MHB Is Precalculus Necessary for Success in Calculus 1?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mathdad
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Precalculus
AI Thread Summary
Precalculus is debated as a necessary prerequisite for Calculus 1, with many arguing that a solid foundation in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Trigonometry suffices. While precalculus covers some unique topics that can aid in calculus preparation, such as limits and functions, others feel it may not be essential. Some participants noted that their precalculus courses included advanced topics like polar coordinates and mathematical induction, which were not covered in their algebra classes. Despite differing opinions, many agree that the additional preparation from precalculus can be beneficial. Overall, while precalculus may not be strictly necessary, it can enhance understanding and readiness for calculus.
mathdad
Messages
1,280
Reaction score
0
Algebra 2, intermediate algebra and college algebra cover most of the topics taught in precalculus. Taking geometry and then trigonometry prepares anyone for calculus 1. So, is precalculus really needed as a prerequisite for calculus 1?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
In the US curriculum, pre-calculus is a little bit vague in its goals but from my experience there are some key ideas that are covered that are beyond normal algebra classes and do help one prepare for calculus. An example of this would be limits and more in depth coverage of functions. Some of it overlaps algebra, but it's a good refresher and not wasted in my opinion. If you are finding yourself bored with precalc then I suggest trying to get a head start on calculus for next year. There will be a ton of new concepts and familiarizing yourself with them now will pay off. :) Just my two cents.
 
1. I am 52 years old.

2. I am not a classroom student. My student days ended in 1993.

3. I got an A minus in precalculus at Lehman College in 1993 as an elective course.

4. There are a few topics in precalculus not found in college algebra textbooks. However, I feel that taking algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry and trigonometry is enough to succeed in calculus 1. All calculus 1 courses begin with limits anyway or so I was told.

5. Going through the CONTENT of my David Cohen precalculus textbook, I see lots of interesting topics never taught in an actual precalculus course. For example, when I took precalculus in 1993, the professor never taught polar equations, polar graphs, polar coordinates, math induction, matrices, Cramer's Rule, etc.
 
RTCNTC said:
1. I am 52 years old.

Hello, youngster. I'm 53. (Giggle)

RTCNTC said:
2. I am not a classroom student. My student days ended in 1993.

I took Pre-Calc in the fall of 1991. At that time the school was transitioning from teaching an analytic trig. course in between Calc I and II to teaching trig. as part of Pre-Calc prior to Calc I. I was fortunate enough to take both, as my College Algebra professor got a waiver for me to take the analytic trig. course during the summer, in between College Algebra and Pre-Calc. I felt a little intimidated being the only one in that class who had not taken Calc I, but I did fine.

RTCNTC said:
4. There are a few topics in precalculus not found in college algebra textbooks. However, I feel that taking algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry and trigonometry is enough to succeed in calculus 1. All calculus 1 courses begin with limits anyway or so I was told.

Yes, a student taking those course should be able to succeed in calculus, but the extra prep provided by a Pre-Calc course doesn't hurt.

RTCNTC said:
5. Going through the CONTENT of my David Cohen precalculus textbook, I see lots of interesting topics never taught in an actual precalculus course. For example, when I took precalculus in 1993, the professor never taught polar equations, polar graphs, polar coordinates, math induction, matrices, Cramer's Rule, etc.

We were taught all of those when I took Pre-Calc. :D I really got into mathematical induction too...it's a very powerful method.
 
MarkFL said:
Hello, youngster. I'm 53. (Giggle)
I took Pre-Calc in the fall of 1991. At that time the school was transitioning from teaching an analytic trig. course in between Calc I and II to teaching trig. as part of Pre-Calc prior to Calc I. I was fortunate enough to take both, as my College Algebra professor got a waiver for me to take the analytic trig. course during the summer, in between College Algebra and Pre-Calc. I felt a little intimidated being the only one in that class who had not taken Calc I, but I did fine.
Yes, a student taking those course should be able to succeed in calculus, but the extra prep provided by a Pre-Calc course doesn't hurt.
We were taught all of those when I took Pre-Calc. :D I really got into mathematical induction too...it's a very powerful method.

I will need your guidance in terms of math induction when I get there in my precalculus review trek.
 
Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
Fermat's Last Theorem has long been one of the most famous mathematical problems, and is now one of the most famous theorems. It simply states that the equation $$ a^n+b^n=c^n $$ has no solutions with positive integers if ##n>2.## It was named after Pierre de Fermat (1607-1665). The problem itself stems from the book Arithmetica by Diophantus of Alexandria. It gained popularity because Fermat noted in his copy "Cubum autem in duos cubos, aut quadratoquadratum in duos quadratoquadratos, et...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top