Ways to PWN Calculus!

What is a Calculus exam?

OPTION ONEThe bane of your existence in this class.

OPTION TWOYour chance to showcase your mastery of our learning.

Calculus requires TIME.

Spend time looking at calculus BEFORE class, not just after.

Come to tutoring, even if it is just for reinforcement and double-checking.

Calculus is just like <insert activity you enjoy>… you have to practice to become better at it.

Do the assigned work… at a minimum.

Work together.

Math is not a spectator sport. Watching me talk is important, but it is the LEAST important component of your learning of calculus.

I am not the only person who has an understanding of calculus… actively talk to your peers, family, other teachers, etc.

Accept frustration.

Calculus is as difficult as you make it.Some questions require serious thought.Even if the solution is not immediately

obvious, you will have been given the tools in some way to approach it.

The key is not always finding “an answer”… but understanding why you are approaching a question a certain way.

Memorization is useless.

There is a difference between merely memorizing something actually knowing it.

Don’t assume a formula is true because I say it is… there is always a reason why.

Deriving the formulas reinforces previous concepts that you need to know anyway.

The key is not knowing the formulas, but knowing why you know them. ZING.

Mathematics is sequential.

There’s a reason the last math class you took was called PRE-CALCULUS.

Chances are we’ll use all that sine and cosine stuff.

If you don’t remember old material, don’t worry… we’ll review concepts as needed. And I won’t be upset. I promise.

Cramming is useless.

Using a calculator.

The calculator is your friend.The calculator is your enemy.Know when to use the calculator as a tool

to aid your understanding and when to avoid it so it is not a crutch that inhibits your learning.

This is especially important as we work toward the AP exam.