Comparing Calculus ABCD to 1,2,3: What's the Difference and Do I Need Both?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison between two calculus sequences: the ABCD sequence and the traditional 1, 2, 3 sequence. Participants explore the content covered in these courses and whether completing the ABCD sequence negates the need for the 1, 2, 3 sequence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes they are currently taking calculus ABCD and has completed Calc C, which included topics like convergent and divergent series, power series, vectors in 3D, and polar coordinates.
  • Another participant suggests that one could start at Calc 3, indicating that it covers 3D vector operators such as Divergence, Gradient, and Curl.
  • Some participants provide context about UCLA's calculus system, which consists of 6 semesters (31A/B, 32A/B, 33A/B) compared to the typical 1, 2, 3 sequence followed by most colleges.
  • There is a question about whether linear algebra is included in UCLA's calculus sequence, which is confirmed by another participant who states that 33A is linear algebra and 33B is an introduction to differential equations.
  • It is suggested that UCLA's sequence effectively combines the content of calculus ABCD with linear algebra and differential equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various perspectives on the comparison between the two sequences, but there is no consensus on whether completing ABCD eliminates the need for 1, 2, 3. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the equivalency of the two sequences.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific content and structure of the courses, as well as the assumptions about prerequisites and course equivalencies that may vary by institution.

physicsnewb7
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Im currently taking night courses and all they offer is calculus ABCD. I just finished calc C and the course covered convergent and divergent series, power series, vectors in 3d, and polar coordinates. I was wondering how ABCD compare to 1,2,3? If I complete ABCD does that mean i don't need to take calc 1,2,3?
 
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You could start at Calc 3. That's where you get your 3d vector operators Div Grad and Curl
 
just a fun fact:

UCLA's Calculus system is 6 semesters:

31A/B
32A/B
33A/B

versus

the typical calc 1,2,3 linear algebra, differential equations typical path for most colleges and universities
 
thrill3rnit3 said:
just a fun fact:

UCLA's Calculus system is 6 semesters:

31A/B
32A/B
33A/B

versus

the typical calc 1,2,3 linear algebra, differential equations typical path for most colleges and universities

Is linear algebra covered in their calculus sequence?
 
qntty said:
Is linear algebra covered in their calculus sequence?

yes.

33A is linear algebra, and 33B is intro to diff equations

so I guess their sequence is just like calc abcd + those two classes.
 

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