I know more calculus than precalc (entering univ. in the fall)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges and strategies of transitioning from precalculus to calculus, particularly for students entering university engineering programs. Participants share their experiences with precalculus education, self-study approaches, and the importance of understanding trigonometry in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their lack of precalculus knowledge due to a poor high school experience and questions whether to review trigonometry separately or continue learning it alongside calculus.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully learning advanced topics without a strong precalculus background, suggesting that revisiting material as needed can be effective.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of mastering trigonometric functions and identities, noting that these are crucial for success in calculus and may have been inadequately covered in precalculus courses.
  • There is a suggestion that familiarity with the unit circle and trigonometric identities is essential for progressing in calculus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of understanding trigonometry for calculus, but there is no consensus on whether a dedicated review of trigonometry is necessary or if learning it concurrently with calculus is sufficient.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific topics like conic sections that may pose challenges without a solid precalculus foundation, indicating that individual experiences may vary based on prior knowledge.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for university-level calculus, particularly those with limited precalculus experience or those transitioning from high school to college mathematics.

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Here's the deal...I had a really bad precalc teacher in high school. She had a baby a week into the course and we had a generic watch-movies, do crossword puzzles sub for the rest of the year. The class made me unmotivated for math, so I didn't try to learn anything on my own.

This year in ap calculus, I had a good teacher, but a slow class. We only spent about 2 weeks on integrals. I plan to self-study Calculus this summer. I don't know much trig other than what I've had to use in calculus.

So far it's been okay just picking up on the trig that I need to know as I'm learning in Calculus. Is it fine to continue like this, or should I spend a week or two reviewing solely trig?


I'm also going to self-study physics some this summer because I've never taken a class (scheduling issues...) I was given a textbook for scientists and engineers. :)

I'm going to school for engineering (chemical, most likely). I really enjoy calculus. I got a 710 on the Math IIC sat subject test a few weeks ago. I am most positive that I got all of the alegbra questions right and only missed trig. I also expect to get a 4 on the AB calc test, to give you some idea of comparison to others.
 
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I'm in the same boat, and I haven't had any trouble yet. I just finished learning real analysis and some group theory this semester. If I need some pre-calc stuff I just go back to the book and figure out what I'm missing.
 
You'll definitely want to get to know your trig functions inside and out (however you decide to do this is up to you, do it the way in which you'll learn best). The only other thing that screwed me up because of my absence of pre-calc knowledge was conic sections (we briefly covered these again in Calc II), but if you know your trig well you should be just fine for beginning calculus.
 
the main things would be your units circle and all of the trigometric identities which you probably have been exposed to. I would try to have the basics memorized though. You'll find it useful later on.
 

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