Havn't taken calc 3 in about a year now having to take vector calc, any adivce?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around preparing for the second half of a calculus course, specifically MATH 232: Integral Vector Calculus, after switching from computer engineering to computer science. The user expresses a lack of memory regarding the first half of calculus 3, which covered topics like multidimensional analytic geometry and vector calculus. Recommendations include reviewing vector calculus concepts such as partial derivatives, dot and cross products, divergence, curl, and gradients. It is suggested that contacting the professor for guidance on specific topics to review could be beneficial. Additionally, a book titled "Div, Grad, Curl, and All That" by H. M. Schey is recommended as a helpful resource for understanding vector calculus.
mr_coffee
Messages
1,613
Reaction score
1
Hello everyone. Awhile ago I took honors calc 3, but only the 2 credit course, not the 4 becuase computer engineering didn't require the 4 credits. But now that I switched to computer science I have to take the 2nd half of calc 3 but I don't remember hardly anything.

This is the description of the course:
MATH 232 INTEGRAL VECTOR CALCULUS ( 2) Multidimensional analytic geometry, double and triple integrals; potential fields; flux; Green's, divergence and Stokes' theorems.

Any recommendations on what I should brush up on before getting into this course? Classes don't start until the 16 th so I have some time I can review.

I don't even remember what the first half of calc 3 even taught me, like the saying goes, if you don't use it, you loose it. I thought it was a lot of drawing of different shapes and taking derivatives of more than 1 variable which I also forgot how to do but I'll be able to catch on quickly I'm sure. Eh this is going to be fun. I do remeber getting an A in calc 3 first half though :blushing:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Lets see, Calc 3. At my university that normally is series/sequences, non-cartesian coordinate systems, and basic vector calc. So my best guess for the second half would be make sure you go over any vector calc from before and partial derivatives.

But I don't know your course's sylibus, so this is just my best guess.
 
Knowing some basic derivatives/integrals and vector operations (dot/cross product, are there others?) would probably be enough to get you going.

edit.. Probably partial derivatives too, and maybe divergence, curl, and gradients (I am guessing you covered that in your first part of calc 3?).

The person who would know best would be the professor that is teaching your class next semester, just send him/her an e-mail.
 
Last edited:
thanks for the responces guys,

good idea matt, i forgot all about e-mail, i'll do that
 
Buy a copy of :

"div grad curl and all that, an informal text on vector calculus" by h. m. schey. It is a wonderful book on vector calculus and an "easy" read (at least for the math inclined).
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

Similar threads

Back
Top