Astrophysics/Math/Rockets?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm new to CC. I'm currently a sophomore and I'm teaching myself AP Calculus. I don't find it to be too hard, and I really want to learn astrophysics/rocket science. What kind of math should I learn for this?
..AP Calculus AB/BC, then Multivariable Calculus (all self-study)..right? Then what? </p>

<p>I'd love to build model rockets and learn all of the math that goes along with that....</p>

<p>Advice/Tips? Anything?</p>

<p>FYI: I messed up my math schedule so I'm not in pre-calc or calc yet. Just in-case you need to know.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>You should study Precalc first. But you don’t need much precalc to be good at calc (at least at my school).</p>

3

<p>I don’t want to wait for precalc. I’m already started on Calc. I just want to know what I should learn.</p>

<p>Maybe some good textbooks/books to learn trig…</p>

4

<p>Bump 10char</p>

5

<p>Don’t shortchange your math education. Many math professors deplore the push into calculus at increasingly younger ages. Also, why are you bumping after 30 minutes?</p>

6

<p>I’m bumping the thread because I really want answers lol. I want to learn all the math for building model rockets… It’s so fascinating but there’s sooo much stuff I don’t know and I don’t know where to start… </p>

<p>trig…calculus…physics… </p>

<p>[Flight</a> Equations with Drag](<a href=“http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/flteqs.html]Flight”>http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/flteqs.html)</p>

<p>^ That stuff. I don’t want to wait years… I am so fascinated by the subject and I want to learn it more than anything. I just need to know where to start.</p>

7

<p>PR AP Calculus AB/BC + [Guided</a> Tours](<a href=“http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/guided.htm]Guided”>http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/guided.htm)</p>

<p>^ Will that be enough to get me started?</p>

8

<p>Everything from calculus to partial differential equations.</p>

9

<p>Thanks. Can I get started with my AP Calc book along with that NASA guide to Trig?</p>

<p>Where can I learn differential equations?</p>

10

<p>Don’t do it. Understanding the usage of the equations you linked does not require calculus. The fact that you cannot understand those equations right now means that you are clearly not ready. You are messing with your math education. If you do learn the prerequisite math, then by all means go on with your study of calculus.

You start by building up a strong foundation (that means mastering all the prerequisite material), not jumping ahead with a weak foundation (which will lead to failure).
You have to learn how to walk before learning how to run.</p>

11

<p>all the calc in the world isnt gonna get your d wet sonny</p>

12

<p>Here is the MAA’s (Mathematical Association of America) recommendation:

[The</a> Changing Face of Calculus: First-Semester Calculus as a High School Course](<a href=“http://www.maa.org/features/faceofcalculus.html]The”>The Changing Face of Calculus: First-Semester Calculus as a High School Course | Mathematical Association of America)</p>

13

<p>I can attest to this. Calculus itself isn’t that hard. It’s the algebra and trig that are an integral (haha get it?) part of calculus that make calc tough. Seriously, the largest cause for missed points on the AP Calc test was bad algebra. Take that precalc class now, because when you get trig problems in Calc you are going to be lost.</p>

14

<p>I felt the same way I wanted to rush and take Calculus because it was a prerequisite for Veterinary Sciences. I’ve realized that I wasn’t as strong in trig and algebra, so I’m going to learn the basics and build from there. I agree with the above posters, take it step by step, you’ll more prepared.</p>

15

<p>I will take Pre-Calculus as a senior (yeah I know). I don’t want to wait that long! I mean it’s all here for me, I just need the right resources.</p>

16

<p>I bet you can double up on classes, so you will be in calc your senior year.</p>

17

<p>My school won’t let me double up, unfortuntely. I’ll just self-study and take the exam.</p>

18

<p>*unfortunately</p>

19

<p>Being in pre-calc as as senior really is not that bad. So what if their are some kids a few courses ahead of you? It sounds like your drive will probably make you be very successful in college.</p>

20

<p>@payitforward have you taken any Physics classes yet?</p>