Preparing for the final exam

Here are the subjects that you will want to study for, in preparation for the final exam:

• Graphs: how to draw graphs of functions given information about height, slope, and concavity
• Graphs: how to interpret graphs of functions by using height, slope, and concavity
• Limits: computing limits, especially of the form 0/0
• The Definition of the Derivative (almost like an essay question, where content, form, and syntax all matter)
• Tangent lines: how to derive them, and what they tell us (or don't) about the function
• Algebraic derivative rules:  the chain, product, and quotient rules, along with rules for derivatives of functions
• Applications of derivatives to physical situations, especially regarding optimization
• Applications of derivatives to algebraic and graphical situations, especially regarding optimization
• Antiderivatives
• Riemann Sums
• Integrals, especially representing area under a curve
• The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: using antiderivatives as a tool to compute area

Here is a copy of a final exam I gave in 2006.   Here are the solutions to that exam.

Here is a copy of a final exam I gave in 2011.  Here are the solutions to that exam.

I will hold open office hours before the exam -- tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 from 9 to 5.

Our exam will be Thursday December 14 at 7 p.m. in the Lisa Bonchek Adams Auditorium.  We will share that space with another calculus class.  When you arrive, place your backpacks (etc) at the front of the room and then look for a desk with a yellow exam.  We'll alternate the rows Crannell, Ressler. and empty (the empty rows are so that we can get to you if you have questions).    You don't want to take the green exam!

The front page of your exam reads,

Directions: During this exam, please leave your backpack, cell phone, and other personal belongings at the front of the classroom. You may use one sheet of notes. (You may write on both sides of this sheet). You may not use a calculator, your book, or any other notes. 

This exam contains 11 questions on 10 pages. If you have any questions during the exam, please do feel free to ask for clarification. 

Please save 5–10 minutes for writing up your solutions neatly. If you would like to leave early, please leave quietly so that you don’t disturb your classmates.