Schools Struggling with first year college (maths/physics)

AI Thread Summary
A college student returning to academia after a decade is struggling with physics due to insufficient math skills, particularly in calculus. They are refreshing their precalculus knowledge and seeking recommendations for calculus and problem-solving books. Some participants suggest focusing on math skills and consider tutoring for additional support. There's a caution about staying in the physics course if it requires calculus knowledge that the student lacks, as failing could be more detrimental than dropping the course. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building a strong math foundation to succeed in physics.
Paradox88
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Hello comrades, I am a bit silly about this, but i started 1 month ago the first year at college (physics) after 10 years out of any academic course.
When i graduated from high school (a long time ago), i got good grades at pre-calc, but now I am having lots of problems because i feel lost and i can't do the exercises (i got university physics from young and tipler mosca books)
I don't have the sufficient knowledge to handle the problems in the books because of lack of problem solving skills and in major part maths. But I am very patient and I'm willing to do what is needed, i started to refresh my precalc with precalculus simmons, and basic mathematics from lang.
Im looking for some insights on how to handle this, for example which books you recommend to learn derivatives/integrals (im thinking about lang intro book on calculus or thomas calculus, or others) and how to apply it on physics course, also looking for a good book to grasp better solving skills, and i have curiosity if something like lectures on physics from Feynman can be a good idea for a first year i want to increase my inmersion in physics and grasp the concepts well i do it as a personal acomplishment a i don't want to fail since i couldn't study until now. Any sincere tips will be much apreciated.
Kind regards friends.
 
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I admire your determination. Getting back into the academic groove after a 10 yr absence has got to be a b****. My advice is for now concentrate on getting your math skills back including lots of problem solving from the math books.
 
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Thank you, and any book suggestion? i want to have a good level of knowledge of maths and also problem solving skills.
 
Paradox88 said:
But I am very patient and I'm willing to do what is needed, i started to refresh my precalc with precalculus simmons, and basic mathematics from lang.
Im looking for some insights on how to handle this,

If your physics course expects you to already know calculus, you should consider dropping it if you are way behind (and the deadline for dropping a course hasn't passed) It's admirable to do self-study to catch up, but it's also not guaranteed to work in a limited amount of time. If you can afford it, get a tutor - or look for places where you can get free tutoring.
 
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Stephen Tashi said:
If your physics course expects you to already know calculus, you should consider dropping it if you are way behind (and the deadline for dropping a course hasn't passed) It's admirable to do self-study to catch up, but it's also not guaranteed to work in a limited amount of time. If you can afford it, get a tutor - or look for places where you can get free tutoring.
Thanks for your response Stephen, but I am from Europe (Spain) and if i drop the inscription fee is lost
 
Paradox88 said:
Thanks for your response Stephen, but I am from Europe (Spain) and if i drop the inscription fee is lost
Staying in the class to avoid losing what you call the inscription fee might be a false economy -- getting a failing grade for the class. If your background in mathematics isn't where it needs to be, you're wasting your time taking the class.
 
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