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Math 141. Calculus I . Fall, 2001.
Textbook: Calculus (Single Variable - Early Transcendentals, 4th edition), by James Stewart.
Content: Math 141 covers differential calculus, which is the mathematical method for analyzing changing quantities. Change is measured by, for example, slopes, velocities, acceleration, and, in general, derivatives. The precise definition of an instantaneous rate of change requires an understanding of limits, a notion which also leads to the understanding of what is meant by a continuously changing quantity. Techniques like the product, quotient, and chain rules enable efficient computation of derivatives which can then be applied to, among other things, the analysis of motion, rates of change, optimization problems, and understanding the shape of a graph.
See also the Catalog Description.
Exams and grading
There will be two midterm exams and one final at the following times:
Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on exams,
homework, and recitations. The number of points awarded for these is as
follows.
| First midterm exam | 100 points |
| Second midterm exam | 100 points |
| Final exam, part 2 | 100 points |
| WeBWorK assignments | 174 points |
| Attendance (after the second week of classes) | 36 points |
| Recitations and quizzes | 60 points |
| Total | 570 points |
There will be four exam grades, with the first and second halves of the final counting as separate exams. The lowest of the first three grades will be dropped. This means, that if you are satisfied with both of your midterm grades, you don't have to take the first part of the final. No makeup exams will be given.
Class attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be taken after the second week of classes. Each class in Knightly's and Kojcinovic's sections (meeting MWF) is worth 1 point, and each class in Felea's and Voloshina's sections (meeting TR) is worth 1.5 points.
Homework
Homework comes in two forms. One form consists of WeBWorK problems. WeBWorK problems are done over the web and provide instant feedback as to whether you have done a problem correctly or not. When you have done a WeBWorK problem correctly, that fact is immediately recorded. WeBWorK problems are individualized for each student, so students may work together on the general method for solving problems. However, you are expected to do your own assignment. WeBWorK problems count for approx. 30% of the total grade. There will be 14 WeBWork assignments (due every Tuesday 5 AM), containing a total of 174 problems.
The other form of homework consists of supplementary problems that are listed on the syllabus. These problems do not contribute directly to your total grade, but they will be discussed in recitation and similar problems may very well appear on quizzes and exams. It is important to do both the WeBWorK and supplementary problems.
Recitations
There will be a weekly recitation/workshop where homework will be discussed and sometimes a short quiz based on the homework will be given. Recitations start the week of September 10. Sign up for a recitation on sheets posted on the first and second floors of Hylan by 5pm Friday, September 7. Attendance is compulsory in the sense that attendance at one recitation is worth 5 points toward your total grade, up to a maximum of 60 points. If a quiz is given, the quiz will be worth 4 points and attendance 1 point.
Extra Help
It is essential not to fall behind, because each lecture is based on previous work. If you have trouble with some material, seek help in the following ways:
The Final Exam will be 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Sunday, December 16th. The exam will be comprehensive covering all the sections listed in the syllabus. If your score on Part I is higher than your score on one of the midterm exams, then your score on Part I will replace your lowest midterm exam score (one replacement only).
An excellent way to study is to redo the midterm exams. If you can do all the problems (and all similar problems) on the midterm exams, you should do well on the final. Don't memorize how to do the problems on the midterms. Rather learn how to solve those type of problems. Next, make sure you can do all the problems on WeBWorK assignments 9-14 which are on material covered since the second midterm. After that, you should review your notes, older WeBWorK assignments, and supplementary problems.
All WeBWorK assignments (even the ones which are now closed) are available
for practice and review. You can still do the problems and WeBWorK will
tell you whether or not your answers are correct.