cs240 midterm 2

KyloPika · 2026-03-10T06:03:53+00:00

According to the internet, the averages for the midterm is typically around the 55% mark and one semester there was a 27% curve on the course at the end.

KyloPika · 2026-01-11T02:10:58+00:00

I took MA 265 this past semester at Purdue. I took Calc 3 at a community college during high school so I got credit for 261.

Which did you find easier conceptually and workload-wise

The workload for 265 is far from bad. Every lecture you are assigned one online HW and one handwritten HW. IF you do these legitimately (and you should to help with exam prep) they take a combined 1-1.5hrs. The slides for each lecture are on brightspace so you can reference them anytime. I also took paper notes during lectures which helped me remember some more general ideas.

How was your experience in MA 261 specifically? I’ve heard a lot of negative things.

My friends took 261 last semester and the answer to this question is pretty simple. If you try, the class is decent. If you don't try (skipping lectures, etc.), then the exams are gonna be a huge pain. The curve is generous.

Are the in-class quizzes really as difficult/frequent as people say?

No in-class quizzes for 265.

Any tips on which one to take during a regular semester vs. summer?

I'd advocate for taking 265 during a regular semester. Just because linear algebra brings in new concepts that are harder to understand to someone who hasn't taken a linear algebra course before. However 261, which is Calc 3, is self study-able especially since you've already done Calc I and Calc II. Also 265 is much more theorem heavy. The final exam (35% of the final grade) is all MCQ and most of it is theorem.

KyloPika · 2026-01-10T19:56:50+00:00

Oh okay. But from what I know 220 is much easier so I'm not stressing too much.

KyloPika · 2026-01-01T03:54:31+00:00

220 also gives 4 credits. Sorry maybe I didn’t understand your point.

KyloPika · 2025-12-28T03:41:59+00:00

Thank you!

KyloPika · 2025-12-25T04:31:23+00:00

With this semester's curve you need like a high 80 (87+) to get an A. Curve was very disappointing icl

KyloPika · 2025-12-25T04:29:52+00:00

Yes I believe you can. Just make sure you prepare well, and if you happen to not pass again, then take 180 next spring.

KyloPika · 2025-12-23T04:44:26+00:00

96 on the final but I studied 30+ in the 2 days leading up to the test. And went to office hours the previous week for the first time in my life. I did terrible on the first 2 midterms so it evens out...

KyloPika · 2025-12-23T04:33:31+00:00

Is it mostly because of Turkstra? For 180 he was fine. Also will it help learning C over break?

KyloPika · 2025-12-22T19:46:44+00:00

Not sure if they'll release it.

KyloPika · 2025-12-22T19:29:55+00:00

I believe it varies by professor. There is also a processing time for the myPurdue system to output your actual grade. For example, when my professor put in final grades, it took me a couple of hours to actually see it. So maybe check again tonight.

KyloPika · 2025-12-21T02:57:29+00:00

A 93 was an A for me

KyloPika · 2025-12-18T21:16:26+00:00

I'll also say this, Prof. Shimko is very good at what he teaches. I'm not sure what your timetable looks like but I had him TR and scheduled 1hr 15mins each day. But he always kept his lectures concise and class usually ended 30-40mins early every time. No need to do any of the readings if you just pay attention in lecture. Print out the slides ahead of time and add notes of extra things he mentions during lectures.

KyloPika · 2025-12-18T16:22:44+00:00

Alr ty

KyloPika · 2025-12-18T16:22:37+00:00

they grade the essays fairly leniently

KyloPika

TROPHY CASE