The Math 129 Duet

(i) A Midterm Poem for My Students

To my students who are feeling down,
Your midterm may have caused a frown.
Yet there’s more to you than just one grade,
Your potential cannot be weighed.

Sequences and limits can cause some pain,
But with L’Hopital’s rule, you’ll not be in vain.
Partial fraction decomposition may be a chore,
But with practice, it’ll soon be easy to adore.

Trig substitution and integration by parts,
Can feel like a maze that twists and starts.
Please keep going, for it’s just a test,
And soon you’ll be among the very best.

Just don’t let tough problems bring you down,
For you are talented, don’t let the spirit drown.
Embrace all mistakes with open arms,
They’ll pave the way to prevent future harms.

So keep your head up and your heart strong,
Never let any setback take away your song.
Keep learning and growing, and with time you’ll see,
Calculus will soon become a breeze for thee!

Your friend in time of need,
Ivan

(ii) A Final Poem for My Students

The Final Day is drawing near
My fellow scholars, I wish you cheer
May problems be met with ease
And solutions emerge like a breeze

Rise and prevail, one and all
You shall triumph, big and small
Show your knowledge with limitless pride
And may your good luck forever abide

Your friend in time of need,
Ivan