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2slowtogofast
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what should one know before taking calc 1. i don't feel i was prepared enough going from high school math right to calc in college. to not be so general what in the past comes up most that you use a lot in calc.
2slowtogofast said:what should one know before taking calc 1. i don't feel i was prepared enough going from high school math right to calc in college. to not be so general what in the past comes up most that you use a lot in calc.
bel said:Know all your circular and hyperbolic functions well, and memorise your trigonometric identities.
mathwonk said:basic algebra is the main obstacle for my students, and every other teacher I know says that too.
simple stuff like factoring a^3 - b^3, or dividing polynomials, or exponent rules.
some students cannot simplify (27)^1/3 without a calculator.
it helps to review also [some stuff clipped out] straight line through two points.
and please remember that a^2 + b^2 does not equal (a+b)^2.
2slowtogofast said:is this what you me by hyperbolic functions.
find the standard for of the hyperbolic equation given. center (5,-3) vertex (7,-3) and focus (9, -3)
You are worrying too much. If n is even, this should be fairly easy to start; if n is odd, then try dividing by (a - b) and see what the quotient is. Can you factor this quotient by inspection and experience?rook_b said:Well, this is a somewhat embarrassing question, but how exactly does one factor a^3-b^3 or more generally a^n-b^n? I spent some time thinking about it once but it just isn't obvious to me.
Howers said:Learn sets and set notation. Sets are so important but misunderstood by so many first years. S = {p|q} means the set of all objects (elements) p with the property q. The property can be anything like, the elements have to be < 3 or have to be integers. Get into closed and open set notation too [). Understand logarithms, trig, and sigma notation, and limits. You won't need to worry about having derivatives down, as they will be reviewed extensively.
You can also get Stewart's Calculus and do the appendices, which can be done in about a week.
Howers said:You can also get Stewart's Calculus and do the appendices, which can be done in about a week.
So you are saying that the course you need first is "PreCalculus", or Elementary Functions, before you take Calculus 1. That seems reasonable. DO IT! You will help to ensure a strong review of Trigonometry and you will extend some of your Algebra knowledge and skills. You will be less likely of being weak in Algebra. The course might also at least introduce you to the "Limit" idea, and well as review sequences and series in more detail than what you found in "Intermediate Algebra".2slowtogofast said:Thats actully the book I am working out of. I have another question. I go to school to day for my first day an apparently i need another course befor i take calc. but i was told the course i took in High School was good enough. My prof gave me the option of what i want to do. Heres the description of the course i already took.
A study of trigonometry and analytic geometry. Topics included will be fundamental trigonometry, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, inverse trigonometric functions, oblique triangles, complex numbers, analytic geometry, systems of quadratic equations, and inequalities
heres what they say i should have taken
Sets and real numbers, functions, theory of polynomials, transcendental functions, sequences and series, 2-and 3-dimensional coordinate systems, vectors and matrices, Binomial Theorem, mathematical induction.
So stay in calc or take this course above. the book for the course i should have taken only differs from my book in the course i already took by 2 chapters. so what do you think??
2slowtogofast said:Thats actully the book I am working out of. I have another question. I go to school to day for my first day an apparently i need another course befor i take calc. but i was told the course i took in High School was good enough. My prof gave me the option of what i want to do. Heres the description of the course i already took.
A study of trigonometry and analytic geometry. Topics included will be fundamental trigonometry, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, inverse trigonometric functions, oblique triangles, complex numbers, analytic geometry, systems of quadratic equations, and inequalities
heres what they say i should have taken
Sets and real numbers, functions, theory of polynomials, transcendental functions, sequences and series, 2-and 3-dimensional coordinate systems, vectors and matrices, Binomial Theorem, mathematical induction.
So stay in calc or take this course above. the book for the course i should have taken only differs from my book in the course i already took by 2 chapters. so what do you think??
leright said:I don't recall using set theory much in calculus.
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with rates of change and the accumulation of quantities. It is used to study a wide range of topics, including motion, growth, optimization, and more. It is an essential subject for many scientific and engineering fields.
Yes, it is recommended to have a strong foundation in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry before taking Calc 1. A solid understanding of these topics will make it easier to grasp the concepts in Calculus.
Calc 1 typically covers limits, derivatives, and integrals of functions, as well as applications of these concepts. It also introduces the fundamental theorem of calculus and techniques for finding derivatives and integrals.
This can vary depending on the individual, but it is generally recommended to spend at least 2-3 hours studying for every hour of class time. It is also beneficial to review material regularly and practice solving problems.
Some tips for success in Calc 1 include attending all classes, taking thorough notes, completing assigned homework, practicing problems regularly, and seeking help from your professor or a tutor if needed. It is also important to stay organized and manage your time effectively.