Math Course Suggestions for Graduating with Honors

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter p53ud0 dr34m5
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around suggestions for advanced math courses that a student can take to fulfill graduation requirements for honors after completing AP Calculus BC. The focus includes potential courses such as Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, and Abstract Algebra, as well as the nature of problems encountered in these subjects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on which math course to take next after completing AP Calculus BC.
  • Another participant suggests Linear Algebra as an easier option, while also mentioning Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra as alternatives, indicating a range of difficulty levels.
  • A participant inquires about the types of problems involved in Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra.
  • Real Analysis is described as a rigorous approach to calculus, focusing on limits, sequences, and functions, with problems typically starting with "show that...".
  • Abstract Algebra is noted to involve sets and functions, with an introduction to groups and possibly rings, although rings may not be covered in a one-semester course.
  • One participant expresses interest in challenging themselves with Real Analysis, viewing it as a calculus course with proofs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the suggested courses and their content, but there is no consensus on which course is the best choice, as preferences for challenge and interest vary among participants.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed descriptions of course prerequisites and the varying levels of rigor and challenge associated with each suggested course.

p53ud0 dr34m5
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i just finished calculus bc ap at my school, and i have no more math classes to take there; i need all 4 years of math to graduate with honors :confused: . I am planning on taking a college course in math next year, but i don't know what math course to take. i was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on the next step in my acquisition for math knowledge. thanks in advance.
 
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I would suggest either of the following: Linear Algebra (the easiest), Real analysis (if you feel courageous) or Algebra (aka Abstract Algebra).


P.S. There is a sub-forum here called Academic and Career guidance where I think this post belongs. (But don't repost it there, the moderators will move it themselves if the feel the need)
 
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what type of problems are involved in real analysis and abstract algebra?

hehe, guess the wrong section to post this...moderators feel free to move it :smile:
 
In real analysis, you will relearn everything you've learn in calculus but you'll learn calculus the way it really is. i.e. with everything expressed through the rigourous notion of limits. Almost every problem you'll have to solve start with "show that..." :wink: Subject of study are sequences, limits, functions, differentiability, numerical series, and maybe a small intro to topology.

Algebra is what is behind linear algebra (though you can take linear algebra w/o knowing any algebra). You start with sets, define functions rigorously, then have fun with groups and rings (though you probably won't touch rings in a 1 semester course) which are sets with specific proprieties.
 
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im always looking for a challenge, so i think ill challenge myself with real analysis. the description you provided makes it seem like calculus with proofs. that ought to be fun :smile: . ill talk to my bc teacher and see what she thinks. thanks quasar987 :wink: .
 
no problem mate. :biggrin:
 

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