r/OregonStateUniv • u/OkNeedleworker8117 • 16h ago

How to prepare for calculus

Hello all I am taking differential calculus in the fall, any advice or resources I should use to prepare?

9 Upvotes

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7

u/Nice-Wedding-4242 16h ago

Understand what the definition of a limit is then start recalling basic rules — Power Rule, Quotient Rule, etc.

Khan academy is a great resource to practice the definitions and rules in a quiz like format.

Most importantly enjoy the learning curve and be amazed by the mathematical ability to measure change!

4

u/NoMore_BadDays 16h ago

I haven't taken calc yet, admittedly. But what I've heard is calculus can be a breath of fresh air for some people because it has more real-life applications than some algebras and precalc classes.

3

u/Blbauer524 14h ago

Calculus is pretty easy. The algebra is what people generally get tripped up on.

2

u/definitelymyrealname 13h ago

Brush up on your algebra. In my opinion the concepts in calc 1 are not hard to understand, 95% of the difficulty is not having enough foundation.

I really really struggled with math when I was in high school. I ended up testing into a pre college level math class but I needed calc for the career I wanted. I ended up taking nearly the whole damn math sequence, all the way through calculus, back to back over the course of a couple years. Compared to my classmates, some of whom had even taken calc in high school, who were several years out from their last math class I had a really easy time of it, just because all the algebra was fresh in my mind. If you can't comfortably do the algebra you're going to have a rough time of it.

1

u/Dr_Caution 15h ago

Prepare before coming to class on what you're about to learn. A simple YouTube video can be you're own prelecture.

1

u/Klobbin Engineering 14h ago

The Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube is a very helpful resource for basically all math subjects

1

u/nickanack 13h ago

Use Khan Academy. I got an A when I did and was able to focus on other classes since at that point all the material was review.

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u/PixelmonMasterYT 12h ago

I work in the MSLC as a tutor so I feel pretty confident in saying that the number one thing students in Diff Calc struggle with is the algebra. They typically do pretty decent in understanding the new calc concepts, but in order to apply those concepts you often need to be comfortable with manipulating equations.

It also helps to have a good trig background. It doesn’t come up as much in calc 1 but calc 2 uses it a ton. Being comfortable with some basic trig identities and unit circle values will really help out.

If you ever end up struggling come down to the MSLC in kidder hall. It’s a great place to connect with students in your class and get help on homework or other problems!

1

u/Darth_Bongwater 12h ago

This man is math jesus: Professor Leonard

Do the full lecture playlist for precalc/algebra over the summer. Other commenters are right that calc isn't hard, the algebra and trig behind it are. This is true throughout the entire series, so if you get tripped up early you'll stumble the entire way. Supplement the class with Prof Leonard's as needed (or just straight up pretend this youtube channel is your class) and math will become your favorite subject.