What of precalc is relevant to calculus 1?

[Lunatic PreMed]

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I just switched my major to Biology and have some math to catch up on before I can take the required Calculus course. My SAT score allows me to skip Precalc 1, which covers fundamentals of algebra, functions and graphs, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and systems of linear equations. The course I am eligible to take is the second pereq, Precalc 2, which covers circular functions, trigonometric identities and equations, conic sections, complex numbers, and discrete algebra.

Here's the thing: I have a pretty hazy understanding of the things in PreCalc 1. I was thinking of taking a summer course in that PreCalc, but I've been reading all over that it's best to avoid that class if you want to save your GPA. Would it be better if I bought the textbook and studied it on my own, and took the PreCalc 2 in the summer instead? I don't know anything about PreCalc 2 subjects but do have a basic understanding of the topics in PreCalc 1.

ALSO: How much do you really need to know of the topics in PreCalc 1 to do well in college-level Calculus 1? It covers "Differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions, with applications." I just have heard a LOT that you can get by with a good grade in the first calc course as long as you have an ok grasp of algebra (as in, not necessarily knowing everything in precalc 1 courses) but a very good grasp of trig.



Thank you to anyone who can give me some experienced advice, because I need it.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

Putting that much thought into whether you should take precalc 1 or precalc 2 will indeed turn you into a lunatic premed. Take precalc 2. Precalc isn't the place to spend all of your premed neurotic capital; save that for orgo 2 and the MCAT. You will do just fine in precalc 2.

 

[Endolas]

The most important things to know for calc 1 are the trig functions/identities and algebra/polynomials. If you can comfortably manipulate polynomials and you understand how trig works, then you're fine. Oh, and I guess also know your way around a cartesian coordinate system e.g. slope-intercept, point-slope, y and x-intercepts, parabolas, shifting/reflecting graphs, and asymptotes. Basic stuff.

 

[Analytic]

"What of precalc is relevant to calculus 1?"

Pretty much everything. This depends on the course and instructor, but each topic we covered in college algebra and trig was used extensively in calculus I*. Those who struggled the most in my calc I class are the ones who did poorly in their pre-calculus course(s).

* This is assuming you're referring to a calculus course for pure science, math, and engineering majors, not the introductory course that's offered to business and social science majors.

 

[ridethecliche]

How the eff can you skip precalc if you did well on SAT math.

Are you talking about your SAT 2 score for Math 2?

 

[2sk0ol4c0ol]

Well if there is one particular topic you just need to get down before you go to calc 1 is LIMITS (these are especially important in calc 2) but honestly everything you have done in math is going to be used in your calc courses but I may be overreaching (I'm taking Calculus and Analytical Geometry 2) so that's just my opinion for my class.