Session 05-08 - Full Mock Exam 1

Section 05: Differential Calculus

Author

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.

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NotePurpose 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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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!

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Good luck! You’ve got this!