What kind of Math will I encounter in General Physics?

[ButAtYourBest]

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Ok, I know this totally depends on the course. But I imagine most schools have a Calc-Based Physics and a...non-Calc Based Physics. And I am taking the latter (General Physics I).

I can't get a hold of the textbook/professor/syllabus, so I'm trying to forecast what kind of math topics and concepts I should prepare myself for/brush up on.

Any insight?

 

[BlueElmo]

Mine was calculus based. But very little calculus was generally used. Although E&M used a bit more than other topics.

 

[Pills Of Soap]

Depends on the Physics you take. If you take the non-calculus based physics, you will need algebra and trig skills.

If you take calc based physics, you will need algebra, trig and calculus. Contrary to the previous poster, I found that there was a lot of calculus in my physics course. Mostly integration and derivatives at the basic level.

However, I found that the hardest part of my physics courses was always setting up the problem, never the math. (but maybe they go hand in hand)

 

[TopSecret]

Calculus-based.

It's easier than Organic Chem because it's mostly math and math don't lie.

 

[TopSecret]

I took math up to differential equations but for general physics all you really need to know are derivatives and integrations in multiple dimensions.

 

[dukemed22]

Physics I and II use very simple math (both calc and non-calc), so you really shoudn't have any trouble with the math part. Setting up the problem is the harder, and more important part, and once you do this, anyone can do the basic algebra.

 

[Mattabet]

For non-calculus physics, you'll just need algebra. And I agree with above - they won't be trying to trip you up with math, it'll be conceptual load and setting up the problems that get tricky, as well as being careful enough not to make arithmetic errors.

Make sure you know how to manipulate equations, order of operations, and the like and you'll be fine. They're not going to be intentionally tricky (unless they're those sadist physicists you've been hearing so much about).

Edit: I forgot. There'll probably be some basic trig too. Make sure you remember about sine and cosine and the like, as you'll probably have to set up and solve some right triangles, esp. when it comes to forces and vectors. Again though, they're not going to try to fool you - it's just a tool you'll need.