Is It Possible for a 9th Grader to Learn Calculus?

[Sankaku]

Calculus is typically not easy except for the gifted, even when they have taken the normal sequence of prerequisites.

In this case, being gifted usually has little to do with success. There are really only two things that make Calculus difficult for students. The first is shaky foundations. The second is that Calc I & II usually compress far too much into a short span, to please the various departments that use them as prerequisites for other courses.

As for the first, it is still good to look ahead and see what you can figure out. However, when you realize that you don't have the tools to continue, it gives good motivation to go back and cover your prerequisites well. Don't be fixated on Calculus, though. There are many areas of mathematics that are worth exploring even at the high-school level. Look for books and websites on discrete math, basic set theory and simple proofs.

 

[dudebroIII]

hey, just want to encourage you. math is taught at a terrible level in this country, and your position is not unusual. it's good that you're showing interest now - maybe you can take some classes over the summer to accelerate your speed. starting calculus with no geometry/trig and spotty algebra would be difficult. a good goal would be to complete 1) calculus, 2) basic linear algebra, 3) learn how to do proofs/basic number theory before college. that would make you very well prepared, especially the latter one

 

[HeLiXe]

Hi Willis,

Calculus can be easy for some and difficult for others, but one thing is certain--it is necessary to have a good foundation in algebra and trig...and even geometry. If you're curious about calculus, there is nothing wrong with having a look through, but mastering algebra 1 and 2, trig, and geometry will give you all of the tools you need to be really strong in calc. Good luck with everything!

 

[Willis666]

Thanks for the answers guys. Since Christmas is coming, i'll buy myself some geometry/algebra books.

 

[BloodyFrozen]

I am in 9th grade and learned Calculus (single variable) as a self study in my 8th grade summer, but it did take time to get to there. Assuming you are ambitious enough, it is very possible to learn it as a 9th grader. I would also like to say learn Alg I well, then geometry. Finally combine Alg II and Precalculus because they are very similar. Precalculus and a review of Alg II, trigonometry, and a small introduction for single variable Calculus. Good Luck!

May I ask why you would like to learn Calculus (what kind of Calculus - single var, multi var?) as a ninth grader though?