- #1
jamondperry
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What do you like about Pre-Cal? How do you feel about it?
Why Is Pre-Cal Interesting?
- Thread starter jamondperry
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around participants' perceptions and experiences with pre-calculus, including its content, teaching quality, and personal interest in mathematics. The scope includes subjective opinions, recommendations for resources, and reflections on the transition to calculus.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express a preference for calculus over pre-calculus, indicating a decline in interest during pre-calculus but a resurgence with calculus.
- One participant praises Euler's pre-calculus book for its treatment of infinite series.
- Another participant reflects on the quality of their high school math education, emphasizing the importance of motivated teachers and the need for focus in challenging subjects.
- A participant mentions a course that covered various mathematical topics not typically labeled as pre-calculus, suggesting that the naming of the course may influence perceptions of its value.
- Recommendations for alternative resources are provided, including Euler's "Analyse Infinitesimal" and "Principles of Mathematics" by Allen Doerfer and Oakley.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the value or interest level of pre-calculus, with differing opinions on its content and teaching quality. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness and appeal of pre-calculus compared to calculus.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions reference specific educational experiences and course content, which may vary widely among participants. There is an indication that personal experiences with pre-calculus can significantly influence opinions.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in mathematics education, high school curriculum discussions, and those seeking recommendations for pre-calculus resources may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
mathwonk
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eulers precalculus book is superb.
- #3
Lucretius
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I liked pre-calculus less than I like calculus. I'd have to say my interest in math was dwindling, but at the end of my junior year in high school it peaked back up, and calculus my senior year interested me a lot.
- #4
mathwonk
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eulers book treats infinite series in precalc.
- #5
berkeman
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Sorry, what are you asking? If it's about high school math, I felt fortunate that I had motivated teachers with an AP track (many years ago). If it's about math in general, you need to learn to relax, and focus. Just like all of your other challenging subjects.jamondperry said:
- #6
mathwonk
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are you asking abut the subject or the cousre you are in? i had a great course right before calc, but iot was not called precalc. we learned logic, boolean algebra, some groups, cardinality of infinite sets, algebra, probability, combinations and permutations, and a little analytic geometry.
if yours is boring and useless, io recommend getting a good book, like analyse infinitesimal by euler, or mine, principles of mathematics by allen doerfer and oakley.
if yours is boring and useless, io recommend getting a good book, like analyse infinitesimal by euler, or mine, principles of mathematics by allen doerfer and oakley.
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