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KamenRiderTorbjorn
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I plan on getting a degree in either computer science or computer engineering, but the issue is I never took a trigonometry or a calculus course yet. What is a good way to understand those subjects?
This and conceptual understanding of Calculus, especially the proofs and applications.Vanadium 50 said:Work a lot of problems.
Pre-Calculus is not enough. Best to be to learn the sequence of courses (which also may have interruptions) Introductory Algebra, Intermediate Algebra. A separate Trigonometry course may also come after or some later time after Intermediate Algebra. A possible continuation of that Algebra series is either "College Algebra", or the combined course called "Pre-Calculus" which is College Algebra And Trigonometry.Mark44 said:In another thread a few months ago you said that you were in a community college. Many four-year CS degree programs have prerequisites of at least calculus, and some require linear algebra and differential equations. Does your college offer a precalculus course? If so, take it, as well as the two-semester/three quarter calculus sequence. The precalc couse very likely covers at least some trig.
The nomenclature at different schools isn't consistent. Some precalc courses include trig and some don't. Some schools offer precalc I and II, where the latter typically includes trig. At the school where I am currently an adjunct instructor, the relevant classes are called Precalc I: College Algebra and Precalc II: Trig.symbolipoint said:Pre-Calculus is not enough.
At least your school gives a dedicated Trigonometry course. It then gives a separate College Algebra course, so your school offers TWO SEPARATE courses, instead of the (where many schools do) the combination College Algebra And Trigonometry (this often being called plainly, Pre-calculus).Mark44 said:The nomenclature at different schools isn't consistent. Some precalc courses include trig and some don't. Some schools offer precalc I and II, where the latter typically includes trig. At the school where I am currently an adjunct instructor, the relevant classes are called Precalc I: College Algebra and Precalc II: Trig.
I think that's a key insight -- being able to appreciate the geometry of the situation, instead of merely doing some algebra without little or no understanding of what the equations represent.opus said:For example in College Algebra, solving systems of linear equations was pretty confusing until I asked a bunch of questions that led to the realization that you’re really just taking lines or planes and seeing where they intersect simultaneously.
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of triangles and their properties, while calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of change and motion. Trigonometry mainly focuses on the relationships between the sides and angles of a triangle, while calculus focuses on determining rates of change and finding the maximum and minimum values of functions.
Trigonometry and calculus are both essential tools in many fields, including engineering, physics, and economics. They provide a deeper understanding of complex systems and help solve real-world problems. Additionally, many higher-level math courses, such as differential equations and linear algebra, build upon the concepts of trigonometry and calculus.
Trigonometry is used in fields such as navigation, surveying, and architecture to determine the measurements and angles of structures. Calculus is used in physics to study motion and forces, in economics to analyze supply and demand, and in engineering to design and optimize systems. It is also used in many other fields, such as finance, biology, and computer science.
Practice is key to understanding any mathematical concept. You can improve your understanding of trigonometry and calculus by solving problems and working through examples. Additionally, seeking help from a teacher, tutor, or online resources can also aid in improving your understanding.
Yes, it is essential to have a good understanding of algebra before diving into trigonometry and calculus. Many concepts in trigonometry and calculus build upon algebraic principles, such as solving equations and manipulating variables. Having a strong foundation in algebra will make it easier to grasp the concepts of trigonometry and calculus.