Happy Holidays!

I truly do appreciate all of the effort everyone has put into this very successful semester.  It's your desire to learn and hard work that make teaching so enjoyable for me.  I am looking forward to showing you some amazing and challenging calculus topics next semester.  In the mean time, I hope that everyone has an opportunity during this break to enjoy some extra time with their family and friends and to simply relax for a bit.

Final exam

I hope everyone found some time this weekend to review for the final exam.  On Monday during class, I will briefly share some exam policies and procedures and then answer your questions.

Good luck as you prepare for all of your exams!

Test #6 posted

Please check your test #6 score on gradespeed.  Many of you did very well - nice work!
A = 68%
B = 18%
C&D = 8%
F = 6%
Mean = 90.3
10% of the grades were 100.

Tomorrow you will receive all of your tests to use for review for the final.

Don't forget for test #6

• Make sure your calculator is in radian mode
• Sketch two-dimensional graphs of regions carefully on your test (you can use the calculator to graph functions) - use your sketch to label radii and/heights
• For some of the regions, you will need to solve for intersection points (2nd-Calc-5 on calculator); store these as constants in your calculator for easy recall and accuracy
• Don't forget pi in front of the integral for disc & washer methods and 2pi in front of the integral for shell method and surface area
• For washer method, be sure your integrand is (R^2 - r^2) and not (R-r)^2
• When finding volume with semi-circle cross sections, be sure to square the radius (this will be 1/2 of the side length you would use for square cross sections) and not the diameter (a common error)
• Remember to use the amount a spring has been stretched or compressed for the integral limits (and not the actual length of the spring)
• Round all numerical answers to three digits after the decimal point

I would also suggest that you aim to finish the 10 questions in about 40 minutes.  You will then have about 10 minutes to double-check your work. 

The mean scores on the tests I have given on this chapter in the past few years have been between 90 and 92 with about 60 to 70 with an A.  There will not be a curve on this test.  I would be thrilled with everyone earning a high score, but let's make sure that no one earns < 70!

I've had students ask if I will implement a bonus if everyone is present tomorrow for the test ... let's have no absences and you'll find out!

Test #6 on Thursday!

Please avoid being absent for our last test of the semester on Thursday, December 9.  I will not be available during lunch on Friday for makeups which will leave only Monday - that's too last minute!!

Waiting and taking a makeup will almost certainly not result in a higher score.  If you are severely ill or have a family emergency, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can plan accordingly.

I expect very high scores on this test!  Good luck!

Test #6 info

While writing test #6, I have realized that nearly all of the 15 review problems have integer limits for the integrals.  On your test, there will be at least a few problems in which you will need to solve for the intersection(s) between two curves (using your calculator) to find the limits of integration.  We have seen a number of examples during class like this (especially some sample AP area and volume questions).

Test #6 review

You should have received the test #6 outline and 15 review problems during class. 
Here are the review questions: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/test6-rev.pdf
and the review answers: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/test6-ans.pdf

Remember that 6.1 #2-46 evens are due at the end of class on Monday.  You will have time during class on Monday to finish this assignment ask questions about 6.1 or 5.6 (work).  Therefore, I would suggest that you spend some time this weekend reviewing for the final exam and/or test #6.  Tuesday will be a final exam review day and Wednesday will be a test #6 review day.

100%

Test #5 is complete and grades are posted.  The curve was 20% of the points lost.  I have also awarded a 2 point bonus since EVERYONE was present for the test!   After the curve and bonus, the mean is 89 and A=56%, B=28%, C&D=11%, and F=5%.

Many of you did very well.  Some made common errors on the more advanced (i.e., requires substantial practice to correctly answer) u-substitution problems.

See you tomorrow.

45%

Still grading test #5 and aiming for a Monday return.

19%

I have finally been able to grade some tests.  However, after grading for a while I have only finished 19% of the tests.  I will definitely be aiming for Monday (not Friday) to return tests, so grades will not be posted tonight. 

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am so pleased that every student was present for the test today.  Have I ever mentioned that this is worth a small bonus on the test?  Look for it when I post grades.

Test #5 ... please be patient

Due to other tasks I must complete, I do not antcipate being able to grade all of your tests today.  Hopefully I can have the tests graded and returned to you by Monday.

Test #5 additional info

Some suggestions as you continue to study for test #5:
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/test5_info.pdf

Test #5 review correction

On the sample test #5 answers distributed yesterday, the answer to multiple choice #8 is E, not D.

Some test scores changed

As I was putting together some notes for class tomorrow about your test, I realized a common error that was made in one of the "numerical response" questions that I can't believe I didn't see earlier.  With the problem about the fluid leaking out of a bottle, a number of students integrated correctly, but added the amount that leaked OUT to the initial amount (instead of subtracted).  I originally gave no credit for this particular wrong answer, but I just went through and change it to 1/2 off.  I have also fixed a couple of grading errors.  This adjustment did not change the grade distributions much, but I will share these with you on Monday.

Additional "post-test" comments

Even though the third grading period is another short one (just 23 class days), you still have 50% of your semester average left to earn.  If are willing and able to put forth the effort, a current low average could improve dramatically.  On the other hand, don't let a decent average slip!  Most students' final exam scores tend to be similar to their test scores throughout the semester (there are always a few exceptions that are significantly higher or lower).

Also, please be aware that 2nd semester "senioritis" does not exist in our class!  We will be studying very important and challenging topics next semester and I'll need each of you at your best.  No matter what the results are after you take the AP exam on May 4, I want you to look back on this class and know that you did your very best.

Test #4 results

I am sorry for the delay in posting grades for test #4.  I had meetings on campus in the afternoon and obligations after school.  I also needed some time to analyze the results and decide on an appropriate curve. 

It should not come as a surprise to anyone that this test was designed to challenge everyone.  I am including questions that require you to think critically, reason, and problem solve.  Practicing these skills will help prepare you for the AP exam as well as for college and any career you may pursue.  I want you to learn calculus and how to be a good problem solver.

I'd like to share some of the results and some comments with everyone:

• 84 students took the test today and 5 did not
• Everyone was present for the test in period 4!  Thank you to everyone who was present today!
• For a few students, this is the second or third test you have been absent for ... no one should make a habit of missing tests.  It does not help in the long run. 
• Before the curve the mean was 72 and about 20% earned 90-100, 20% earned 80-89, 20% earned 70-79, and 40% earned 20-69.
• 3 students earned a 100 before the curve and 2 more earned a 99 - outstanding!
• The curve was 50% of the points you lost.
• After the curve the mean was 86 and about 45% earned 90-100, 35% earned 80-89, 13% earned 70-79, and 7% earned 60-69.
• There were a number of problems on your test that were similar (or at least tested the same concept) to actual AP exam questions from past years or to problems I've put on tests over the years.  In most cases you performed as well if not better on the same topics as previous students.  You should know that a few of the questions I put on your test were similar to problems in which less than 30% of students got them correct on an AP exam (and you did much better).

I'd like to point out that it was shown today that it is possible to do very well on a test like this.  For some students this comes naturally.  For others, a tremendous amount of time and effort over an extended period of time went into preparing for this test.  You cannot put off homework or multi-task during class with the intention of "learning it later on my own."  This is not the type of course in which you can just cram the night before a test to retain a bunch of facts to regurgitate on the test.  Some of you are realizing that this is what has allowed you to earn high marks in the past.  After four tests, there are no more excuses!

We will be moving forward full speed next week as we make-up for the test delay that was out of our control.  We'll finish the second half of chapter 4 next week and you will have a test on that on November 18 (note that test #5 includes topics that build on test #4 topics - you'll need to know concepts from test #4 to do well on test #5).  The week of November 15 we start our last set of topics for the semester in chapter 5 - applications of integration.  November calendar link.

You'll receive your test back on Monday.  As always, please see me during lunch if you have any questions.  Since the first day of school, I have been available to provide help during 50 of the 53 lunch periods.  I do not force students to attend tutorials.  I hope that if your grades need improving that you would stop by and get some help.  From my perspective, it's not just about grades.  If you have been earning low scores on tests, then this course is going to become more and more difficult because there are concepts that you do not understand that will be needed throughout the course to learn even more challenging concepts.

I will stop lecturing and wish you a pleasant and productive weekend.  Remember, it wouldn't hurt to pre-read section 4.6 before class on Monday.

Test tomorrow!

Although moving the test to Friday was not ideal, I feel like having the extra review day today was probably a good thing overall. 

With 20 questions, you will have an average of about 2.5 minutes per question.  Be mindful of time during the test.  Skip questions you do not know how to solve and come back to them later.

Please avoid absences unless absolutely necessary.

Good luck as you study tonight.  Spend some quality time studying, but remember that you will perform better on the test if you are well rested ...

Test #4 format update

I have changed the format of the test because what I had created was a bit too lengthy. 
Here's the new format:

15 multiple choice worth 5 points each
5 numerical response worth 5 points each

All questions will be "all or nothing."

Test #4 date change

All things considered, I have decided to move test #4 from Thursday to Friday.  The senior panoramic photo will take time out of both 2nd and 3rd periods.  Thursday during class will now be an extra review day.  I will also be available during lunch on Wednesday for tutorials, but not on Thursday.  I can merge some topics next week so that we can catch-up from the missed day of class on Friday.

If you have any concern that taking test #4 on Friday will cause your performance to decline due to other scheduled tests (i.e., science tests), please talk to me individually by Wednesday.  It will be possible for you to take an early version of the test during lunch on Thursday.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this change.  I will confirm this change during class on Wednesday.

Some review answers

Here are the answers to the 16 problems you were working on during class today:

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/chpt4-16-answers.pdf

Updated anticipated test #4 format

14 multiple choice - 60% of test - about 30 minutes
6 numerical response - 30% of test - about 15 minutes
1 free response - 10% of test - about 5 minutes

I will post again if this changes.

3rd period, we have a problem

I am really pushing everyone with the material I am expecting you to know by the test on Thursday.  The announcement TODAY of the senior panoramic picture at the start of 3rd period on Tuesday does not work well with our schedule that has been set since the first day of school.  Since Friday is the end of the grading period, I do not have any flexibility with this test date.  Everyone should still try all 16 problems on pages 5-9 in your packet by tomorrow.  I will be available during lunch Tuesday and Wednesday and I will post answers to pages 5-9 tomorrow.  I am actually hoping, for your sake, that this photo is canceled due to rain (there is currently a 70% chance of rain tomorrow morning).  This photo tends to take most of the period.

Test #4 preliminary info

Test #4 covers sections 4.1, 4.3-4.5 and will have approximately 20 questions.  Most of the questions will be multiple choice and the rest will be numerical response (not traditional free response).  The numerical response questions are like multiple choice w/o the choices.  Okay, that sounds a bit evil when I put it in writing.  A good example would be 1998 #2 on page 5 of your test review packet.  You would answer that question with the correct numerical value, but you would not have the five answer choices given to you.  The points earned for each question will be "all or nothing."

I'm making sure your test covers all the right topics and will make you think about all the right concepts to continue to do well in the course and on the AP exam ... are you working on your current homework? 

Some random thoughts

I can't believe that next week is already November! In fact, here are some interesting statistics as we near the end of the fall semester:

28 days of class before final exams on December 14-17
11 days of new material (9 sections in the text)
3 tests (plus the final exam)

For those who like to plan ahead, I will be providing you with a packet of final exam review material before the Thanksgiving break.

Section 4.5 continued on Monday

I will need to take part of class on Monday to finish topics in 4.5 (namely, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus - Part 2).  Be sure to work on the 4.4 and 4.5 homework on pages 2 and 3 in the packet you recently received.  These problems will be due by the end of class on Monday.

In the mean time, your textbook has good info on pages 387-388 and here's a lecture from MIT about this topic if you are interested:

Progress reports and looking ahead

Be sure to return progress reports on Monday with a parent signature.  This grading period is only five weeks and ends on Friday, November 5 after Test #4 (sections 4.1, 4.3-4.5) on Thursday, November 4.

Although we will be finishing section 4.1 quickly on Monday before we start section 4.3, you should read section 4.1 in your text and start the homework.  By reversing the basic differentiation rules, you can work on p. 352 #1-34.  For some problems, you will want to rewrite the function before trying to antidifferentiate.

Have a good weekend.

Extra AP Free Response Samples

There are two extra AP Free Response samples in your Test #3 review packet. 
Here are links to the scoring guides (just scroll down to the appropriate question).

2007 AB #6:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/_ap07_calculus_ab_sgs_final.pdf

2009 AB/BC (Form B): #5
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap09_calculus_bc_form_b_sgs.pdf

2005 AB #4

In some periods today we were not able to finish the last AP free response example.  Here is the link to the solution to the 2005 AB exam.  Just scroll down to question #4 and remember to skip part c.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/_ap05_sg_calculus_ab_46569.pdf

AP Free Reponse 2005 #4

You may recall that part (c) has not been given to you at this time because it involves integration (covered in chapter 4).  However, part (d) refers to part (c).  Here's what you need to know in order to answer part (d): g'(x) = f(x).  Everyone should be trying this problem (it's on the handout you received last Wednesday) and groups 1 and 2 will be presenting solutions to it tomorrow morning.

Make-up Test #2 Graded

For the many of you who took a make-up version of Test #2 due to being on one of the two Yellowstone trips, all tests have now been graded.

Please note that if anyone wants to move to AP Calc AB, the deadline to move is Thursday, October 14.  You need to talk to me and your counselor on Thursday!

3-7 Video Lesson

Everyone needs to view this video from section 3-7 about optimization.  The handout for the section is available at http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/3-7_notes.pdf or you can pickup a copy during class on Wednesday.  After viewing the video, work on the homework page 317 #3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 25, 27.  This material will not be covered during class, but #11, 15, 25, 27 will be presented by groups during class on Friday, October 15.

3-3 and 3-4 Group Solutions

As you check through these solutions, please note that in some cases I have written a note next to a problem that refers you to view more accurate solutions from a different period.

Period 1: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/3-3_3-4_p1_2010.PDF
Period 2: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/3-3_3-4_p2_2010.PDF
Period 3: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/3-3_3-4_p3_2010.PDF
Period 4: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/3-3_3-4_p4_2010.PDF

On Monday, we will be exploring ways in which the second derivative can be used to describe the behavior of a function.  It is imperative that you complete the 3-3 and 3-4 homework before Monday as we will use these techniques again and build upon them.  October homework calendar: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/apcalendars/ap1010.pdf

Consider posting your homework questions or help others on the chapter 3 wall:
http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/apcalcbc-chpt3-2010

Have a nice weekend!

3-4 Video Lesson

Video lesson on 3-4 increasing and decreasing functions and finding local extrema ...

3-3 Video Lesson

3-3 Maximum and Minimum Values video ...

Let's try using wallwisher.com for chapter 3 questions

As you work on chapter 3 homework, please post questions you have about topics or particular homework problems and responses to others questions. I am offering 2 extra points on the second grading period for the first "sticky" that you add. This can be a question or a response to another student's question. It could also be an observation about a chapter 3 topic. You can either create a wallwisher account, use your google account, or post anonymously. If your username is not your name or is you post anonoymously, please provide your first name, last initial, and period within your post.

Direct link: http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/apcalcbc-chpt3-2010

First Grading Period Grades

In response to the overwhelming requests from students to increase their first grading period grades, please re-read the course guide. In particular: "In fairness to all, no extra credit will be offered on an individual basis. This includes extra points to raise a semester average that is close to the next letter grade – please, don’t ask! For example, a score must be greater than or equal to 89.5 to round to a 90."

I believe it is unfair to give a few tenths of a point to a select group of students. Additionally, if I were to give a a few tenths of a point to everyone so that those who are close to 89.5 would have an A, then a new group of students would be close to an 89.5 and ask for a few tenths of a point ... it would never end.

I trust that everyone understands that this policy is based on my best attempt at grading fairness. The grade you have earned is the grade you will receive.

Your first grading period grade is 1/4 of your semester average. At this point, everyone has the opportunity to increase their average.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Progress Reports Due Tuesday

Don't forget to return signed progress reports on Tuesday. The grades for the first grading period that ended on October 1 will be closed at 3 pm on Tuesday.

3-2 Video Lesson

Here's the section 3-2 lesson from today on Indeterminate Forms and L'Hopital's Rule: http://got.im/tN2

L'Hopital's Rule?

Here's a link to a paper written by Judy Broadwin from Baruch College in NY about L'Hopital's supposed rule...

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_calc_LHospital_final.rev2.pdf

The link to the 3-2 video lesson will be available tonight.

3-1 Video Lesson

Video lesson for 3-1: http://got.im/Awh. We did not finish the last slide. Note that finding a "linear approximation" means to find the tangent line at the point specified and use it to approximate a height. For example, the linear approximation of y = sin(x) at x = 0 is y = x. We could use this line to approximate sin(x). For example, sin(0.2) is approximately 0.2.

Have a good weekend!

Test #2 Graded

I have posted grades for test #2. You will see that the curve has already been added (it is 1/3 of the points lost). You will receive a progress report this morning that must be signed and returned by next Tuesday to receive 2 points extra credit. Test corrections must be completed by next Thursday in order to keep the curve. If you do not complete the test corrections, then I will remove the curve and have your grade changed for the first grading period.

Overall, the results on the test were quite mixed. 36% earned an A and 26% earned a B before the curve (5% were in the 100-103 range). However, 20% earned an F before the curve (5% were in the 0-50 range).

On a positive note, I am very impressed with those students who did well on this test. It was not an easy test. A high score on this test represents a combination of strong effort and the ability to learn and think critically.

In the mean time, we must move forward. We will be starting Chapter 3 during class today.

Grading Test #2

Grading these tests is a slow process. I have only completed about 25%, but I will keep plugging away at it and see if I can finish tonight. If I must stop without finishing, I'll post here.

I just graded a perfect paper (including bonus) ... that's a 103! This student also knew that sin(t)csc(t) = 1. I've posted this grade in Gradespeed for that student. All other grades will be posted when all the tests are finished.

Simplify, Oh My!

Grading tests ...
Doesn't anyone know that sin(t)csc(t) = sin(t)/sin(t) = 1 ?!?!
Wasn't it strange such a messy problem was in the "Basic Level" section?
I'm still holding out hope that someone figured this one out.

Test #2 Review

It was a busy morning reviewing for the test tomorrow. Excellent, relavent questions were asked each period. I hope any other time spent reviewing is productive. Consistent and strong effort in this class will pay off!

See you tomorrow for the test!

More Test #2 Suggestions

A few more suggestions:
- The term "twice-differentiable" means that the 1st and 2nd derivatives of a function exist
- Know the shape of the graph of y = arctan(x) and know arctan(0)
- Know sin(0) and cos(0)
- Know e^0
- Quadratic formula may be needed
- log(x) means log base 10

Test format:
5 FR x 2 points = 10 points (basic)
6 FR x 4 points = 24 points (intermediate)
7 FR x 6 points = 42 points (advanced)
6 MC x 4 points = 24 points (mixture of difficulty levels)

All of your answers must be written on a cover sheet.
Work will be shown on the test itself.

You can stop by my room before 1st period on Wednesday for review (arrive no earlier than 7:10 AM please).

Derivative Quiz

Grades have been posted for the derivative quiz on Tuesday. Most of you did well. The average was 95%.

I cannot emphasize enough that simply having the basic derivative rules committed to memory is not enough! You will need to combine rules on the test as we have seen in class examples and homework. Consistently finding derivatives correctly and quickly requires lots of practice!

Writing Test #2

Some random thoughts about test #2:
- You will not need any trig identities (don't worry, we'll use plenty later)
- There will be about 23 questions (about 6 multiple choice worth about 30%)
- Partial credit may be given for free response, but not for multiple choice
- Know all the basic differentiation rules!
- Many questions will involve the chain rule with other rules
- Velocity is derivative of position and acceleration is derivative of velocity
- Almost 1/2 of the test questions have format: given f(x), find f '(x)
- Nearly everything on the test outline is covered (http://bit.ly/cgeYV8)
- No questions requiring "two special trig limits" on test outline
- You may need to find 2nd derivative implicitly, but not as messy as 2.8 #25
- There will be a cover sheet on which you will write all final answers

Remember to have your 2.8-2.9 solutions prepared and be ready for the derivative rule quiz!

Test #2 Sample Answers

Need help?
Tue or Wed during lunch
Wed 7:10 - 7:30 AM
Wed during class

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/test2sample-solutions.pdf

UPDATE: the multiple choice answers were scrambled incorrectly until I fixed them at about 5 pm

2-9 Mean Value Theorem

Class lesson for section 2-9:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/f76c71d6c50a2799b9f6/29-Mean-Value-Theorem


Topic not covered during class (increasing and decreasing functions):
http://www.schooltube.com/video/6c0b24c7819cab5e36b2/29-Increasing-Decreasing
This is just a preview of ideas that will be fully developed in chapter 3.

Follow-up to today's lesson

Since we did not have enough time in class to look at all the examples I had planned today, I have created a document that shows how to solve those problems.

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/2-8-class-solutions.pdf

2-8 Inverse Trig Functions

Here's the lesson from today for Yellowstone students.

Keep working on the homework!

http://www.schooltube.com/video/39379c6f2d00510d9278/28-Differentiate-Inverse-Trig-Functions

2-8 Implicit Differentiation

Here's the lesson from today for Yellowstone students. Tomorrow we will develop differentiation rules for the inverse trig functions.

http://www.schooltube.com/video/88d5b164c9017ac18215/28-Implicit-Differentiation

Quiz Next Tuesday (9/28)

Please keep working on the current homework assignments. The differentiation rules do take a lot of practice! As you have seen with class examples and in the homework, you'll need to combine rules together (for example, trig with product rule with chain rule). However, if you don't know the basic rules, you won't be able to handle the more difficult problems! The quiz next Tuesday is your opportunity to make sure you know the basic rules. I have updated the quiz to include the two versions of the limit definition of the derivative. Online you will find a copy of exactly what the quiz will look like and the answers. When you take this quiz next Tuesday, you will be given about 5 minutes to complete it.

www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/

2-7 Lesson

Here is the lesson from today for Yellowstone students (or anyone else absent). Sorry, the audio did not work well, but maybe you can follow along with the notes. I'm getting a new microphone tonight.

http://www.schooltube.com/video/7fe86b39bf13af4d9610/27-Exponential-and-Log-Derivatives

Grades

Please check your grades using Gradespeed. The test #1 curve has been added if you submitted completed test corrections. So many of you submitted reflective, thoughtful corrections. Nice work! After working with many of you this week during lunch and hearing your questions about the test, I decided to increase the curve SLIGHTLY. It is 2/5 of the points lost instead of 1/3 as announced last week. Also, the quiz today was completed well by most students (the mean was 90%). I was pleased with the discussions I heard during the group quiz - sharing your ideas about how to solve a problem is very important.

I will be issuing progress reports early next week. Some of you will need to make a decision about your commitment to this course. I truly want all of you to be successful in this class. Although it is difficult to determine an exact cut-off point, I would be especially concerned if your current average is < 80 and/or if your score on the first test with the curve is < 80. Remember the suggestions you read in the course guide ... have you been doing everything you can to succeed in this course?

• Pay close attention during class, ask questions, and share your ideas
• Leave class each day with detailed notes
• Avoid distractions during class such as studying for another course or sleeping
• Complete all assigned homework and get help with any problems you do not understand
• Begin reviewing days before each test
• Attend class regularly and arrive on-time

There will be about 130 additional points (including one quiz and one test) before the grading period ends on October 1.

Be sure to spend time completing the recent 2.3-2.5 homework. Please attend lunch tutorials early next week if you have any questions. Among other things, we will learn how to differentiate trig, inverse trig, exponential, and log functions next week. Enjoy the three day weekend!

2-5 Video

In most of my classes this morning, we did not have enough time to examine derivatives of inverse functions. Here's a link to a short video I made to help you with this. Remember that tomorrow your groups needs to be prepared to share solutions from 2.3-2.5 and there is a quiz covering 2.1-2.2.

Video: http://www.schooltube.com/video/8c0cdb078d888a877625/25-Inverses

Quiz #2

The quiz on Thursday will have six multiple choice questions pertaining to sections 2.1-2.2 in your textbook. The best way to be prepared for the quiz is to have completed the 2.1 and 2.2 homework from last week. You can find a detailed list of topics on slide 2 of the 2.5 notes for Wednesday:
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/2-5_notes.pdf.

One last note just for the students who read this blog ... it is possible that this quiz will not be administered in a traditional way. As long as you are prepared, this should work to your advantage. Sorry ... I can't say anything more right now!

Looking Forward...

I want to thank everyone for the effort you have been putting into AP Calc BC. It's hard to believe we start the fourth week next week!

Reminders: finish the 2.1 and 2.2 HW on your assignment calendar. Group solutions have been scanned and are available in the notes section of my website. Also, begin work on test corrections. If you have any questions, please see me during lunch early next week.

Next week is another short, four day week. However, it will be packed with lots of derivative-related topics (sections 2.3-2.5). Plan for a short quiz on Thursday over sections 2.1 and 2.2.

Have a great weekend!

Test #1 Results

I just posted the scores for test #1. As promised, the test was challenging. The results were very mixed ... 25% earned an A or B while about 50% earned an F. Your score in gradespeed is your raw score. After analyzing the results, I have determined that a curve is appropriate (i.e., a number of the multiple choice questions were very challenging and had a lower percentage of students get them correct). I will share details tomorrow about what students will need to do to “earn” the curve.

I must say “nice work” to students who did well on this first test. For others, maybe this was just a rude awaking after the summer and after precalculus. As I have stated before, this course will challenge students unlike any other math class. Is it possible that some students did not believe me?

If it’s any consolation, my students from last year had similar results on this first test and they earned the best scores on the AP exam I have ever had.

Test #1 Sample

I am sure by now students have tried the sample test questions. I just posted answers to these questions. I would have liked to double-check these answers, but instead I need to work on writing your actual test. I trust that students will let me know if they disagree with an answer.

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/test1_sample_answers_2010.pdf

Test #1 on Thursday, September 9

I am confident that my mesmeric lecture about tangent lines on Friday has inspired you to work on the 2.1 textbook homework. Remember that you should also work on reviewing for Test #1. I would recommend you do the following (in the order given) to prepare for this test:
1. skim through the test outline and highlight topics you know you need to work on
2. complete textbook homework assigned during the past two weeks from 1.2-1.5
3. attempt all problems on the sample test
4. look over notes and examples from class
5. get your questions answered - either on topics or problems you have tried
6. attempt the extra practice problems at the end of chapter 1 as needed

I want everyone to start the year with a test grade that they are pleased with. You should be aiming for work that is worthy of a "5" every day in this class. I will be available during lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday and we will review during class on Wednesday. The quality of our review time is directly proportional to your willingness to attempt review problems before class and to ask questions.

Good luck in your preparation for this test. I want you to complete this test knowing that you have done the best you can possibly do. The excuse for a low score of "I didn't really study as much as I should have for this first test" is simply not acceptable.

I am writing some of your test questions now. Check back here later in the weekend - I'll try to post some study suggestions.

Open House

Make sure your parents are aware of the open house at BHS on Thursday, September 2. A meeting in the auditorium starts at 6 pm and classroom visits start at 6:30 pm. Don't forget to provide your parents with a copy of your schedule to follow.

Friday Quiz

I just finished writing the quiz and it is, in fact, 10 questions and will be worth 30 points. I'm looking forward to hearing your questions before the quiz and to excellent scores!

This weekend there are two things you should work on for BC:
1. revisit topics or homework from 1.1-1.3 (as needed) after taking the quiz
2. pre-read section 1.4 (and section 1.5 if you have time)

Quiz on Friday

The quiz on Friday, August 27 will cover sections 1.1 - 1.3 in your text book. I have posted an outline that references problems in your text. Please stop by during lunch on Wednesday or Thursday if you have questions. Otherwise, the first half of class on Friday will be set aside for answering your questions before the quiz.

Quiz 1.1 - 1.3 outline

First Day

The first day is complete! Be sure to read and complete everything on the first day assignment handout.

Looking forward to a great year!

Website updates

The Fall assignment calendars, updated course guide, and BHS bell schedules are now available. www.bellaire.org/mazzoni

Room 215

I have officially moved from room 214 to room 215 (yes, it's just across the hallway, but it does have windows). I primed the entire room white and then painted some parts a blue-grey color. I have quite a bit more to do to get the room ready for August 23, but I still have almost 2 weeks! I'm still working on updating lessons, but I'm looking forward to the start of a new year on August 23 and meeting all of my new students!

AP Scores for 2010

Out of the 94 students who took the AP Calculus BC exam, 91 earned a three or above, 70 earned a five, and the mean score was 4.543!  The 2009-2010 students have officially earned the best scores of my career and have set the bar very high for future years!  Thank you to all of you for your tireless effort throughout the year ... it paid off!

More details:
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/bc_results.pdf
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/ab_results.pdf

2010 AP scores are in!

After many attempts, I was finally able to download scores!  More details to follow soon, but it looks like my 2009-2010 students have produced the best results I have seen in the 11 years I have been teaching BC!!

Waiting for 2010 AP scores!!!

Apparently the AP scores are available online for teachers to view.  However, the AP server is down (overloaded?) and I can't log-in after about 200 attempts.  My AB colleague was able to get her scores this morning.  I can't wait to see the results!!!  Hopefully tomorrow...

Guessing encouraged!

After 10 years of the same format, the AP Calculus exam will be changed for the May 2011 administration.  There will no longer be a 1/4 point guesssing penalty for the 45 multiple choice questions.  Either you get a question right and get a point or get it wrong and get zero.  There will still be six free response questions, but only two will be with graphing calculator (30 minutes) and four will be without graphing calculator (60 minutes).  The details can be found starting on page 12 of the Course Description:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap-calculus-course-description.pdf

Summer 2010

Anxiously waiting for 2010 AP results and starting to make plans for the 2010-2011 year!  Prospective students should follow this blog.