Is Precalculus Necessary for Success in Calculus 1?

[mathdad]

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?

 

[Jameson]

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.

 

[mathdad]

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.

 

[MarkFL]

1. I am 52 years old.

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

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.

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.

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.

 

[mathdad]

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.