MCS 119, Calculus with Precalculus
Review IB
Fall 2010
Suggestions for Studying
Studying for
the midterm exam: The midterm exam will cover the material in
chapters 1 - 6 of the textbook, with an emphasis on chapters 5 and 6 and the
applications in these sections. In particular, you should be able to:
- Differentiate
all functions studied to date.
- Know
and use the definition of the derivative
- Integrate
functions using basic techniques and u-substitutions.
- Compute
Riemann sums and approximate integrals using area calculations (including
RSUMS).
- Find
the equation of a tangent line.
- Do
linear approximation.
- Solve
a max/min problem.
- Solve
problems involving marginal cost, marginal revenue, and profit
maximization.
- Interpret
the meaning of a derivative in applied problems.
- Interpret
the meaning of an integral in applied problems.
- Find
area between a curve and the x-axis.
- Find
the average value of a function and interpret its meaning.
- Solve
problems involving, acceleration, velocity, and position functions.
- Use
information about the derivative to deduce information about the graph of
a function (and vice versa)
The best way to study for this exam is to review your notes from last
semester as well as this term and to work problems you haven't done
before. There are several web resources as well. Calculus on the Web
is a particular good source. You can also look at the review problems in
chapter 7 of the text. You may bring an 8.5x11 inch sheet of notes,
handwritten, and one side only.
Advice from your peers
The most succinct advice on old evaluation forms was to "do the
homework - show-up - take notes -ask questions." Several
students from last year added the advice to go to office hours. Other
advice includes:
- Study
frequently, in small doses (about an hour a night).
- Work
on calculus every night. Stay caught up with the homework.
- Start
your homework early and often.
- Read
the text sections to be covered before and after class.
- Ask
questions early and often. Don't just assume you'll figure it out later.
- Read
the chapters and try the homework first before you get help on it.