When should I start reviewing Calculus while reviewing Algebra?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on when to transition from reviewing Algebra to Calculus. The original poster is diligently working through Algebra exercises but feels impatience with repetitive questions. Responses suggest that mastering challenging Algebra problems can enhance Calculus understanding, but the necessity of Algebra depends on the specific Calculus topics being studied. For basic Calculus concepts, a strong grasp of foundational Algebra is essential, while more advanced topics may require different mathematical skills. Ultimately, building a solid foundation in Algebra is crucial before moving on to Calculus.
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Hi,

I'm an amateur so please bear with my question. I'm reviewing Algebra, patienly answering every exercise in the my textbook. I enjoy answering the exercises but sometimes I get impatient especially when the questions look the same and are less of a challenge. I've read somewhere that in order to get better at Calculus, I'd have to master my Algebra, so that's exactly what I'm doing. What I'd like to know is at what point in (my) Algebra (review) can I begin reviewing Calculus. Is it a good idea or should I put of my Calculus review until I finish the whole Algebra textbook?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Since you've actually already learned this stuff, have you considered only doing the most difficult exercices? Those are usually the last in the series as you've probably noticed.
 
depends on what algebra and what calculus you are learning...

if you are dealing with 1-D,2-D,3-D or unary/binary/ternary functions, or 1-dependent variable 2-dependent variable functions for root finding, function evaluation, integration,interpolation,differentiation,extrema..
you should have no real need for algebra.

If your doing higher dimensional systems(Linear systems of N equations, then linear algebra is needed, or if your studying vector calculus).
 
I never got good at algebra (which is arguable - how about somewhat proficient) until taking calculus. I found doing the calculus problems required me to consult my algebra book to be like, "oh, that's why I need to know that". To me, algebra just requires practice. Just do as many challenging problems as possible. The challenging problems will require you to know the really basic stuff in order to do them. Until I got decent at algebra I never really understood math... it all seemed like magic :smile:
 
quasar987 said:
Since you've actually already learned this stuff, have you considered only doing the most difficult exercices? Those are usually the last in the series as you've probably noticed.

Well yes I have. But I've been out of shape (mathematically speaking) since I got my undergrad in Physics more than 6 years ago because I took a programming job since. There's no concrete way for me to gauge my math skills unless I work on each and every exercise after every chapter in the text. So that's exactly what I'm doing. I'd like to build a solid foundation.
 
neurocomp2003 said:
depends on what algebra and what calculus you are learning...

if you are dealing with 1-D,2-D,3-D or unary/binary/ternary functions, or 1-dependent variable 2-dependent variable functions for root finding, function evaluation, integration,interpolation,differentiation,extrema..
you should have no real need for algebra.

If your doing higher dimensional systems(Linear systems of N equations, then linear algebra is needed, or if your studying vector calculus).

Precalculus Algebra and Differential and Integral Calculus. I'm starting with the basics following my course flow chart during college.
 
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