Calculus

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I'm taking it during the summer, along with Calculus II if all goes as planned. I am interested in mathematics in spite of being a biology major and being mathematically literate is very important to me.

Everyone says that it's very difficult, and it's hard to get a straight answer. I don't understand how it would be so impossible if I take it in steps and make sure I know my algebra and precalc. For those of you who have taken it, how is it? Is it as bad as everyone says?

Do NOT take Calculus 2 during the summer. Stay with Calculus 1. Calculus 2 is the most analytical and difficult of the three Calcului. Also, do not plan on studying mathematics by itself, unless you plan on getting at least your Master's degree in it.

Thank you for your reply.

I would have a hard time making that work though, since calculus II isn't offered during the Fall, I'm kinda locked-in. But I'm only taking one course at a time and I don't have a job, so I could devote all my time to it; I'm better at focusing heavily on one thing than spreading myself over five courses. What exactly makes it so difficult?

Regardless of what I eventually get my degree in, I plan on going to graduate school as I'm interested in research.

I took calculus for a week. It was everything my high school teachers said 'you'll never see'. Dropped it, and wound up changing my major. If I had to pass it, I'd still be stuck in college...

Never took Cal. Thank goodness because I need to be better writer. Good thing that I'm a history/education major at Mason.

You're correct in taking the step-by-step approach. The classwork will build on itself, so make sure you're understanding the initial concepts. They won't expect you to know anything that wasn't taught, so if you take good notes, ask questions when you don't understand, and work out the problems, you'll be fine. In my experience (Bachelor's degree in Accounting, so I've taken plenty of maths) the hardest math problem isn't much more than many smaller, easier problems combined. It just takes a bit to figure out what the smaller problems are, and what to look for.

Good luck!

(One question--can you take Calc 1 and 2 during the same semester? Wouldn't 1 be a prereq?)

What exactly is involved in Calculus II that makes it more rigorous?

Well I guess that fact is a matter of opinion and the unversity and the professors you take it with. Also on how strong your back ground is. Personally at my university the summer courses are the easiest and quickest. Sure you may have to sit three hours in class five times a week. But I find that they give you more basic easier problems on the tests at least I don't remember the homework. But for me my AP calculus teacher was hard as nails so alot of the stuff I had already covered by the time I got in Calculus 2, so half was review for me. But calculus 3 was the hardest for me i sadly got a C in it. haha.

But I think that studyiing mathematics only if you are getting your masters isn't the best advice. Science can never use enough math. It only helps you in the long run, plus for alot of science majors calculus 2 is required anyways. So I think taking it during the summer is a good idea. Actually this summer will be my first summer in six years I haven't taken summer courses. But I am willing to break tradition for work experience for once.

Good luck with Calculus 2

It's not as hard as everyone says. I got an A+ in it. I actually found it easier than Geometry.

There are lots of techniques involved with determining whether a series converges and some other tests. Then there are ways of making lots of function into series i.e. e^x = 1 + ((x)^1)/1! + ((x)^2)/2! .....Maclaurin series...

That's towards the end of the course. Of course in the beginning you deal with integrals and how to determine the volume, etc...

Calculus III is the easiest because most of it is just generalization.
So if you've got calculus I and II down, calculus III, being related course... will be a piece of cake.

It's really a collection of analytical techniques that revolve around the derivatives and integrals of continuous functions. Once you catch on to those two ideas, it's a matter of learning some of the more common applications for them. If you can't understand how something works at first, just memorize the method given and use it until it makes sense. It'll click at some point. Some of the applications are from physics or economics, so don't be distracted by physics or economics at this point. Focus on the math.

What drives some people nuts is the apparent lack of an underlying theme like you see in algebra or trigonometry. Centrifugal force at a specific point and rocket fuel burning at a specific time have the underlying math in common, but that's it. It helps if you can abstract the applications they give because then the links become known.

If your teacher isn't helpful, arrange for a tutor. Calculus is a basis for analytic geometry, which is needed to analyze molecular structures in organic chemistry. Hit this with a sledgehammer and you're in good shape.

I am currently taking Calculus I, and I have a high B, almost an A, in it.

Thank you all for your help, it is very much appreciated and I look forward to finding out what this grand old enigma of a course is really like.

No, you're correct, calc I is the prerequisite. At my university, the summer is divided into three four-week semesters. I will register for precalc, calc I, and calc II. My summer is free so if anything it will give me something to do. I am currently doing intermediate algebra which I find very easy.



Did you find it much of a jump from precalculus?

We got a good preview in my precalculus class in high school---nearly 10 years ago.

Thanks, that's reassuring. My placement test results were disappointing so that's why I'm taking the algebra courses and doing calculus during the summer. My university has a very reputable mathematics program so I feel that as long as I put the effort into it and take it one step at a time, I will be able to succeed.

Also, at least by taking the University's own prerequisites, I know I'm getting the required background.

Ah, calculus. I failed it miserably. But, later in life, I began to realize what it was about: how much something changes and how fast. That's, like, it. Newton rules.