Miami University

 John Westman

Short Writing Assignment for Students

2003 Workshop on Improving Student Writing

Center for Writing Excellence

Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching

MTH 151 Writing Assignment

Due in 1 week in class

Focus and Rationale:

The goal of this writing exercise is to understand and explain the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC).  The FTC is paramount to calculus and provides the bridge between differential and integral calculus.  Whenever we apply a theorem we must make sure that all of the assumptions are valid so that the application of the theorem is meaningful.  Furthermore it is necessary to understand how the theorem is applied to solve problems. 

The Assignment: 

Each of the three mathematical statements below contains at least one flaw or abuse of the FTC.  You need to identify the problem(s) with each statement and provide a correction so that the resulting statement is true.  Keep in mind that true understanding of the FTC would allow you to provide accurate and succinct explanations.

1. 
2.  where F(x) is an antiderivative of f(x)
3. 

Criteria for Evaluation:

1. You should write up each statement as a single paragraph using complete sentences that would explain to a fellow MTH 151 student the solution to the problem.  The style of writing should integrate words and mathematics in your write up.  Proofread the paper for correctness, clarity, grammar, and spelling.  Make sure that you incorporate the mathematical notation with the guidelines provided for the class.  The examples in the textbook are great illustrations of how you should structure your solutions.  Pay particular attention on how mathematical symbols are presented.
2. Correctness of the mathematics.  Make sure that you include any assumptions that you make or explanations necessary to apply the FTC.
3. You must use a word processor that has equation capability to write the paper, for example Microsoft Word with Equation Editor 3.0 available in the computer labs on campus. 
4. The write up of these problems should take 1 to 2 pages double-spaced at 11 point Times New Roman.  Make sure that you do not have bad spacing around centered equations.

Please ask me any questions that you have on this assignment.  If you want I will look over a draft copy of your paper in office hours and offer suggestions for improvement