What do I need to know to start Calculus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the prerequisites for starting Calculus, exploring the necessary mathematical background and skills required for success in the subject. Participants share their insights based on personal experiences and teaching perspectives, covering topics such as algebra, trigonometry, and foundational concepts in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a strong understanding of algebra is sufficient to begin studying Calculus, while also noting the importance of familiarity with transcendental functions and limits.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for specific skills such as polynomial long division, trigonometric identities, and manipulation of exponentials as essential for Calculus.
  • A participant mentions that their textbook reviews necessary concepts, indicating that foundational knowledge is being reinforced in their studies.
  • A junior undergraduate shares that knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is crucial, particularly highlighting the importance of trigonometric identities in applied calculus.
  • Some participants express differing views on the perceived difficulty of Calculus II, with one stating it is the toughest due to its comprehensive nature, while another finds math easier once its applications are understood.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a strong algebra foundation and some knowledge of trigonometry for starting Calculus. However, there are varying opinions on the specific skills needed and the relative difficulty of different calculus courses, indicating that multiple views remain on these aspects.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that their understanding of the prerequisites may depend on the specific calculus textbook used, which may review foundational concepts differently. There is also a lack of consensus on the relative difficulty of Calculus II compared to other courses.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals preparing to study Calculus, educators seeking to understand student perspectives, and those interested in the mathematical prerequisites for advanced studies in mathematics and related fields.

Femme_physics
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I know a whole bunch of math, but I don't know if it's enough to start Calculus. Can you give me the run-down of what I need to know?
 
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If you are very good at algebra, that is all you need to start. Some parts of Calculus use the "transcendental" functions, [math]e^x[/math], ln(x), sin(x), cos(x), etc. but the basic concepts do not require them. It would help if you had some knowledge of infinite sequences and series and limits of sequences and functions but any good Calculus text will at least review those in the first chapters.
 
Seems like my calc textbook does review it. So far so good, got through finding rate of change over an interval and the basics of limits... doesn't seem complicated...
 
I teach Calculus I and II.
You need to be very good with Algebra to begin with.
Then you will need ...
Polynomial Long Division
Trigonometric Identities [the basic Pythagoreans]
Familiarity with Exponentials and their manipulation
Complete the Perfect Square Method
Adding rational polynomials [the reverse of Partial Fraction Decomposition]

Cheers
 
Seems pretty basic, paulfr. :) NP here.

Thanks!
 
Im an undergrad in my junior year studying mathematics and comp sci. I have finished all calc I-III and I can say that you should know you algebra well and trig. Trig identities become pretty important and when and if you proceed to applied calculus you will find that trig is quite handy. Sidenote - Calc II is going to be the toughest. Not because it is necessarily more difficult, but because it pretty much entails EVERYTHING you will learn in beginning calculus.
 
Toughest is all relative, I find math and studying in general easy once you see the use of it and grow to like it.
 
True, I'm just stating what most professors will tell you, and probably most anyone who has taken all the calcs.
 

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