Prep for Physics 1

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drgoldenboy

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Hi All,

I will need to take the physics I & II sequence within the next year to stay on my time course, but I am not sure how I should prepare myself for it. I have not taken any math since junior year of high school (6 years ago got up to pre calc), and hardly remember any algebra. Does anyone have any recommendations on textbooks or specific math topics that I should study before taking physics. I have read that pre-calc and trig are the basis for algebra based physics, but I want to get an opinion from those who have taken physics 1 and 2 on what I should expect and maybe a recommendation on things I should be absolutely solid on before taking.

Thanks so much.
 
Trig & Algebra
I believe Trig & Algebra are needed to take Physics without Calculus (it's usually named General Physics).
But take a good look at the course description and course title (it'll come with 'w/ Calculus').
If it says Derivative, Multi-variable or Calculus anywhere; they are Physics w/ Calculus..

(Or it'll say 'For Science majors' or 'For Engineering majors' And sometimes has a advisory/prerequisite as Calculus 1&2.)
 
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What @Geo16 said. If its introductory physics, then trigonometry and algebra should suffice. Be familiar with sin cos tan, inverses, and how to use basic algebraic principles to manipulate equations. Outside of that, its more about having a sense of how to set up the problem and understanding the laws and what they mean.
 
As they stated Trig and Algebra. I went in with a solid understanding of algebra but no real trig knowledge and struggled early from being blindsided until I was able to figure it out. I would definitely study up on Trig if you don't have any knowledge of it.
 
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