Another prof suggested in class that the Related Rates problem on the Feb. 16 midterm exam will be one where they talk about a point moving along a curve.  Those are the easiest kind.  That means they will give you the equation and you don't even need to bother drawing a picture (if you are told to, just pick a few points, like x= -1, 0, 1, and make a table of values and draw a quick picture).

 

All you have to do is d/dt both sides of the given equation and sub in the givens.  Watch for product rules and illegal derivatives.

 

My Lesson 7 Practise Problem question 1 (page 201) is an example.