Frequently asked questions about the second midterm.

Q: Are the basic procedure and rules the same as for the first midterm?

A: Yes.

Q: What should I do to prepare?

A: I strongly recommend doing practice problems from Chapter 11,
including the review problems.  There are also some practice midterms
posted, but I think the book problems are better preparation (please
see my comments on the practice midterms).  You do not need to know
the proofs of the theorems in the book.  However you do need to know
the statements of the theorems, and especially how to use these to
solve problems.

Q: Will there be any proofs?

A: There won't be any delta-epsilon proofs.  However you might have to
show that a sequence or series converges or diverges (using the
various tests in Chapter 11).  You might also be asked to approximate
the sum of a series to a given accuracy and show that your
approximation is close enough.  (You can quote the error bounds from
class and the book.) 

Q: Do we need to remember the material from the first part of the
course?

A: The second midterm will emphasize the second part of the course,
but you should not forget the first part!  For example you need to
know to integrate for the integral test.

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: What are some basic things I can do to avoid losing points?

A: 1) Most importantly, check your work, not only after you finish a
problem, but also while you are doing it.  A small mistake early on
can lead you far in the wrong direction.  If a problem seems
ridiculously easy or hard, this is a warning sign that you might be on
the wrong track.

2) If you are asked to show something, explain as much as you can.
Write English sentences, not just equations.

3) If something wrong is written on your answer sheet, cross it out!
Leave only the part that you want graded.

Q: Will the curve be the same as for the first midterm?

A: Maybe not.  The curve depends on the difficulty of the exam, the
strictness of the grading, and so forth, and these factors vary
unpredictably from one exam to another.