Preparing for College Calculus: Self-Study Materials & Book Reviews

  • Context: Testing 
  • Thread starter Thread starter polymetric
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculus Testing
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on self-study materials and strategies for preparing for college calculus, particularly for individuals who have taken time off from formal education. Topics include recommendations for textbooks, the importance of understanding prerequisite mathematical concepts, and the relevance of proof-writing skills.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for self-study materials and questions the significance of different editions of textbooks.
  • Another participant suggests that a strong grasp of trigonometry and function manipulation is essential for success in calculus.
  • A different participant shares their experience of self-studying using their university's precalculus syllabus, emphasizing a focus on areas they find challenging.
  • One reply emphasizes the importance of practicing algebra and trigonometry as foundational skills before tackling calculus.
  • Some participants argue that the edition of a textbook is not critical for self-study, as content remains largely consistent across editions, while others suggest proof-writing is not necessary unless pursuing honors calculus.
  • Another participant highlights the need for a solid understanding of algebra, trigonometry, and some geometry, noting that students who struggle in calculus often lack mastery in these areas.
  • One participant mentions the importance of understanding polynomials, transcendental functions, and introductory concepts like limits as part of precalculus preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a strong foundation in algebra and trigonometry before studying calculus. However, there are differing opinions on the necessity of proof-writing skills and the relevance of textbook editions, indicating that multiple views remain on these aspects.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of self-study versus formal classes, and there are varying opinions on the necessity of specific skills and knowledge areas prior to studying calculus.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals preparing for college calculus, especially those who have taken time off from education or are self-studying, may find this discussion relevant.

polymetric
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I took a year off after high school and I have decided to go to college this fall.

So... I need some self study material for everything before calculus. I have found a few pdf's online and this site has been a great help as well. I found some recommendations for books in the archives here, one book in particular https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321159357/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Does the edition of a book matter for my purposes? There are also 3rd and 4th editions but cost 6 or 7 times as much as the 2nd... Can you recommend any other books or materials for reviewing pre calculus math? Is there anything else I should try to learn before calculus like writing proofs?

Thanks for any help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
If you know trig and know how to manipulate functions inside and out you'll do fine.

I suggest taking a precalculus class first, esp after taking a year off.
 
I'm in sort of the same boat. Though I took 7 years off, rather than one. I tested into Calc I as well, and am taking it this summer. For my prep, I got ahold of the University's precalc book and sylabus, and am sort of just putting myself through it, focusing on the stuff I don't remember as well, along with strong focuses on the Trig part of it. It's working well so far, though, I won't really know for sure until this summer. I figure though, that the uni has the precalc class in order to prep you for their calc I class, and going through the sylabbus the way they have it set up will give me the best prep. I plan on also getting ahold of the sylabbus for the calc I class to see what sorts of things they will be doing in the first couple weeks, so that I can focus on the prerequisite knowledge for those subjects.
Hope this helps
 
If you are self-studying the edition of the book does not matter (the content will not change much from edition to edition, just the exercises). You probably won't need to worry about proof writing techniques for calculus.
 
You should have a clear understanding of algebra and trigonometry (and some geometry) before you take calculus. People who do poorly in calculus are usually the ones who don't have the good mastery of those subjects (based on my experience with tutoring calculus students). The textbook you have seems like a good one. Proof-writing one is optional unless if you're going to take honors calculus.
 
Algebra & Pre-Calculus.

Understand polynomials and transcendental functions (power and trig) through equations, tables, graphs, and words. Also, get a feel for what a limit is - something most pre-calc classes cover towards the end as a pre-cursor for calculus I.
 

Similar threads

Studying Is the suggestion for self-learning mathematics from books wrong?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Math (online) test at university level for non-student
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Recommendations for study materials to prepare for undergrad Physics
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Need Advice on studying in my first University Physics class
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Studying Advice Needed: Seeking Help with Math & Physics for Engineering Studies
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Will an algebra and trig texbook be sufficient preparation for calc?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Self-teaching Mathematics -- advice please
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Studying What to do in a gap year to prepare for a Physics + Math degree
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Studying Self-studying physics in preparation for learning astrophysics on my own
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K