- #1
LogicalAcid
- 137
- 0
Only one in the class, not to brag, just happy that I did well. It was simple stuff, combing polynomials, finding area of polygons, linear equations .
Challenges and Triumphs in Calculus: A Student's Perspective
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around students' experiences and perceptions of calculus, particularly in relation to their current understanding and future studies. It includes reflections on foundational topics such as polynomials and linear equations, as well as anticipations for upcoming calculus courses.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses satisfaction in performing well on basic mathematical concepts, including polynomials and area calculations.
- Another participant congratulates the first and encourages continued success.
- A challenge is posed to prove the Pythagorean theorem as a beneficial exercise, suggesting a connection to future calculus studies.
- A reference is made to a proof found in "The Road to Reality," indicating interest in deeper mathematical concepts.
- Some participants share their views on calculus, with one noting that it hasn't been particularly challenging so far, while acknowledging a common mental block among students.
- There is a discussion about the varying perceptions of difficulty in calculus, with one participant indicating that their experience may differ from that of the average student.
- A participant mentions their enrollment in Calculus BC and expresses excitement for future topics like Linear Algebra and multivariable calculus.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and differing perspectives regarding the difficulty of calculus. While some find it manageable, others suggest that a mental block may affect many students' experiences.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference their specific experiences with calculus and related subjects, which may not represent a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by all students in these areas.
Who May Find This Useful
Students preparing for calculus, educators interested in student perspectives, and individuals curious about the transition from basic mathematics to calculus.
- #2
fluidistic
Gold Member
- 3,934
- 286
Congrats. Continue like that. 
- #3
lompocus
- 19
- 0
congrats. Now, prove the pythagorean theory (try on your own!). Do this by tomorrow, it will be an excellent exercise :D.
Calculus by next year, right? :D
Calculus by next year, right? :D
- #4
Kevin_Axion
- 912
- 3
There's an awesome proof in The Road to Reality.
- #5
theJorge551
- 66
- 0
lompocus said:
Heh, it wasn't that hard.
- #6
lompocus
- 19
- 0
theJorge551 said:Heh, it wasn't that hard.
Only that silly mental block toward it everyone has :O.
- #7
theJorge551
- 66
- 0
lompocus said:
...I can't really tell if you're being sarcastic or serious here...
I don't think everyone has said mental block..- #8
lompocus
- 19
- 0
sorry, it's a mix of both :P. The comment is sarcastic in that I don't see anything difficult with at least what I've seen in calc so far (and please note that what I've covered is only the ap calc stuff), while being serious when taken from the point of view of the average student in an ap calc class. I'm too vague, and these smilies :O are not conveying enough information xD...
- #9
theJorge551
- 66
- 0
lompocus said:
Haha, I see what you mean. I'm taking Calc BC, and basically skipped pre-calc. Just a junior though I pretty much agree with you there, the average intro calculus student seems to be quite out of it. Can't wait for Linear Algebra (or multivariable calc...or both
) next year. ^_^Similar threads
- · Replies 18 ·
- · Replies 16 ·
- · Replies 45 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 17 ·
- · Replies 5 ·