go, Check” structure—more on that below. All homework and quizzes remain open until the last day of class, giving you flexibility to work ahead or catch up.
Why MATH 107 Is Harder Than It Looks
On paper, College Algebra sounds manageable—most students have seen these topics before. But several factors combine to make MATH 107 more challenging than expected.
Years Since Algebra
Many UMGC students are working adults returning after 5, 10, or 20+ years. Skills that once felt automatic now require conscious effort to recall.
MyMathLab Formatting
The platform is notoriously picky. A correct answer entered as “1/2” instead of “0.5” can be marked wrong. Parentheses, spacing, and order matter.
8-Week Compression
A semester’s worth of content in half the time. Miss one week and you’re suddenly two chapters behind with a quiz due.
Graphing Technology
MyMathLab’s graphing interface has a learning curve. You might understand the math but struggle to input the graph correctly.
The course also requires weekly discussion posts in LEO, which many students find disconnected from the actual mathematical work. Balancing these discussions with the heavy MyMathLab workload adds to the time commitment.
The MyMathLab Experience
MyMathLab structures each week around four components, progressing from review to assessment. Understanding this system is key to succeeding in the course.
Ready (Prerequisite Review)
Not graded. Reviews foundational skills you’ll need for the week’s new material. Skip if you’re confident, but it’s useful for warming up.
Set (Skill Builder)
Not graded, but you must score 80% to unlock “Go.” Unlimited attempts. This is where you build fluency with new concepts.
Go (Graded Homework)
Unlimited attempts, highest score recorded. This is your main practice. Use “View an Example” and “Help Me Solve This” strategically.
Check (Quiz)
2 attempts allowed, open-book. All learning aids enabled except live tutoring. This tests your mastery before moving on.
The final exam is comprehensive, covering all 8 weeks. It’s open-book with 2 attempts, and you’ll see a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions. Time management is critical—many students report running out of time on their first attempt.
Key Concepts Visualized
Visual understanding is critical in algebra. These diagrams illustrate the core concepts you’ll encounter throughout MATH 107.
Recognizing function types at a glance
Domain (inputs) vs. range (outputs)
Parabola anatomy: vertex, roots, axis of symmetry
How transformations affect graphs
Understanding these visual patterns will help you predict graph behavior without plotting every point—a major time-saver on quizzes and exams.
Essential Formulas
Keep these formulas at your fingertips. Since exams are open-book, having a well-organized formula sheet is more valuable than memorization.
Quadratic Formula
x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a
Slope Formula
m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁)
Slope-Intercept Form
y = mx + b
Point-Slope Form
y − y₁ = m(x − x₁)
Exponential ↔ Logarithmic
y = bˣ ↔ x = log_b(y)
Distance Formula
d = √((x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²)
Midpoint Formula
M = ((x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2)
Vertex Form (Parabola)
y = a(x − h)² + k
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cost students more points than conceptual misunderstandings. Most are preventable with awareness and careful work.
Forgetting Domain Restrictions
For √(x), x must be ≥ 0. For 1/x, x cannot be 0. For log(x), x must be > 0. Always state restrictions.
Sign Errors in Distribution
−3(x − 4) = −3x + 12, not −3x − 12. The negative distributes to both terms inside the parentheses.
Transformation Order
For y = a·f(x − h) + k, apply horizontal shift first, then stretch/reflect, then vertical shift. Order matters.
Extraneous Solutions
When solving radical or rational equations, always check your answers in the original equation. Some “solutions” don’t work.
MyMathLab Formatting
Enter fractions as directed (sometimes “1/2”, sometimes “0.5”). Use the graphing palette’s tools exactly. Preview before submitting.
What Students Report
Common themes from students who’ve completed MATH 107—patterns we see repeatedly in student feedback.
Don’t Skip the Skill Builders
Students often regret rushing through “Set” assignments to reach the graded homework. The skill builders introduce the exact problem types you’ll see on quizzes—skipping them means learning the hard way during assessments.
Time Commitment Is Significant
Students consistently report needing 12-20 hours per week, with some weeks requiring more when work or life interferes. The 8-week compression leaves little room for catching up once you fall behind.
Free Tutoring Goes Unused
Many students don’t realize UMGC includes free Tutor.com access until late in the course. Those who use it early—especially during the exponential and logarithmic units—report it making a real difference.
Study Strategies That Work
Based on what successful MATH 107 students report, here’s how to approach the course strategically.
Master “Set” Before “Go”
The skill builders exist for a reason. Don’t rush through them to reach the graded homework. Building fluency here saves time later.
Use “View an Example” Strategically
Don’t use it immediately—try the problem first. When you do use it, study the method, then attempt a similar problem without help.
Create a Formula Sheet Early
Since exams are open-book, a well-organized reference sheet is your best friend. Build it as you go, not the night before the final.
Use Your Free Tutoring
UMGC provides 4 hours of free Tutor.com sessions plus unlimited group tutoring. Don’t save these for emergencies—use them proactively.
How We Help with MATH 107
Whether you’re struggling with a specific concept, falling behind on MyMathLab assignments, or just need more time for work and family, we offer flexible support for UMGC students.
Homework Assistance
We complete MyMathLab “Go” assignments with detailed work, so you can learn from the solutions.
Quiz & Test Support
Get reliable help on “Check” quizzes and the final exam when you need high-stakes results.
Full Course Management
We handle everything from Ready to Check, plus discussion posts. You stay enrolled, we do the work.
Concept Tutoring
Prefer to learn it yourself? We’ll walk you through the material at your pace.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us what you need help with. We’ll respond within a few hours with a plan and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many reasons why students need help with their coursework. In any case, it is never too late to ask for help. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s connect!