Math Classes to Prepare for Calc 1: What Should I Take?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the appropriate math classes to take in preparation for Calculus 1, particularly for a student who has not taken Pre-Calculus and is looking to catch up before starting college. The scope includes advice on summer courses such as College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Elementary Functions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests taking all three classes: College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Elementary Functions, while recommending skipping Elementary Functions if algebra skills are strong.
  • Another participant expresses disagreement with skipping Elementary Functions, sharing personal experience of having skipped it and highlighting the importance of the material covered in that class.
  • Some participants note that College Algebra and Trigonometry are essential for success in Calculus 2, while Elementary Functions may be less critical but still beneficial depending on individual comfort levels with math.
  • A participant mentions that their Pre-Calculus class covered everything needed for Calculus 1, but acknowledges that a strong algebra foundation is crucial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity of taking Elementary Functions, with some advocating for its inclusion and others suggesting it can be skipped. There is no consensus on the best approach to preparing for Calculus 1.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying experiences with math classes and the content covered, indicating that the effectiveness of each course may depend on individual backgrounds and previous knowledge.

buckWILD
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Hey guys, I'm about to go to college this fall. For my degree, the first math class is Calc 1. I know I'm not ready for it so what classes should I take in the summer? I didn't take a math class my senior year in high school (I didn't take Pre-Calc). So I know I need to catch up. I have 3 sessions in the summer I can take, so what math classes should I take? I don't have PreCal as an option.

My choices are College Agebra, Trig, and Elementary functions. Should I take all 3? Or are some pointless? Any advice would help, thanks!
 
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Take them all.
If you have to skip one of them, skip Elementary functions, unless your algebra skills are very good.
 
I don't know if I would agree with skipping Elemtary Functions. Merely for the fact that I have done what you are talking about doing and I skipped that class. Now I know very very simple trig and very very complex trig but not the stuff in between. However it depends on what that class does cover because the EF class I skipped covered all the stuff I missed.

What was the last math class you took? The best thing to do is to pick up where you last left off in math. You may need to retake the last class you took. Where did you leave off?

~Kitty
 
I would agree that elementary functions is probably the least necessary. College algebra and trig are truly a blessing (especially in cal 2). Elementary functions is important, but not so difficult as to prevent you from learning it on the fly. It all depends on your comfort though, because every class at this level will pretty much leak into another. So as long as youre doing something math related, youre bound to pick up what's necessary if youre alert. Good luck!
 
That I think is better advice than just skip it if you have to. I can agree with that. Although I think I may go back and take it before I jump straight into calc to make sure I have a very strong base. I already have one since I'm in calculus now as a senior in high school, but I just want to make sure. I'll probably take it with some other freshman credits.

~Kitty
 
For me, Precalc pretty much covered everything that I needed for Calculus 1. Although if your algebra isn't already strong, Precalc may kind of skip over the "foundations".

-Brian
 
Pre-calc should do that, but my class was dumb. Cover everything I mean.

~Kitty
 

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