That is what I am trying to do, right now. But I am already beginning to struggle, and I just want to make sure that I can do this class if possible without ever having a background in Calculus.
2007-09-03 12:27:35 · 10 answers · asked by Emily 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
You can take calculus without Pre Cal, but you might struggle a little more. Pre cal isn't an introductory course to calculus like the name entails, but rather a recap of algebra II and some trig. If you do have some troubles, the best thing is to get with a couple of people and work homework together. Practicing with a group of people helps you better learn the material and retain it better. If you did well in previous math classes and work hard, you should be fine.
Good luck!
2007-09-03 12:37:45 · answer #1 · answered by Laura3264 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so long as you have had algerbra and trigonometry there is no reason to take precalc (as far as i know precalc is algebra and trig - you don't learn anything about calculus in pre-calc). But, if you haven't had trig you will struggle through calculus. I never took a course called precalc and I got through 4 semesters of calculus just fine (well 3, calc 2 was really hard). But, not having a course in trig or algebra 2 will make it almost impossible.
2007-09-03 19:33:07 · answer #2 · answered by PD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pre-calculus is a bit of a mis-nomer. Course names sometimes tend to be more marketing than substance. The crucial elements needed to understand calculus are evaluation of limits and trigonometry. These are covered in any third level algebra class. Watch out for the name game in college--beware of being limited by "pre-" professional majors like pre-med or pre-law. I know that successful doctors and lawyers have gained admission to and graduated from prestigious schools without having been part of either.
2007-09-03 19:45:38 · answer #3 · answered by john s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm taking calc and I'm only a junior. If you're having difficulty it's okay to drop back, it's your education that's important, not how far ahead of your peers you are. So don't worry. You can do it, but if you feel that you can't without blowing a couple million brain cells don't feel bad about dropping back. I've done it with other classes before and I didn't lose a wink of sleep over it.
2007-09-03 19:37:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calculus uses everything you need to know from algebra 1 &2 and trigonometry, which are all pre- calculus courses. So
the answer to your Q is No.
2007-09-03 19:32:21 · answer #5 · answered by vlee1225 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I realized when I took Calculus you really needed to have everything mastered in the prerequisite classes. Also the are some programs to test your preparedness.
Good Luck
2007-09-03 19:37:35 · answer #6 · answered by Will 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is hard to answer, because curriculums differ from school to school. "In my day", there was something called Algebra III, which worked pretty well and Trigonmentry was a semester course, which seems to have gone by the wayside.
Be introspective about your struggle. What are you struggling about?
2007-09-03 19:34:00 · answer #7 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes ... just spend time doing ALL the assigned homework.
You can buy a "Schaum's Outline" in intro-calculus and run thru it.
Do the homework assigned and do ALL the homework exercises in your book. Spend TIME on this and you will succeed.
Ask your teacher questions in class.
2007-09-03 19:32:49 · answer #8 · answered by atheistforthebirthofjesus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possible: yes.
Easy: no.
Expect a lot more difficulties. Before things get really tough, hone your skills with algebraic operations.
Don't expect a stellar grade. Take it Pass/fail if you can.
2007-09-03 19:33:33 · answer #9 · answered by mediaptera 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible, but I wouldn't do it.
2007-09-03 19:34:34 · answer #10 · answered by J S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋