Thread: What advice would you give someone learning Calculus?

I just finished a Trig class, and i have some time before I start my Calculus course. I was wondering, what should I have a solid understanding of that will prepare me for this class?

Solid grasp of algebra, trig, and analytical geometry should do. A smattering of logic wouldn't hurt. You could always try to jump ahead in studying. The book I always recommend for Calculus is Morris Kline's Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach. It's heavily applications-oriented, with very clear explanations, and the price is right.

Okay, I'll take that into consideration. Specifically though, is there any Radicals, factoring or function graphs involved? Radicals are one of the skills I plan on perfecting.

Originally Posted by MajorJohnson

Okay, I'll take that into consideration. Specifically though, is there any Radicals, factoring or function graphs involved? Radicals are one of the skills I plan on perfecting.

All important. You might try, as a review, another Morris Kline book: Mathematics for the Nonmathematician, although his initial discussion of Augustine has now been laid to rest.

okay thanks.

You're welcome!

Perhaps the most important point- you learn mathematics by doing mathematics, not by reading mathematics. When your text gives examples, close the book and try to do the example yourself- and don't come on this forum (or any other) asking people to do your homework for you!