Fall break homework, plus exam topics

For Fall Break, you have three calculus assignments:

1. Do Web Assign Homework H-2.8, by Tuesday the 10th.
2. Get lots of sleep. And then, more sleep.  If your parents ask what you're doing, say, "My calculus homework!"
3. Wash your hands frequently.  

You've been under a bunch of stress, and so the sudden release of tension, combined with easy access to new germs, will bring a bunch of people down.  Don't be one of those people!

*****

What's going to be on the exam?  Really, any material so far is fair game.  I tried to design the midterm with questions that would assess the following skills:

• making connections between physical reality and algebraic expressions
• making connections between graphs and algebraic expressions
• constructing formulas for linear functions
• constructing formulas for exponential functions
• manipulating logarithms (using log rules, and determining inverses)
• graphing compositions of functions and inverses of functions
• evaluating limits that involve 0-over-0
• evaluating or constructing formulas for functions that have various asymptotes and roots
• beautifully demonstrating and applying the definition of the derivative

In particular, the last question on this midterm will ask you to use the definition of the derivative; I will grade this question on accuracy and completeness as well as on correct notation and formatting.  

Hidden within the list of calculus skills above is an ability to do algebra: to factor quadratics, to simplify fractions, to distribute negative signs, to multiply by the conjugate, to manipulate exponents.  These are not the main subject of calculus, but it's hard to do calculus correctly if you haven't practiced your algebra skills.

During the midterm, I will ask you to leave your backpack, cell phone, and other personal belongings at the front of the classroom. You may bring one 8.5"x11" sheet of notes. (You may write on both sides of this sheet). You may not use a calculator, your book, or any other notes.