Math for Mechanical Engineering: A Beginner's Guide to Calculus and Beyond

[Jtown]

Hey everyone I'm new here but just about to start school again for mechanical engineering and was wondering what math would I need to take to lead me up to calculus because I've only passed one remedial math when I went 5 years ago

 

[jedishrfu]

Welcome to PF!

The sequence would be

Algebra
Geometry
Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
Precalculus
Calculus 1: Differential Calculus
Calculus 2: Integral Calculus
Calculus 3: Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Advanced Calculus
Boundary Value Problems
...

 

[Jtown]

Thanks a lot. I was worried I'd have to take all of them in that order since I've been out of school for so long but I'm confident I can take those remedial maths to be caught up in a year and be ready for calculus the next so being 1 year behind doesn't bother me I. planned on graduating with bachelor's in 5.5 years

 

[SteamKing]

You are going to need to be proficient, at a minimum, with algebra and trigonometry. If you can also take a course in so-called 'college algebra', that would also be useful.
If your arithmetic is rusty, you should brush up on that as well. A course in Euclidean geometry is also recommended.

I am just seeing the list which jedishrfu has posted. Most ME curricula will start out with the Calculus 1 class and then go down the list from that point.

 

[Jtown]

I did great in geometry and algebra was in precalculus my junior year of high school then messed up stuff lol didn't graduate just a ged but I figure I was in pre calculus that early I think it should all come back fairly easy but still want to retake trig precalculus in college the offer those right as remedial?

 

[Jtown]

BTW thanks for awesome replies most helpful forum so far all other ones I've tried e just trolls lol

 

[SteamKing]

I did great in geometry and algebra was in precalculus my junior year of high school then messed up stuff lol didn't graduate just a ged but I figure I was in pre calculus that early I think it should all come back fairly easy but still want to retake trig precalculus in college the offer those right as remedial?

Check with your school.

 

[jedishrfu]

For remedial online resources check out

Mathispower4u.yolasite.com

There are a large number of short videos on each topic in each of the courses you wish to study.

 

[jack476]

In my experience engineering colleges tend to want you to start with calculus 1 in the first semester. So the way I see it there's two options:

1.) Take the math prerequisites at a community college or delay entry into the ME program when you get to college until you've caught up

2.) (And probably ideal) most colleges will administer a basic math proficiency exam. It will depend on the school, but it could be anything from clearing you to take calculus 1 to getting credit for all of the first-year calculus (generally clearing you to take calc 3, ie "multivariable calculus" or even up to differential equations). So time to hit the books :P

Try Khan Academy or Coursera for video lectures on the math. You should have no trouble finding all of the content you'll need (jedishrfu's progression is what you'll want to follow). I also recommend looking up some Shaum's Outlines books or even better the Demystified series.