Calc Based-Physics Question

[Gmw1386]

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I was wondering what other people's experiences were with this class. All the prof. does is prove the calculus origin of the physics equations but doesn't do any sample problems showing how to solve the question using calc. But in recitation the TA solves the quesstions just using the equations (i.e. d = Vi(t) + 1/2at^2) So my first test is coming up and I don't know if I'll get away with just using the equations to answer the questions. Everyone in the class except me and another have taken up to calc3 but I've only taken calc1 and the other person has only taken pre-calc. Calc is NOT a prereq. for the course. (which seems ridiculous to me) Everyone else is very comfortable using calculus to solce the problems and I'm a little shaky. I can follow what he's explaining to us I just don't know if I would be able to apply it correctly.

So did any of you (who took calc based) get away with not showing the calculus work?

I don't know how they can expect the class to do the calc if calc isn't a preqreq. Even though I feel that's the point of calc-based physics 🙄

 

[Skaterbabe74]

For calc-based physics I we didn't really use any calc either. Our prof showed us the derivations of the equations, but we weren't expected to derive anything on our tests/homework. Calc-based physics II, on the other hand, uses a lot of integration (calc II stuff) - although the integrals are extremely easy ones (no trig substitutions or anything evil like that).

 

[Hoberto]

Why don't you just ask the prof if you will be expected to derive each equation you use on the test? I'm sure he'll alleviate your worries and tell you no.

If you're lucky he might even tell you that the equations will be provided! (I doubt it, though.)

 

[Kuba]

I was expected to derive a few problems in homework, but only about 2 problems total out of the whole year on exams.

 

[UIC Killa]

no...physics classes..whether calc based or not wants you to learn the concepts and the math is actually quite easy...and if you have all the pre-reqs for a class the professor cannot make up problems that requires more than that. you will be fine.