How Does Pre-Calculus Enhance Your Understanding of Physics?

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SUMMARY

Pre-calculus serves as a foundational course that bridges algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculus, enhancing the understanding of physics concepts. Key equations such as distance = rate * time and work = force * distance illustrate the application of these mathematical principles in real-world scenarios. However, real-world conditions often involve non-constant variables, necessitating calculus for more complex problem-solving. This discussion emphasizes the importance of mastering pre-calculus to effectively tackle physics challenges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algebraic functions, specifically linear functions like f(x) = x
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry and geometry concepts
  • Familiarity with fundamental physics equations such as distance = rate * time
  • Basic comprehension of calculus principles for advanced problem-solving
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between algebraic functions and physical phenomena
  • Explore the applications of trigonometry in physics, particularly in wave motion
  • Learn about calculus concepts such as limits and derivatives to handle non-constant variables
  • Investigate real-world physics problems that require calculus for solutions
USEFUL FOR

Students in pre-calculus or introductory calculus courses, physics learners, and educators seeking to connect mathematical concepts with physical applications.

Nano-Passion
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How does what you learn in pre-calculus relate to the physics that we use?

I'm in pre-calc right now so I find it interesting. One thing I persume is that certain functions such as f(x)\=x can show proportional growth of energy and acceleration or time?
 
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Nano-Passion said:
How does what you learn in pre-calculus relate to the physics that we use?

I'm in pre-calc right now so I find it interesting. One thing I persume is that certain functions such as f(x)\=x can show proportional growth of energy and acceleration or time?

I presume that by "pre-calc" you mean algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Knowing these subjects you can solve problems such as:

distance = rate * time
work = force*distance

These equations work fine as long as the rate is constant in the first and the force is constant in the second example. But in the real world they usually aren't constant. An automobile moving from point A to point B doesn't necessarily travel at a constant speed. And a planet moving past the sun doesn't experience a constant force.

Calculus allows you to solve such problems and many others where the parameters aren't all constant.
 
LCKurtz said:
I presume that by "pre-calc" you mean algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Knowing these subjects you can solve problems such as:

No pre-calculus is the name of my course. It is a introductory to calculus course in essence.
 
Nano-Passion said:
No pre-calculus is the name of my course. It is a introductory to calculus course in essence.

Pre-calculus is a transition class from introductions in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry into an introductory understanding of calculus. Most pre-calculus classes spend large amounts of time covering topics required to "do the work" in calculus.

LCKurtz's answer still applies.
 
Relativistic Momentum, Mass, and Energy Momentum and mass (...), the classic equations for conserving momentum and energy are not adequate for the analysis of high-speed collisions. (...) The momentum of a particle moving with velocity ##v## is given by $$p=\cfrac{mv}{\sqrt{1-(v^2/c^2)}}\qquad{R-10}$$ ENERGY In relativistic mechanics, as in classic mechanics, the net force on a particle is equal to the time rate of change of the momentum of the particle. Considering one-dimensional...

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