What Math to Review?

[MrSamrtGuy]

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Haven't taken math in about 8 years. What math do you need for Chemistry and algebra-based Physics? From what I remember it's mostly algebra with maybe a smattering of some precalculus concepts like logarithms. Am I mistaken? Would I be ok just getting an old Algebra 1 & 2 textbook?

 

[willow84]

I've been using KahnAcademy.org to prep for Calc in the fall. They have a precalc & trig module that's been helpful in refreshing my dated math skills. 🙂

 

[DocWinter]

Get to know algebra really well. Necessary for chem 1 and esp. chem 2.
2ndly, basic trig, but not too advanced. SOHCAHTOA and that sort of thing as helpful for physics.

 

[MrSamrtGuy]

Get to know algebra really well. Necessary for chem 1 and esp. chem 2.
2ndly, basic trig, but not too advanced. SOHCAHTOA and that sort of thing as helpful for physics.

Sweet, thanks. I like trig-algebra though, all those damn rules I forgot.

 

[PLPL]

Haven't taken math in about 8 years. What math do you need for Chemistry and algebra-based Physics? From what I remember it's mostly algebra with maybe a smattering of some precalculus concepts like logarithms. Am I mistaken? Would I be ok just getting an old Algebra 1 & 2 textbook?

Is your school allowing you to take Chemistry and Physics without having taking the math pre-reqs?

I've been using KahnAcademy.org to prep for Calc in the fall. They have a precalc & trig module that's been helpful in refreshing my dated math skills. 🙂

Has Khan been super helpful? I'm considering using it before I jump into my post-bacc classes.

 

[MrSamrtGuy]

Is your school allowing you to take Chemistry and Physics without having taking the math pre-reqs?

I took Calculus I in college, so at my school at least that can transfer and fulfill any math prereqs.

As for Khan-it's good, mostly, but it really works better as a study aid, not so much for learning on your own.

 

[mavric1298]

Agreed with the khan review, it's a great supplement or refresher. And you really just need to have algebra down, understanding derivatives will help with the hand waving of algebra based physics which makes it easier

 

[MrSamrtGuy]

Agreed with the khan review, it's a great supplement or refresher. And you really just need to have algebra down, understanding derivatives will help with the hand waving of algebra based physics which makes it easier

Derivatives is probably the last topic in calculus I felt comfortable with so that's good.

So I can actually probably swing intro physics based calculus if it doesn't go much past derivatives. How much calculus do you need for calculus based physics (just the intro level for the prereqs)?

I actually felt comfortable with pretty much all of Calc I conceptually, but all the goddamn new notations and things confused me and just added another layer of abstraction and confusion for me. It wouldn't be so bad without all the goddamn symbols and **** lol.

 

[mavric1298]

No need to do the calc based one, IMO. There's a lot of posts on that topic, but especially since the MCAT is all algebra based I think that's the best route

 

[MrSamrtGuy]

And re using Khan Academy (or Bio for Dummies, or whatever, et al) before jumping into the postbacc-

That is something I've thought about. But 1) I don't want to burn myself out before even starting and 2) I feel like it's the same at pretty much every school, but depending on the prof and the textbook some things might be emphasized more than others. This is the nature of all survey courses I think. In my intro bio class it seemed like the class had more of a focus on molecular bio than say cell stuff compared to some friends who took prereqs elsewhere. But I dunno.

I'm pretty much starting with a blank slate so I might skim an AP Bio/Chem book or some similar study guide to get the 30,000 foot view, but not get too deep into the weeds.