Friday, February 25, 2011

Class updates

  • Solutions are available for the 8.5 HW that you recently submitted: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/8-5_hw.PDF
  • Please spend some time this weekend working on the 8.6 Power Series HW p. 670 #1-31 odds
  • I will be attending IB Math training Sunday, February 27 through Tuesday, March 1.  Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation while I am off-campus.
    • On Monday, you will be working in your groups on some "8.6 type" problems - this will be an in-class activity on a handout that will be collected at the end of the period.  If you spend some time this weekend trying the 8.6 HW, this will be a reasonable task to complete during class.
    • On Tuesday we are on Testing Schedule A due to TAKS ELA testing (http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/bells2010-11.pdf).  You will be given a set of sample questions for test #9 to start during the 17 minute class period.  Remember, test #9 will be on March 10 following three days of in-class review activities on March 7-9.  Check the calendars for details: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/apcalendars
  • Lastly, I would like to again draw your attention to the UH calculus videos for extra help.  Videos #47-55 pertain to our chapter 8 with video #53 including topics from section 8.6.  http://online.math.uh.edu/HoustonACT/videocalculus
Have a great weekend.  I'll see you on Wednesday!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

8.3 The Integral Test

If you have 14 minutes, please view the UH video on the integral test.  It takes a long time to load (the video does not stream) ... if one format does not work, try the other.  It's #50 in the list:
http://online.math.uh.edu/HoustonACT/videocalculus/index.html.  The video includes "p-series" (on slides 2 and 3) which we did not have time to discuss formally on Friday.

Remember that groups are to prepare and share solutions on Monday (all from section 8.3):
1 - #51
2 - #3, 49
3 - #25
4 - #21
5 - #15
6 - #13
7 - #9
8 - #1, 47

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Test #8 and gradespeed

If you are waiting for your test grade from today, it'll be just a little longer.  I have graded periods 1-3 and I am about to start period 4.  I see no reason why I won't be able to post grades sometime tonight. 

If you happened to notice your average in gradespeed change today for no reason (the wrong average, in fact), a setting was changed that caused this.  It seems that it may have happened to many teachers (especially if they use total points like I do).  Let your other teachers know if you notice this for their classes.  Everything should be correct now for your calculus grades.

Final words about test #8

I hope you are resting and not reading this!  However, if you do see this before the test, I have finished the test and there will, in fact, be just 8 multiple choice questions.  Watch the time you use on the multiple choice - aim for 15 minutes (no more than 20 minutes).  You'll want to have at least 30 minutes for the free response questions.  There is a 3 point bonus question.

Good luck!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Test #8 last minute info

Multiple Choice Questions 
  • Logistic Growth (about 3 questions)
  • Solve a separable differential equation and find a particular solution
  • Given graphs of solutions, select the correct differential equation
  • Euler’s method (non-standard)
  • Fundamental Growth Model
    • Population growth
    • Continuously compounded interest
    • Half-life (decay model)
  • Newton’s Law of Cooling
  • Given slope field, select the correct differential equation
  • Determine domain and range for a particular solution to a differential equ.

 Free Response Questions
  • Graph a slope field
  • Describe points in the xy-plane that meet a certain restriction
  • Find unknown constants in a solution to the differential equation
  • Euler’s method (standard)
  • Solve a separable differential equation and find a particular solution
    • Consider restrictions on x and y (i.e., domain and range)

About 10 multiple choice

  • 50% of test score
  • 2 minutes each
  • About 20 minutes

About 3 free response (with multiple parts) 
  • 50% of test score
  • About 20 “AP style” points
  • About 30 minutes

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Test #8 sample solutions

Multiple choice answers and free response solutions:
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/chpt7sample-solutions-2011.pdf

Please note: there were 8 MC questions worth 50% of the test (i.e., 6.25 points each) and there were 20 "AP style" free response points worth 50% of the test (i.e., each point indicated on the test was worth 2.5 points for the 100 point test).

Good luck preparing for the test.  Please be ready with additional questions for class tomorrow and consider attending the lunch tutorial for each help.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Reminders

  1. Group solutions on Monday:
    1. 8.1 #15, 21
    2. 8.1 #37
    3. 8.1 #39
    4. 8.2 #7
    5. 8.2 #19
    6. 8.2 #27
    7. 8.2 #35
    8. 8.2 #48
  2. Test #7 corrections are due on Monday (extended from last Thursday) by the end of lunch
    1. remember to follow these instructions: http://apcalcbc.blogspot.com/2011/01/important-information-about-test-7.html
  3. Test #8 review during class Tuesday and Wednesday - work on the sample test problems
  4. Test #8 on Thursday!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Weather alert

In case you have not heard, HISD has issued a weather alert.

As of this time, school is scheduled to start at the normal time on Thursday morning.  Be sure to check the status in the morning before leaving your house and to make arrangements in case school is dismissed early.

AP exam registration due Feb 4!

Please remember to turn in your AP exam registration form no later than February 4. 
Forms are available in the main office.