Is it ok to take AP Calculus without taking Pre-cal?

Question

I took Algebra 2 last year.
This year, my school asked me to take AP Calculus.
But I didn't take Pre-cal.
Is it ok?

Answer 1

Yes, provided you are comfortable with the following things, or at least most of them:

-Functions
-Solving linear equations, graphing lines, finding slopes
-Solving equations and inequalities involving an absolute value
-Solving quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
-Solving inequalities
-Factoring
-Graphing functions using an x,y table; graphing circles. (Knowing how to graph parabolas and ellipses may also be helpful.)
-Properties of exponents, square roots, nth roots, and logarithms (e.g. how can you simplify (x^3) * (x^2)? What about (x^3)^2? What about (2^x) * (3^x)? What about ln (3x) - ln (3)?)
-Understanding sines, cosines, and tangents, using both triangles and the unit circle
-Exact values of sines, cosines, and tangents of common angles (all multiples of pi/6 or pi/4)
-Solving word problems

In a Calculus course, you will primarily study the new concepts of limits, derivatives, and integrals, and it will be assumed that you are familiar with everything above. (You might review some of them, but it will probably be done quite quickly.)

If there were more than a couple things in the above list that you aren't really comfortable with, then it might be better to take pre-calculus first. But if you feel comfortable with most of them, I'd say go ahead and take AP Calculus.

If you go into Calculus without taking pre-Calculus, I would also be prepared to work hard early in the semester when you study limits. Limits can be tricky at first, and you may be at a disadvantage as compared with people who saw them in pre-Calculus. (It's not that limits are impossible to understand, but many people have trouble with them at first.) If you get to a point where you understand limits in the first couple weeks you study them, then you should be on the same page as everyone else and you'll be fine.

As a couple people before me have said, jumping from Algebra 2 to Calculus is not really typical, but there are people who do it. If you're good in math and you're ready for a challenge, go ahead and make the jump.

Answer 2

It is better that you take Pre-Cal first. You may not be lost in Calculus but you sure will be lost in Calculus 2 or 3. I know this because I am taking Cal 2 and you really need to know stuff from pre-cal. This is my opinion, Unless you like to study a lot haha then I don't think you would really need it but it would be better.

Answer 3

If you are really good at Algebra II and you like challenge, you can take AP Calculus without taking Pre-Calculus. I once had a student who didn't take Pre-Calculus but turned out to be the top student in my AP Calculus class.

Answer 4

If you are strong in algebra and trig already, go for it, if not hedge your bets and take the precal.

Answer 5

You will probably end up dropping out. It is a college class. It will be hard.