Some preparations for the first cumulative test

  1. See this page for general information on test preparation and test taking.

  2. This is one of four cumulative tests we'll have this semester. A test carries about the same weight as two WebAssign quizzes.

  3. The test will be completely free response. There will be no multiple choice. You won't be allowed to use a computer during the test. It's also up to you to bring a calculator with fresh batteries. Note, however, that the problems aren't designed to require much calculation.

  4. In order to cut down on paper shuffling, don't bring your equation page to the test. Instead, the equations you may use will be printed on the cover page of the test. The cover page will be posted the day before the test so that you can see what equations are provided.

  5. The test covers everything we've done through Ch. 2. That includes laboratory work. In fact, there's typically a problem designed to test lab and analysis skills.

  6. You need to work efficiently on tests. Part of becoming an efficient problem solver is solving many problems. That is, you need practice. There are plenty of end-of-chapter problems for practice. Answers to the odd-numbered problems are in the back of the text. You should be doing some of these problems without the teacher assigning them.

  7. We've had one major problem type so far. That is the dvat type. You need to be able to apply that problem-solving method. You won't be provided a fill-in-the-cell template for doing so, but you're still expected to carry out the steps in the method.

  8. Remember that when solving a problem, a symbolic solution is expected. Numbers are substituted only at the end. Whenever substituting numbers, units must be included.

  9. An exception to the using problem-solving method is that you don't have to show checks on a test unless you're specifically requested to do so in the problem statement.

Added the afternoon/evening of 9-21:


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