Frequently asked questions about the first midterm.

Q: What can or should I bring to the exam?

A: Your brain and a pen or pencil.  Calculators and notes are
not allowed.  Paper will be provided.

Q: When does the midterm start?

A: At 3:40.  But please show up at 3:30 if possible so that we can
pass out papers and get organized so that we can start on time.

Q: Will there be any proofs?

A: There won't be any delta-epsilon proofs.  However you might have to
show that an improper integral converges or diverges (e.g. using the
comparison test).  There might also be a question such as "find n such
that the midpoint approximation to this definite integral is accurate
to within 10^{-6}, and show that your n is large enough".  (You can
quote the error bounds from class and the book.)

Q: What do we have to memorize?

A: Among other things, you should know the following:

* the definitions of the trig functions and how to evaluate them at
simple angles like 5pi/4.

* the basic trig identities, the angle addition formulas, the
half-angle formulas, and the derivatives and integrals of the basic
trig functions

* the substitution rule

* integration by parts

* the basic trig substitutions

* partial fractions

* the definitions of the different schemes for approximating definite
integrals and the theoretical error bounds.

* the definitions of improper integrals, and the comparison test for
convergence or divergence

* the integral formulas for arc length and surface area.

That's a lot of stuff, but learning it should really help you
understand the material.  You do not have to remember the derivations
of all of the above.  However, studying why the formulas are true
(when you can figure it out) is a very good way to remember the
formulas themselves.  You won't be asked to recite definitions;
rather, you are expected to be able to use them to evaluate integrals
etc.  The practice midterms should give you a rough idea what kind of
questions to expect.

Q: How many questions will there be?

A: I don't know.  I haven't made up the test yet.  But I think that your
preparation for the test should not depend on the answer to this
question.

Q: Does my GSI know what will be on the test?

A: No.

Q: Can I ask you questions shortly before the midterm?

A: Yes.  For the week of the midterm my office hours will be on Monday
1-4 instead of the usual Wednesday, in 923 Evans.

Q: How will the test be graded?

A: Each GSI and I will grade only one question, for some or all students,
to ensure uniform grading standards.  Then we will add up the scores.
Then, depending in part on the results, I will decide on a formula for
converting the raw test scores into letter grades.

Q: When will I get the test back?

A: You should get your test back on Friday in section.  Please note
that grades cannot be changed unless there is an egregious error such
as adding up points incorrectly.  If you nonetheless have a dispute
about your grade, then for security reasons you must immediately
return the test to your GSI so we can resolve the issue.  If you take
your paper home from section, then your grade is final.