because im currently trying to become a Pharmacist but im not good at calculus and im wondering if i could buy some books about calculus and learn it and be good at it. And is calculus really as hard as everyone think because i think if i put my mind into it i can be very good at calculus.
2006-10-25 04:29:33 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
If you have a strong understanding of algebra, it's totally possible. Having a teacher to ask questions of is more important than the instruction, I think.
Btw, I don't think calculus is as hard as its reputation... I mean, it can be, but Calc I and II should be ok for anyone who did reasonably well at high school level math.
2006-10-25 04:32:09 · answer #1 · answered by mr_mumbles_nyc 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, Newton didn't have a book or a teacher.
Calculus is actually very easy (at least, college calculus). The important thing is to get a firm grasp of the basic concepts. If you study and study and study to know the formulas it is difficult because there are so many formulas, if instead you learn the concepts and practice applying them it should be OK. You are right, calculus is not hard, but it is very different than the math you have done before. If you can adjust to the difference you will think it easy, if not you will say it is very hard.
I have taught calculus in college, and have seen this - people who go in afraid of it and thinking they need to cram to get it have trouble. People who go in open minded and curious often (but not always!) do better. I think your attitude sounds good, I wish you luck.
2006-10-25 11:45:18 · answer #2 · answered by sofarsogood 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calculus should be thought of less as hard and more as conceptually different, so it would be best to have an instructor. However, the important thing is really to do lots of problems all the time. That's the best way to learn any math, teacher or not.
2006-10-25 11:34:32 · answer #3 · answered by topher8128 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Calculus made Easy' by Silvanus P. Thompson & Martin Gardner would be a good introductory book if you're confident with an intermediate level of algebra.
Good luck!
2006-10-25 12:09:43 · answer #4 · answered by benabean87 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So have you taken a Calculus course or not? By the way, it's spelled 'you'. Pharmacy admissions really frown on Netspeak.....the instructors absolutely won't tolerate it.
2006-10-28 08:33:09 · answer #5 · answered by jloertscher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can definitely learn by reading the book and working out some exercises, specially if you really set your mind to it.
2006-10-25 11:39:02 · answer #6 · answered by kermit 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your ability to learn. Some people might be able to, but if you don't understand what the book is saying then you're sunk. Better to be taught.
2006-10-25 11:33:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you learn by self study, rather than a class? Yes, but that makes it more difficult - who will you ask if you're stuck, and how will you test your ability?
Is it as hard as everyone thinks? Don't worry what others think.
2006-10-25 11:32:36 · answer #8 · answered by fcas80 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way to learn math (even calculus) is to DO math
2006-10-25 11:34:06 · answer #9 · answered by mikedotcom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋