Maximizing Success in Self-Studying Calculus III: Tips and Warnings

In summary, the individual is planning on taking a course in the fall and wants to get a headstart by buying the textbook and studying over the summer. It is recommended to carefully consider skipping classes as it could lead to missing important information and negatively impact performance. If they have recently completed the prerequisite courses, it is suggested to focus on intuitive understanding and skills, but if it has been longer, it may be necessary to restudy all material.
  • #1
Luongo
120
0
i'm planning on taking this course at a university in fall along with a large load of other courses, but i want to get a headstart. So i bought the book, would you recommend reading the text, reading a friend's notes and just doing the homework by myself? will this give me an advantage when i accually take the course?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You must recently have passed Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 successfully, and by recently, I really mean you are currently finishing your Calculus 2 course, right now. Get the syllabus and the book that you plan to use for Calculus 3 and spend the whole summer studying the course.

In case you finished Calculus 2 one semester ago or longer, then you should restudy all of Calculus 1 and 2 during the whole summer. If this is the case, then you might want to concentrate on intuitive understanding, and skills.
 
  • #3
I recommend being very careful with this, because in the case you are very successful with learning the material a head of time, you will be tempted to not go to class. If you decide to skip class, you will miss important things, you will miss information about homeworks, tests, etc, you will miss hearing about deadlines and you will miss the professor's "flavor" so to speak (by that I mean, how they ask questions, how they want them answered, etc). So it could turn out that even if you know the material really well, you could do poorly in the class.
 

1. What is the best approach to teaching myself calculus III?

The best approach to teaching yourself calculus III is to start with a solid foundation of basic calculus concepts, such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. It is also important to have a strong understanding of algebra and trigonometry. Once you have a good grasp on these concepts, you can move on to more advanced topics in calculus III.

2. How can I find resources to help me learn calculus III on my own?

There are many online resources available to help you learn calculus III on your own. You can find video tutorials, practice problems, and textbooks specifically designed for self-study. It is also helpful to join online forums or study groups where you can ask questions and get feedback from others.

3. Is it possible to teach myself calculus III without any prior knowledge of calculus?

While it is possible to teach yourself calculus III without any prior knowledge of calculus, it may be more challenging. It is recommended to have a basic understanding of calculus concepts before diving into calculus III. However, with dedication and hard work, it is possible to learn calculus III on your own.

4. How long does it typically take to teach myself calculus III?

The amount of time it takes to teach yourself calculus III can vary depending on your prior knowledge, learning style, and dedication. It is recommended to set a schedule and consistently practice and review concepts to ensure a thorough understanding. With consistent effort, it is possible to learn calculus III in a few months.

5. Are there any tips for staying motivated while teaching myself calculus III?

One tip for staying motivated while teaching yourself calculus III is to set realistic goals and track your progress. It can also be helpful to take breaks and reward yourself for achieving milestones. Additionally, finding a study partner or joining a study group can provide motivation and accountability. Remember to stay positive and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
14
Views
555
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top