This is just a quick question about Calculus class

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    Calculus Class
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a high school student's inquiry about switching from Calculus AB to Calculus BC. Participants explore the challenges and considerations involved in making this transition, including the differences in curriculum and prerequisites. The conversation includes advice on assessing readiness and potential gaps in knowledge.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests reviewing the BC textbook to identify gaps in knowledge and understand the differences in content between AB and BC.
  • Another participant expresses concern that switching might be a bad idea without knowing the specific prerequisites and structure of the classes.
  • Some participants note that the BC class may require AB as a prerequisite, while others clarify that only precalculus is required.
  • There is a discussion about the content focus of AB being primarily on derivatives and BC including integral calculus, though this characterization is contested.
  • One participant believes that if the student is performing well in AB, the transition to BC may not be problematic, suggesting that the additional content in BC could be minimal.
  • It is recommended that the student consult with the BC teacher to gauge preparedness and understand the pace of the course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the feasibility of switching from AB to BC, with no consensus on whether it is advisable. Some believe it could be manageable, while others caution against it without further assessment of the student's readiness.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying structures of calculus classes across different high schools, which may affect the transition. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific content covered in each course and how that impacts the student's preparedness.

name_ask17
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Hey guys. I'm currently a senior in high school. The high school that I go to has block schedule. I am in Calculus AB this semester and it will continue through next semester. However, I want to switch into Calculus BC. WIll that be too hard? Is it a big jump, or is it next semester when the new material will start coming in for Calc BC? Please advise if you can. Thanks!

EDIT: I want to switch into BC at the beginning of next semester.
 
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I recommend you get your hands on the BC textbook that you would be using and look at where you are in your book, and what remains to be covered, and where the BC is, what you missed, and what you would need to know to do the math. If you intend to go into a field where you will be using calculus, you don't want gaps in your knowledge. Also, if you want college credit for calculus, you have to take the AP exam or similar qualifier. As far as I know, there are separate exams for calculus AB and BC. You have to pass both. If you're just trying to get ahead, you may consider taking calculus at a community college beginning in the Spring semester. Learn it all at once. High school drags it out unnecessarily.
 
name_ask17 said:
Hey guys. I'm currently a senior in high school. The high school that I go to has block schedule. I am in Calculus AB this semester and it will continue through next semester. However, I want to switch into Calculus BC. WIll that be too hard? Is it a big jump, or is it next semester when the new material will start coming in for Calc BC? Please advise if you can. Thanks!

EDIT: I want to switch into BC at the beginning of next semester.

My gut feeling is that this is a bad idea. Also, different high schools do things differently with regards to the running of their calculus classes. For instance, does your BC class require AB as a prerequisite? You never said it did or didn't, so we don't know if you've already consulted your course catalog.

Or is it the situation where you can only take one OR the other, with BC being more accelerated, of course, than AB? In any event, I think the best plan of action is to talk to your calculus teacher and see what he/she thinks.
 
No, it's actually the case where you take one or the other.
 
eumyang said:
For instance, does your BC class require AB as a prerequisite? You never said it did or didn't, so we don't know if you've already consulted your course catalog.

Or is it the situation where you can only take one OR the other, with BC being more accelerated, of course, than AB?

No, it's actually the case where you take one or the other.. the only prequisite required is precal, which I already took last year.
 
From my experience, AB is derivative calculus, BC is integral calculus. A part of integral calculus requires taking derivatives (u-substitution, trigonometric substitution). I don't think it's a good idea, but if you get your hands on a calculus book, you might be fine.
 
name_ask17 said:
Hey guys. I'm currently a senior in high school. The high school that I go to has block schedule. I am in Calculus AB this semester and it will continue through next semester. However, I want to switch into Calculus BC. WIll that be too hard? Is it a big jump, or is it next semester when the new material will start coming in for Calc BC? Please advise if you can. Thanks!

EDIT: I want to switch into BC at the beginning of next semester.

It depends on how well you're doing in AB. If you're doing well, then there shouldn't be a problem, because there isn't much more in BC than AB. In fact, all the extra content of BC was covered by only one chapter in my calc II class.

Also, I would be a great idea to go talk to the BC teacher and ask how far into the extra material they will be by the end of this semester. They would also be better able to judge your preparedness by asking about specific concepts that will have covered by then and they could also talk to your AB teacher to see if they believe you could do it.
 

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