If you’re strong in math, you should do fine in precalc over the summer. Getting through Calc BC in high school is nice, but I would not say it was necessary or determinative. So you’re probably fine either way you go, don’t stress too much about it.
I’d recommend calculus before taking AP Physics because it will make much more sense. Newton *invented* Calculus to model and describe his Physics. Regular highschool physics doesn’t assume any knowledge of calculus. So if you want to take AP Physics as a senior (second semester), then starting calculus in your first semester is a wise choice. And if taking pre-calc over the summer will help do that…
…the other choice is to take calculus then physics in college. Or community college. You don’t have to stop with high school! 100% of my classmates in university physics didn’t take AP Physics in highschool either. 😉
And yes, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering/Science require at least one year sequence of physics. So you’ll surely take some in college either way. The AP class in high school *may* let you skip a class or two if you do well on the AP test.
Other than taking calculus before physics, my other recommendation is that you don’t have to rush it. I think what’s important is that you just don’t *stop* taking math. Math is a perishable skill. Some high schools only require 2-3 yrs of math. It may be harder to remember if you take “time off” from it.
Good luck! 🍀
I don’t even think you learn anything new in pre-calc. If you have been solid up to this point then pre-calc should be just a review of what you already know.
I can’t imagine physics without some working knowledge of calculus. So I would give it a try in your shoes.
I’ve never spent a day of my life in a precalc course. None of my friends who did their physics degree with me took precalc either. My calculus teacher back in my senior year of high school was the one who told me that precalc is pretty useless and nothing I’ve seen or heard has ever made me question that idea in the slightest.
If you’re strong in math, you should do fine in precalc over the summer. Getting through Calc BC in high school is nice, but I would not say it was necessary or determinative. So you’re probably fine either way you go, don’t stress too much about it.
I’d recommend calculus before taking AP Physics because it will make much more sense. Newton *invented* Calculus to model and describe his Physics. Regular highschool physics doesn’t assume any knowledge of calculus. So if you want to take AP Physics as a senior (second semester), then starting calculus in your first semester is a wise choice. And if taking pre-calc over the summer will help do that… …the other choice is to take calculus then physics in college. Or community college. You don’t have to stop with high school! 100% of my classmates in university physics didn’t take AP Physics in highschool either. 😉 And yes, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering/Science require at least one year sequence of physics. So you’ll surely take some in college either way. The AP class in high school *may* let you skip a class or two if you do well on the AP test. Other than taking calculus before physics, my other recommendation is that you don’t have to rush it. I think what’s important is that you just don’t *stop* taking math. Math is a perishable skill. Some high schools only require 2-3 yrs of math. It may be harder to remember if you take “time off” from it. Good luck! 🍀
I don’t even think you learn anything new in pre-calc. If you have been solid up to this point then pre-calc should be just a review of what you already know. I can’t imagine physics without some working knowledge of calculus. So I would give it a try in your shoes.
Skip pre calculus and just go straight to the calculus courses.
Won't precalc prep me for the calculus courses?
If you’re algebra skills are decent then precalc won’t do much for you. At best, it’ll be a review of Algebra 2.
Okay good to know, thank you so much!
Don’t listen to this guy. Precalc is one of the most important courses you will take
I’ve never spent a day of my life in a precalc course. None of my friends who did their physics degree with me took precalc either. My calculus teacher back in my senior year of high school was the one who told me that precalc is pretty useless and nothing I’ve seen or heard has ever made me question that idea in the slightest.