Is Pre-Calculus Necessary for Success in Calculus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessity of taking Precalculus I and II courses before enrolling in Calculus, particularly focusing on the relevance of algebra and trigonometry skills for success in Calculus. Participants share their experiences and opinions on whether skipping these courses is advisable.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that it is possible to go directly to Calculus, arguing that only basic algebra and graphing skills are necessary.
  • Others emphasize the importance of having a solid understanding of Intermediate Algebra and at least one semester of Trigonometry as prerequisites for Calculus.
  • A participant mentions that knowing algebra and trigonometry well is crucial to avoid difficulties in mastering calculus concepts.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of returning to calculus after a long break, indicating that basic algebra and trigonometry are sufficient foundations.
  • Another participant expresses their intention to take Intermediate Algebra before attempting Precalculus: Trigonometry, reflecting a cautious approach to their preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether Precalculus I and II are necessary. Some advocate for skipping these courses, while others argue for their importance based on individual preparedness and background knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in their algebra and trigonometry skills, indicating that personal assessment of one's knowledge may influence the decision to take Precalculus courses.

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Hi, Everyone!

How are you've been doing? A little bit about me? I just started college in 2010. Well, I needed some advice about precalculus I & II and precalculus: trigonometry courses. I'm thinking to skip precalculus I & precalculus II classes. Based on my major sheet/diagram, I can take a precalculus: trigonometry without taking precalculus I & II classes after I passed its prerequisite. Here is some of the info: Precalculus: Trigonometry- A one semester course that is equivalent to the combination of Precalculus I and Precalculus II. Topics include an in-depth investigation of algebraic and trigonometric functions and their graphs, solutions of systems of equations, analytic trigonometry, solutions of triangles, vectors, and analytic geometry. Prerequisite...

Is it important to take a precalculus 1 & 2 to be able to have a leverage in a precalculus: trig, or calculus?

Thanks in advance.

Jen
 
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Go right to calculus. Learning about differentiation and integration only requires some basic algebra and graphing skills, and knowing calculus will make trig a lot more interesting later.
 
Taking PreCalculus 1 & 2 is not important in practice for being qualified for Calculus 1...
Knowing Intermediate Algebra, and having at least had a one semester course of Trigonometry are important for Caclulus 1 (and 2). Some students are still weak in their Algebra or Trigonometry knowledge and so a Pre-Calculus course can still be important for them. You need to know yourself.
 
I had a 6-year hiatus from learning pre-calc to calc I...so basically like others said you just need basic algebra down and trig as a foundation for calc I. I am almost done with calc II...stoked.
 
You definitely want to really know your algebra and trigonometry well. You will have enough on your plate mastering the basic concepts of calculus and getting hung up on "what is cosine of pi/3?" is something that make calculus a pain.
 
Thank you for the input, posters. I'm going to take an Intermediate Algebra this summer. Then, I'm hoping to take precalculus: trig in fall 2011.
 
Duderonimous said:
You definitely want to really know your algebra and trigonometry well. You will have enough on your plate mastering the basic concepts of calculus and getting hung up on "what is cosine of pi/3?" is something that make calculus a pain.

Thanks. I'm glad to know it.
 

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