Is it wise?

Question

I've never been good at math, but I am considering taking Calculus in college. (I plan to take trig over the summer) Is this a wise decision to make?

I had one D in geometry my junior year and one D in Algebra 2 last semester. I can usually do something well if I work hard and the geometry class I took last year was really awful since I had a horrible teacher

I need to take Calculus to qualify for Biochemistry I, General Chemistry II: Quantitative Reasoning, etc. Its a requirement for the BS degree

Answer 1

It depends on what you want to be. If you will be a engineer or scientist in the future, than you have to take that course, but if you will study something social or so, do not take the course (i hate calculus courses but they were must)

Answer 2

You know how you have to learn addition and subtraction before you learn multiplication and division....4 x 2 = 4 + 4....

It's the same thing with calculus. Forget that you got D's, a grade really doesn't mean much when it comes to understanding. The real question is, can you do geometry and algebra? Because you're going to need ALOT of algebra throughout the course and the second half of the course will probably be filled with geometry and trig. It's really up to you, forget whether or not you should take calculus and think about how confident you are in your algebra and geometry, because that's what you're going to use in a calculus class.

Answer 3

Just asking: why do you want to take calculus? Is it necessary for your degree, or do you just need a fun way of prodding yourself to study? It'd probably be good for you, because you'd have to forego time-wasters like parties and dating.

Answer 4

I always think it is wise to push yourself to do the things which don't come naturally. Just make sure that you leave yourself enough time to put forth the effort which will probably be required if you want to do the class well.