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Old 04-26-2012, 08:54 PM
 
Location: Viña del Mar, Chile
16,391 posts, read 30,931,772 times
Reputation: 16643

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Yeah, I'll second what xiansheng said about the Algebra part. I think the fundamentals of calculus are actually quite easy, it is more or less the algebra that goes along with it that can be a real pain in the butt. It is more or less just trying to remember all the little rules with your trig identities and simplying your answers.

I'm not sure if you do this or not, but for me in calc 1-4, what I tended to do was just find how all the questions repeat themselves. If you think about it, every single problem out there is done the same way in calculus. Calculus is actually straightforward, it is just usually the algebra you need to get there that makes it a pain. So what I do is I take exactly what I'm learning and get the general idea for each section of every chapter. I write out the basic fundamentals of the problems so I have an idea of what to do, then you know it is just a matter of using your algebra to get to that part of the problem.

Everyone bombs classes every once in a while, it's just how college goes. In my opinion, everyone can do all classes, it is just a matter of teaching yourself the correct way. Think about what you could have done differently and the next semester take that approach. You're obviously doing something wrong if you got that grade, especially if you know you're a smart person(which you should). Fix that, you'll ace it the next time around.


If I were you, I'd consider taking precalc over the summer, just to kind of brush up. Precalc is strictly algebra rules and trig rules. It'll seem tedious but when you hit calc again in the summer, everything will be extremely clear and the only thing you'll have to do is focus on bringing down that exponent and subtracting it

Above all, never limit yourself with your mind. Saying something is too hard is loser talk, nothing is too hard, tell yourself you can do it, brush off bad experiences and you'll do better your next time around. Anything to do with math is very rewarding, and the higher you go the more you impress the ladies (meh no wonder i don't get enough women). Anyways, I just wrote a novel, stupid adderal, can't wait til exams are done.
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Old 04-26-2012, 09:59 PM
 
Location: The Mitten but hopefully not for long!
12 posts, read 31,030 times
Reputation: 34
Thanks everyone for the responses. I agree that it seems that I struggle the most with the algebra aspect of it. Thats what makes it frustrating, I feel I understand the concepts. I actually like the things calc allows you to "see" or figure out. But yes I will try again, and again if need be.

I was also looking for some input as to what the importance of what my major is. Due to my age (almost 34 so realistically I will be 37-38 when I finish). The fact that I've been in the same field my whole life (manufacturing) I would think to some extent my experience would be more important.

I guess it doesnt really matter. I set a goal for myself and if I gave up and changed majors I would probably always regret it. I'm pretty stubborn. That attribute works both for me and against me!

Thanks again everyone!
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Old 04-27-2012, 03:24 PM
 
12 posts, read 43,377 times
Reputation: 15
If your struggling with algebra, it's no wonder calc is hard. Get your algebra clear and then proceed. I'm an engineer and Calculus did not come easy to me. I actually like the book Calculus For Dummies for basic concepts. You still got to know all algebra.
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Old 04-28-2012, 12:33 AM
 
2,830 posts, read 2,503,562 times
Reputation: 2737
Funny, when I took my Calc classes, I had no problem understanding the concepts, homework or tests, but ask me to apply the theory to real world scenarios and I had no freaking clue!

I think schools should require an applied math class for engineers, offered in the senior year. You'd basically review all of the math classes you've taken by working on real-world problems.
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Old 04-28-2012, 06:12 AM
 
1,708 posts, read 2,911,951 times
Reputation: 2167
Get a TI-89 calculator.

The solve, derivative, and integral functions will help you.

You seem to know who to set up the problem but struggle with getting to the answer. The calculator will help you with that. Plus, in the real world you need to know how to set up the problem, then you use a program made by someone way smarter than you to get the answer.

I view the calculator as that function.
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