Taylor polynomial/series, series, function series

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a student preparing for a calculus exam, specifically focusing on Taylor polynomials, series, and function series. The student expresses concerns about their preparation and seeks advice on study strategies, resources, and time management for effective learning in the lead-up to a retake exam.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The student feels overwhelmed by the complexity of Taylor polynomial approximations and series, indicating a lack of understanding from previous classes.
  • Some participants suggest reviewing past exams and utilizing online resources like Khan Academy and Paul's Online Notes for additional help.
  • There is a discussion about the potential for grading on a curve, with some participants questioning whether this could affect the difficulty of the retake exam.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of using the textbook as a primary resource and working through examples independently before checking solutions.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of failing the course, particularly regarding future coursework in electromagnetism (E&M).
  • The student expresses a commitment to studying intensively for the retake, believing that a month is sufficient time to prepare.
  • Another participant notes that the student's poor exam performance was somewhat expected given their last-minute preparation strategy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of utilizing various study resources and the need for a structured approach to preparation. However, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of past exams and the potential impact of grading curves on future assessments.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in the student's previous learning environment, including overcrowded classes and confusing materials, which may have contributed to their difficulties in understanding the subject matter.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students facing similar challenges in calculus or related subjects, particularly those seeking study strategies and resource recommendations for exam preparation.

WrongMan
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well, i have an calculus exam tomorrow and I'm 100% gona fail. I've neglected calculus so i could study for other subjects and left only 2 days to study taylor's polynomial aproximation, series and function series, the latter two are way more complicated than i expected.

good thing is i can retake this exam in one month.
i need help knowing were to start, slides provided by the teacher are confusing (and very heavy) and lack examples, I've found that its muh more productive for me to have small exercises incorporated in the study material, it helps me a lot.
last two days I've spent more time researching other sources of information orher than actually studying and solving problems, it has been very counter productive.

classes during the semester were terrible, overcrowded and noisy, zero help, i learned nothing from them.

any books or websites you can suggest?
exercise sheets?
a weekly time-table, as in, where i should be at the end of each week to make sure i understand everything properly in time for the retake
any other advice?
i have all the time in the world in the coming month, i can study 8hrs a day if there is need to do that ( hope there isn't xD)
do you think my future looks very grim?

ps: there are also integrals but I am pretty much good with those i just need to.practice a bit, not very concerned, looking at previous exams it makes up for 1/6 of the exam.
 
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Well, I would look over the past exams religiously.
I would also use Khan Academy's Calc II videos to my advantage.
I would then use Paul's Online Notes to help me further.
If you have a textbook, look at the exact parts that are important.
 
RJLiberator said:
Well, I would look over the past exams religiously.
I would also use Khan Academy's Calc II videos to my advantage.
I would then use Paul's Online Notes to help me further.
If you have a textbook, look at the exact parts that are important.

Exam went poorly as expected, at best i can get a 50% but I am pretty sure that it ain't going to happen.

thank you very much for your advice.
ive used khan academy videos before to help me with algebra. but the ones i saw regarding series seemed to simple, maybe i saw only the introducting videos and should, and will, look further into it.
Paul's notes also sound familiar.
previous exams won't be much help, the head teacher for calculus changed, and the exam was extremely different, focused equally on everything, instead of mainly these last 3 topics, last year's exam ( which is the only one i have access to) was 9/10 multiple choices, whereas today's had no multiple choices only direct answer (no justification) a couple of theory questions, and a few justification answers.
well, tomorrow i begin my studies.
 
Last edited:
Are you sure there won't be a curve to the grade/exam? I would ask your teacher about this. You may not be high and dry yet.
 
RJLiberator said:
Are you sure there won't be a curve to the grade/exam? I would ask your teacher about this. You may not be high and dry yet.
Im not sure what curve is, wiki says
In education, grading on a curve (also referred to as curved grading, bell curving, or using grading curves) is a statistical method of assigning grades designed to yield a pre-determined distribution of grades among the students in a class
which would be in line with what older students have told me, that sometimes, when 25% of students don't pass (teacher might gets in trouble) and the second exam becomes a lot easier to allow more students to pass...
What would mean, that if many students pass, the "retake" exam might be harder than expected, to allow for said curve...
I really don't believe teachers would do anything to "harm" us students, physics is a hard course and we have a big amount of students failing mechanincs and calculus every year, teachers have been doing their best to reform their subjects to find better ways to teach us and allow us to pass (without jeopardizing our knowledge)
 
WrongMan said:
well, i have an calculus exam tomorrow and I'm 100% gona fail. I've neglected calculus so i could study for other subjects and left only 2 days to study taylor's polynomial aproximation, series and function series, the latter two are way more complicated than i expected.

WrongMan said:
Exam went poorly as expected, at best i can get a 50% but I am pretty sure that it ain't going to happen.
It shouldn't be surprising that the exam went poorly, given that you have neglected calculus so far, and were attempting to spend only two days cramming the material for some complicated topic areas.
 
Mark44 said:
It shouldn't be surprising that the exam went poorly, given that you have neglected calculus so far, and were attempting to spend only two days cramming the material for some complicated topic areas.

it was not surprising... i was already counting on having to retake it when i started studying for my finals, i just preferred to prepare myself better for other subjects, like mechanics, which have much bigger failing rates.
I have one month now, i have no classes and nothing to do really, so i can focus on studying, i think one month is enough time to prepare myself for it
 
WrongMan said:
it was not surprising... i was already counting on having to retake it when i started studying for my finals, i just preferred to prepare myself better for other subjects, like mechanics, which have much bigger failing rates.
I have one month now, i have no classes and nothing to do really, so i can focus on studying, i think one month is enough time to prepare myself for it

Did you fail the entire course?

It will basically (or should anyway) delay you taking E&M as well. Probably not a good idea to just let yourself fail classes like that.

For study materials, did you try reading the book instead of just the lecture notes from the professor?
 
I suggest you use your textbook as your primary resource and use other sources when you get stuck. When you get to the examples in the textbook, try to work through them on your own before looking at the solution.
 
  • #10
i passed. yay! ... thanks for all your suggestions
 
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  • #11
WrongMan said:
i passed. yay! ... thanks for all your suggestions

Stop neglecting class in the future, especially classes that are fundamental to your degree program. =)
 

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