Session 05-08 - Full Mock Exam 1

Section 05: Differential Calculus

Dr. Nikolai Heinrichs & Dr. Tobias Vlćek

Welcome

First Full-Length Assessment

Mock Exam 1 - Your First Complete Practice

Today marks an important milestone: your first complete 180-minute examination under exam conditions.

Purpose of This Assessment

• Diagnostic: Identify strengths and areas needing attention
• Practice: Experience full exam timing and pacing
• Confidence: Build familiarity with exam format and pressure
• Strategic: Learn to allocate time across complex problems

Mock Exam Overview

Today’s Examination

Full Mock Exam 1

• Duration: 180 minutes (full exam length)
• Reading Time: 15 minutes (use wisely!)
• Total Points: 100 points
• Structure: 3 comprehensive problems with multiple parts
• Coverage: All topics through differential calculus (Sections 01-05)
• Format: Exact exam conditions - no assistance during exam

Success Strategies

Critical Exam Tips

Maximize Your Performance

Time Management:

• Allocate time proportionally: ~0.7 minutes per point
• Don’t get stuck! Move on after 10 minutes without progress
• Save 10-15 minutes at the end for review

Problem Selection:

• Start with the problem that feels most comfortable
• Secure foundation points first (parts a-c typically)
• Partial credit is available - show your method even if incomplete

What to Do During the Exam

Systematic Approach

For Each Problem:

1. Read carefully - every word matters, especially units and restrictions
2. Identify what’s given and what you need to find
3. Plan your approach before writing
4. Show all work - clear steps earn partial credit
5. Label everything - variables, units, axes, key points
6. Verify solutions - substitute back when possible
7. State conclusions in complete sentences when asked

Logistics & Next Steps

Examination Procedure

During the Exam:

• Work silently and independently
• Raise your hand if you need clarification (factual only, no hints)
• You may leave early if finished, but cannot return
• Submit all work sheets (including scratch paper if used)

After the Exam:

• Take a well-deserved break!
• Don’t stress about what you couldn’t complete

Next Session Preview

Session 06-01: Exam Review & Introduction to Integration

Next time we will:

• Review Mock Exam 1 solutions in detail
• Begin Section 06: Integral Calculus
• Introduce antiderivatives as reverse differentiation

Preparation:

• Review any topics you found challenging today
• Bring specific questions about exam problems
• Don’t worry if some parts were difficult - that’s the point of practice!

Final Words

You Are Ready!

Trust Your Preparation

• Mathematical foundations (number systems, exponents, logarithms)
• Equation-solving techniques (linear through exponential)
• Function theory (all major types and transformations)
• Advanced functions (polynomials, rational, exponential)
• Complete differential calculus (limits through optimization)

This mock exam is a learning tool, not a final judgment. Use it to identify what you know well and what needs more practice. Everyone struggles with their first full-length exam!

Good luck! You’ve got this!