Have I Covered the Basic Maths Needed for MIT Physics?

[kerol9904]

Hi all. This is my first post, so I hope this is the correct place to post.

I have been studying maths at Kumon for the past years. I just want to see if I have covered the basic maths needed for studying physics (start with MIT 8.01 maybe?). When I browse through this forum, I have no idea if I have studied the subject. So, I would like someone to help me knowing the topics (i.e. Precalc, Calc.1, Calc.2 etc.) of each of the levels. (Not all. Just from level G maybe?)
Here's the link to the general description of the levels covered in Kumon Maths.
http://www.kumon.com/miscellaneous/kumon_math_levels.pdf

Thanks in advance!

 

[Vanadium 50]

I am not 100% sure what you are asking, but if you are asking whether G is enough to study 8.01, the answer is no. 8.01 expects pretty much that whole sheet. More importantly, it expects the student to be facile with mathematics at that level: the student needs to be good enough with the material that a mathematical explanation will be enlightening and not more confuising.

 

[kerol9904]

No. That's not what I mean. I meant that can I get a rough idea of what the levels are covering?
For example, level XX is covering Precalculus or level YY is covering Calculus. I would like to know the level's standard in terms of US(?) system.
Another thing I want to ask is that what is the minimum level to start 8.01? Certainly it's not all of the levels, right?

I certainly wasn't expecting G to be enough for 8.01.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It doesn't map cleanly onto the US system.

8.01 would require roughly Level N to start and roughly completion of Level O before finishing. 8.01 has 18.01 as a co-requisite, and 18.01 is a fairly fast-paced calculus class. But as I said, the real issue is that it assumes facility with the mathematics. Being able to eventually grind out a problem at Level O is not enough.

 

[kerol9904]

But as I said, the real issue is that it assumes facility with the mathematics. Being able to eventually grind out a problem at Level O is not enough.

So, you mean that I have to fully master the maths so that I can apply it to the physics? If that's what you mean, then any tips that you can provide? I would really like to start with physics early since it's my passion.

 

[jtbell]

Keep in mind that this is an MIT course. Students in intro physics at MIT are not like students in intro physics at most other universities. Most or all of them are probably very bright, very well prepared, and very strongly motivated.