Taking Calc 3 w/out taking calc 2?

In summary, the original poster is wondering if they can handle Calculus 3 (multivariable) without taking Calculus 2 formally. They have taken a class in Calculus 1 and self-studied Calculus 2, but are unsure if they should take it for fear of failing Calculus 3. They will also be taking Linear Algebra and have experience in algebra and topology. Other posters suggest restudying Calculus 2 and say that it would be doable, but it may be harder than a traditional Calculus 3 class. Some mention that their Calculus 3 class did not use series, but others warn that not all classes may be the same. One poster mentions their experience at a university,
  • #1
Coolphreak
46
0
hopefully this is the right place to ask this. But do you think I would be able to handle calculus 3 (multivariable) without taking (formally) calculus 2? I'm going to be a high school senior next year, and I've taken a class in calc 1. I've self studied the material in calc 2 and it doesn't really seem that hard. The hardest part is probably series, but is that even used a lot in calc 3? I'll also be taking Linear Algebra this summer, so I'll be familiar with matrices, vectors, etc. I don't want to take the Calc 2 for many reasons (mainly scheduling), but if I'm going to totally fail Calc 3 I might as well take Calc 2. I'll also contact the professor later. I also have some experience in algebra and topology but I don't think that really matters lol
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
As far as knowledge of material goes, you would be fine if you just got down trig-sub and other methods of integration (you don't use series in Calc 3, but they should become a familiarity for later math). Calc 2 is good for gaining techniques and math skills regardless of whether or not you can reproduce integration methods.

It would be like playing soccer, and saying that even though you know how to do head balls, you don't want to practice and master them.
 
  • #3
I imagine it would be difficult but possible. Typically self-study isn't a substitute for an actual class. The main problem is mastery--you can read over a text and understand it, but if you don't also practice it probably won't stick with you.
 
  • #4
JohnDuck has the right general idea. You should restudy Calculus 2 (again, on your own) starting right now; and continue studying it until maybe four or five days before you begin your Calculus 3. In case you were a bit deficient during your first self paced study of Calc. 2, the second time through will only help you; YES, it is possible to enroll in Calculus 3 without having officially enrolled to study Calculus 2. Did you use some of Calculus 2 skills in any physics or engineering courses? ... Even better!
 
  • #5
Thanks for the advice. I'm still contemplating though. As long as I won't fail calc 3, I want to take it. However, when I get to college, I'll probably take calc 2.
 
  • #6
where are you taking linear algebra? community colleges don't offer linear algebra and universities don't accept high school students.
 
  • #7
community colleges don't offer linear algebra

Yes they do. In fact I took linear algebra at a cc and I was able to transfer the credit to a top university. It was a pretty rigorous course, too. (even though the grading was a little on the easy side.)
 
  • #8
i'm taking linear algebra at the community college. btw, I also know of several high school students who take classes at universities, I just don't have one close enough to take any.
 
  • #9
Good luck! I think it'll be harder than Calc 3 normally is but do-able.
Calc 2 seems mainly like techniques of integration+applications+series to me.
Just be sure to look at a lot of integrals and solve em to be sure you're where you should be.
 
  • #10
Calc 3 moves pretty slowly at the beginning as well; at least mine did. The first month or so was just a more rigorous rehashing of pre-calc analytical geometry, trigonometry, and vectors. It was probably week 6 or so before I saw an integral. You should have plenty of time to catch up with your calc 2 while you're waiting for calc 3 to get to the actual calculus.
 
  • #11
The first month or so was just a more rigorous rehashing of pre-calc analytical geometry, trigonometry, and vectors.

The original poster shouldn't count on this being the case in every multivariable calculus class. If you don't see an integral for six weeks, you are probably in a class at a school with a lot of unprepared students.
 
  • #12
Coolphreak said:
hopefully this is the right place to ask this. But do you think I would be able to handle calculus 3 (multivariable) without taking (formally) calculus 2? I'm going to be a high school senior next year, and I've taken a class in calc 1. I've self studied the material in calc 2 and it doesn't really seem that hard. The hardest part is probably series, but is that even used a lot in calc 3? I'll also be taking Linear Algebra this summer, so I'll be familiar with matrices, vectors, etc. I don't want to take the Calc 2 for many reasons (mainly scheduling), but if I'm going to totally fail Calc 3 I might as well take Calc 2. I'll also contact the professor later. I also have some experience in algebra and topology but I don't think that really matters lol
I don't see why not-- I practically self-studied calculus I and II, did a semester of calculus in high school (which was a combination of trig subs and dynamics) and have taken (well, the final's in about 3 hours) multivariable integral/vector calculus.
We haven't used any series in this course so I guess you'd probably be good to go in that regard-- depends on your school I guess.
Then again, I'm talking about university-- it'll probably be even easier for you as a high school senior.
 
  • #13
Wolf of the Ste said:
The original poster shouldn't count on this being the case in every multivariable calculus class. If you don't see an integral for six weeks, you are probably in a class at a school with a lot of unprepared students.

No, this was at UTexas, 11th in the nation in my program (EE); not top tier, but not a CC either. But whatever, I know that classes vary from school to school. That's why at the beginning I qualified my statement by saying that this is what I experienced.
 
  • #14
But was your calc III in the EE department, or was it a school-wide class? It just seems like a long time for reviewing pre-calc. Vectors should take a week or so.

I'm just curious... Not trying to make an argument. I actually took calc-3 at a CC and we didn't even take 6 weeks to get that far! And at my new school, the quarters are almost over in 6 weeks. :)
 
  • #15
thanks. just to confirm...the main methods of integration would include: substitution, trig substitution, integration by parts, integration by partial fractions, improper integrals, and maybe polar areas/integrals. Am I missing anything?
 
  • #16
Don't think so-- but I would think polar integrals are part of Calculus III. (Since the idealized formula 1/2 integral r^2 d theta is a direct consequence of the Jacobian transformation of the area integral)
 

1. Can I take Calc 3 without taking Calc 2?

Yes, it is possible to take Calc 3 without taking Calc 2. However, it is not recommended as Calc 3 builds upon concepts learned in Calc 2 and it may be more difficult to understand the material without prior knowledge.

2. Will I be at a disadvantage in Calc 3 if I haven't taken Calc 2?

Yes, you may be at a disadvantage in Calc 3 if you haven't taken Calc 2. As mentioned before, Calc 3 builds upon concepts from Calc 2 and not having that foundation may make it more challenging to understand the material.

3. What topics from Calc 2 are necessary for Calc 3?

The topics from Calc 2 that are necessary for Calc 3 include derivatives, integrals, and their applications. Other important topics include techniques of integration, polar coordinates, and parametric equations.

4. Can I self-study Calc 2 and still succeed in Calc 3?

While self-studying Calc 2 may provide some understanding of the necessary topics, it is not recommended as it may not cover all the material needed for Calc 3. It is best to take Calc 2 in a formal setting to ensure you have a strong foundation for Calc 3.

5. Are there any resources I can use to catch up on topics from Calc 2?

Yes, there are many resources available such as textbooks, online tutorials, and practice problems that can help you catch up on topics from Calc 2. Additionally, seeking help from a tutor or professor can also be beneficial in understanding the material.

Similar threads

  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
930
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
990
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
794
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
969
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
4K
Back
Top