How can Calculus classes be a student's dream?

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A recent discussion highlighted the experience of purchasing a Calculus book for just $0.75 and using spring break for a refresher course. Participants noted that Calculus classes often allow cheat sheets, which are extensive tables of integrals and useful references, unlike traditional exams that may not permit such aids. Some shared experiences of open-book and open-note exams in upper-level math courses, contrasting with others who had more restrictive testing environments. The conversation also touched on the challenges of specific problems in Calculus II, emphasizing the benefit of having unlimited time during exams, although this can lead to physical discomfort from prolonged focus.
Ben-CS
First of all, I recently purchased a Calculus book for a real bargain: $ 0.75 + tax! I spent spring break giving myself a refresher course. Whee!

On to business: I think Calculus classes deserve special mention. They are among the very rare classes where cheat sheets are not only permitted, but required. Gotta love those integration tables! They're sometimes 30+ pages long, but...oh, well.
 
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really? i don't recall anything like that when i took calc. no cheatsheets, no calculators.
 
Cheet sheets? I'm not sure what they are. Can anyone tell me?
 
Cheat sheets are in reference to the table of integrals.

Not necessarily a "cheat sheet" but rather a useful reference to classes of integrals (like Wallis formulas and things like that).

I remember haveing to use that when I took Calculus II last year. It saved me a lot of time (but I didn't rely on it so much).
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of mathematics! In my upper-level math classes in college, like ~90% of the exams were open-book and open-note, and many were also infinite-time!
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of mathematics! In my upper-level math classes in college, like ~90% of the exams were open-book and open-note, and many were also infinite-time!

Wow, we didn't have open book or open note test (and the way how our books were written, it was better to go without it).

Speaking of infinite time, that reminded me of Calculus II exams. I remember doing one chapter on Integral techniques and there was one particular problem that remained elusive to me. I probably spent a good 2 or 3 hours on that particular problem and the great thing is that the professor allowed me all the time I needed.

Of course, hunger pains and thirst began to set in, my eyes were strained and my hand aching, so I had to call it a day.
 
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