College Algebra and Trig after Calculus?!

[scota]

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Okay, this may sound stupid, but I took calculus I two years ago and algebra/trig in 1998/1999. Since I will be taking algebra/trig based physics in the fall, I contemplated enrolling in a college algebra and trig class during the summer. Since I've already taken calculus (I earned a 'B' 😡 ) will it look bad if I take trig and college algebra? I'm in desperate need of review, as I haven't seen calculus in about two full years and I took algebra/trig about 5 years ago...🙁. But I know these classes will totally help for physics. So I don't know...

 

[kaikai128]

Have you ever thought of just surveying the class, or have you thought of just getting a good review book or work book and working thru some of the problems?? If you have a good background in math (which you must if you took calc already), I would suspect that a good workbook/review book would be a good enough review. In my physics class, the book also showed examples the the algebra...so even though it had been awhile for me, it wasn't bad at all.

 

[Peterock]

Why is it that medical schools don't care that you're in college and taking high school level classes? Not even junior or senior level high school classes at that?!

Time to become a lawyer.....

 

[scota]

Lol, I won't take this as an insult since I've already taken calculus. But how about posting something constructive next time?!

 

[scota]

Anyone else...?

 

[EMDream]

Why is it that medical schools don't care that you're in college and taking high school level classes? Not even junior or senior level high school classes at that?!

Time to become a lawyer.....

🙄
Imagine this, some people who didnt care about high school at all, and go onto college and then decide to put in some effort may need to start from scratch. I for one had to start with algebra and trig, and I don't feel one bit stupid, I had it in high school so long ago I couldn't remember it if I tried, and I'm sure my grade was atrocious. I didn't care much about math or anything when I was 15. As if that will have one bit of impact on my success now.

I know the OP didnt take issue with it, but I do.

 

[acidbreeze]

I botched my pre-calc studies, but calculus, as you implied, is relatively easier. Anyway, I'd recommend that you take it if you want to have a more solid foundation for other course.

 

[medic170]

They will review the algebra, and especially the trig, in your physics class, and its really nothing too complicated. No need to take a class you don't need. You'll be fine.

 

[NDESTRUKT]

Did you calc I class have analytical geometry in it? I find it odd that you would get by that easily without having an algebra/trig background, or did you just go by the formulas?

If you really are concerned about the algebra/trig stuff in physics, just get a Shaum's series book on that subject and read it...it's pretty much self explanatory and you can easily self learn it. The major thing in physics is probably just the basic algebra and trig for vector addition/calculation.

good luck!

 

[flighterdoc]

Have you ever thought of just surveying the class, or have you thought of just getting a good review book or work book and working thru some of the problems?? If you have a good background in math (which you must if you took calc already), I would suspect that a good workbook/review book would be a good enough review. In my physics class, the book also showed examples the the algebra...so even though it had been awhile for me, it wasn't bad at all.

If you already have Calc, I'd just recommend getting a casual review book (like "Trig for Dummies", seriously) and reading it. Don't stress about it at all.

 

[scota]

Actually, I did have an algebra/trig background. But since I took those classes so long ago, I simply don't remember a lot of that stuff any more. Since I don't know what to expect from physics, I feel sort of apprehensive.

Did you calc I class have analytical geometry in it? I find it odd that you would get by that easily without having an algebra/trig background, or did you just go by the formulas?

good luck!

 

[tegs15]

The other solution is take a calc based physics class, which if you like calc is a much easier approach to physics. 👍

 

[scota]

Lol, calculus based physics?! That was the class that originally scared me away from science majors at my undergrad U. I think I will buy an Algebra/Trig textbook, and learn it on my own. Thanks for the helpful advice everybody 🙂. Except that pete guy that is 🙄.

 

[farrago]

I think these review books are pretty good:

Geometry and trigonometry for calculus, Selby
Practical algebra, Selby

You can go through them in a couple of weeks. I think taking a class is unnecessary.

 

[Scubadoc]

Actually, I did have an algebra/trig background. But since I took those classes so long ago, I simply don't remember a lot of that stuff any more. Since I don't know what to expect from physics, I feel sort of apprehensive.

One thing you can do also, if you really feel you need a classroom type learning environment is unofficially audit the course. One of my professors let me do that this semester-just sat in on all the classes and did the work but it isn't on my transcript at all. Just an idea in case the learning on your own doesn't work out. (by the way though, those others who said you will be fine without taking the class are totally right...I didn't take the pre-req alg/trig and it was all there in the textbook)...good luck!

 

[scota]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Krazed_Medic]

Hey, if I were you, I'd probably just get some review books from the library. Physics I was basically a bunch of equations and plug and chug, getting ready to take Physics II so not sure about it. If you've already had the classes in the past, the best is to just review them. Personally, I haven't had trig or calc yet, but the trig that I had to know in Physics I was minimal and I was able to figure it out on my own, so I know anyone else is able to as well. Wish you the best of luck!

 

[mikeyboy]

The trig in physics is just manipulating sines and cosines which you can easily learn from the inside cover of a calc book. Algebra is something you won't forget how to do; it just might take a few problems to get in the hang of doing it again. If you're worried about non-calculus based physics, brush up on using vectors and basic trig identities; the algebra will come easily.

If you know the math, the only trouble you'd have in physics is conceptualizing things like rotational inertia and such. In Physics II, I wouldn't even worry about understanding the fundamentals of E/M but just learn the equations, then it's just algebra & geometry.

 

[scota]

Thanks again 🙂.