Math preparation for undergrad Physics or Engineering

[Pharez]

Hello. I'd like to be thoroughly prepared for academic work before I return to college. From what I understand, a thorough preparation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required to perform well in Physics or Engineering; I bought an algebra and trigonometry textbook by a person named Michael Sullivan and I recently began working through said book. I'm not too sure if this is adequate preparation, though. I've also bookmarked some of the links posted in the Math and Science Learning Materials subforum and will learn from them when time allows. There's also something called the Khan Academy that has been recommended many times but I'm not sure if it would be adequate for academic preparation.

I'm a bit concerned about my lack of knowledge of geometry and proofs, but it looks like I still understand basic algebra, like rules of exponentiation, algebraic manipulation, etc. If I may be provided with more specific details about what to focus on to succeed in undergraduate Physics or Engineering, I'll be very grateful. Thanks.

 

[hms.tech]

+1 for khan academy, it teaches you everything step-by-step, takes you from the basic to the very complex.

 

[Pharez]

Yes, looks like the Khan Academy is alright. I watched a few of the videos and I liked the instructor's teaching style, friendly and personal.

 

[DivisionByZro]

I own Algebra and Trigonometry (from long ago) and I believe that if you can work through through it then you should be adequately prepared for the beginning of an undergraduate degree in physics. It covers most of what you need, but it might be useful to get additional experience with finding the inverse of functions, analyzing functions etc... (early calculus really).

You could then try your hand at a bit of calculus using the Khan website.

 

[Pharez]

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll definitely work through it and perhaps complement it with Khan's videos or anything else from the math/science material subforum. It's quite enjoyable; I learned a a few things and I'm not even that far into the book.