Algebra+1+Midterm+Study+Guide

=2011 Algebra 1 Midterm Study Guide=

White 4: 7:50-9:10 Wednesday, January 19th 2011
As with any test, the most important thing is that you demonstrate as much good mathematics as possible. This is your opportunity to show me what you've learned this semester. Use your time wisely- 80 minutes is a long time, but you will probably want to use it all for working and checking. Some of you will finish early. If you do, take a break and then start checking answers and re-doing those that are incorrect.

Coverage & Exam Format:
The exam will have 50+ questions assessing all the material we studied this semester. Some questions will be short answer; others will be multiple choice. The exam will consist of one computerized section where you **may not** use a calculator and one written section where you may use a calculator. The written section will include a Supercorrection section consisting of four questions **directly from your past Supercorrected tests**! Our five units covered chapters 1-5 in your text book.

To review:

 * Skim through the text to remind yourself of the topics. Pay particular attention to the bold vocabulary words and the blue boxed information. The chapter reviews highlight the Key Skills. The worked examples should all make sense now. If you need a different explanation than the text's, use [|Purplemath.com].
 * Take a look at your Supercorrections from your old unit tests- are you prepared for **the question that will come directly from each test**? The best way to be prepared is to rework some of the problems from these tests.
 * Do the two optional revision homework assignments: p. 214/1-6, 9-38 and p. 272/1-48 (answers here).
 * Do extra problems: Begin by doing some from the Extra Practice beginning on p. 738- these problems are organized by section. Thatquiz.org has plenty of self-grading problems, and there will a section of the exam with these problems.
 * As you review, ask yourself what problems you should expect to see on the exam.
 * Take notes on your note card. Your note card can have formulas, definitions, reminders, words of wisdom, etc. There are only two requirements: 1) you may not include worked examples and 2) all work on the note card must be in your own handwriting. You will submit your note card with your exam- a good note card can earn you extra credit.

On the day of the Midterm Exam:

 * Make sure you're well rested- don't stay up late the night before and then try to compensate with an energy drink. Energy drinks do not focus your mind- studies show they make it more difficult to think and concentrate.
 * Get to the exam early if possible.
 * Don't forget your note card!
 * Bring a ruler, pencil, eraser, graph paper, and calculator.
 * **Don't forget your laptop!!!**

During the Midterm Exam:

 * Don't panic.
 * Remember that the only way to get a zero on the exam is to skip it, do nothing, or cheat.
 * On the multiple choice section, resist the temptation to just guess an answer. Do the problem as if it were not a multiple choice question, and then find your answer amongst the choices- if it's not there, look for your error!
 * Check, double check, triple check your answers.