Can I Pass Math 295/296 Test Out?

[TimeInquirer]

Hello, I recently came into an issue in regards to my course schedule. I talked to one of the professors in the math department and suggested I not take 3 science classes as well as math 295 (hardest math sequence my school has to offer). This puts me at issue in regards to meeting the math requirements for my physics classes. I then thought maybe testing out will be a creative solution. My question is whether or not it would be likely that I go through the Spivak Calculus book and Hoffman and Kunze's Linear Algebra all the while actually understanding the material. I have approximately 4 months to do this (over summer break) before I am issued a test out exam out of math 295 and maybe 296. The topics covered in these book are calculus 1,2,3, and linear algebra (theory based).I have had experience in these topics but only in terms of computing problems (Stewart calculus).

 

[Simon Bridge]

You are asking if you will be able to cram a whole math course into a short time well enough to pass the final for the course?
There is no way to tell, you have to ask someone who knows you and has seen you work.
Those courses take that amount of time for a reason.
Of course it is possible... I used to boast I could teach a whole paper in about a week... but I would expect you actual grade to take a hit and youd have retention trouble down the road. So much of the coursework is for practise.

 

[TimeInquirer]

Ah, I understand the point you make. My apologies for stating a vague question. I was asking whether or not it would be likely to learn all the material in a relatively sort frame of time; however, as you stated previously, it is dependent on the person. I will most likely attempt this challenge just to gauge my abilities. Thank you.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Oh sure - at worst, you will be really well prepared ;)

 

[IGU]

My question is whether or not it would be likely that I go through the Spivak Calculus book and Hoffman and Kunze's Linear Algebra all the while actually understanding the material. I have approximately 4 months to do this (over summer break)

If you want rigor (which is why you're talking about using Spivak, I'm guessing) you might want to use Apostol instead. He includes linear algebra at the end of Calculus Volume I. But these are serious books, meant for mathematicians rather than physicists. Heavy on theory. Are you sure that's what you're looking for? Understanding all the material well is not a job to be completed in four months unless you already have some good background in the subject.

 

[TimeInquirer]

What are the benefits of Apostol's math book instead of Spivak's?