MCS 119, Calculus with Precalculus Review

Spring 2009
Suggestions for Studying

The final exam is on Saturday May 23 from 10:30-12:30 in Olin 320 or 321. You may bring one notesheet (both sides) and a graphing calculator.

Studying for Final

The final will cover everything.  In particular, you should be able to:

• Find limits algebraically, graphically, and numerically
• Understand the formal definition of the limit (with epsilon and delta)
• Know the definition of a derivative and be able to use it to find one
• Find derivatives using the rules
• Find derivatives graphically
• Use derivatives in velocity/ acceleration
• Use derivatives to figure out information about graphs
• Interpret the meaning of a derivative in an applied problem (including marginal cost and revenue)
• Solve related rates problems
• Solve max/min problems
• Solve exponential growth/decay problems
• Understand what a definite integral is (as a Riemann sum and as area)
• Interpret the meaning of a definite integral in an applied problem
• Use the fundamental theorems of calculus
• Understand what an antiderivative is
• Find integrals using rules including u-substitutions

You may have a single, 8.5x11 inch, page of notes (both sides).


Here are some links to sample tests.

• A multiple-guess test on chapter 11, from the book.  Don't do problems 5,8,26,34,39,40,41,44-61 or anything else involving arctan, arcsin etc.
• Here are all the quizzes and tests from this semester, in one big file.
• The final from MCS118 (fall 2008)
• The midterm from MCS118 (fall 2008)
• All the quizzes from MCS118 (fall 2008)

Advice from your peers
When asked what advice they would give a student about to take MCS119, previous students most often responded with the following suggestions:

• Study frequently, in small doses.
• Do the homework every night.
• Go to class, pay attention, and ask questions.
• Read the text sections to be covered before and after class.
• Use office hours and tutors.