<p>Right now I'm taking AP Calculus AB. Last semester I got a 75. I want to take Calculus 1, 2, and 3 in college but I'm not sure if it would be a wise decision considering my current grade in calculus. So, could I survive in calc 1,2,and 3 in college?</p>
<p>btw, would differential calculus and integral calculus be any easier than calc 1 and calc 2?</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>Somehow, I survived them. I graduated 25 years ago, and those courses still mystify me! Not sure about your last question. For me, Calc 1 was differential, calc 2 was integral, and calc 3 was diffy q.</p>
<p>Well, I survived Calc 1 and Calc 2. In fact, I've survived Calc 1 three times now....(and got C's every damned time!.)</p>
<p>Both my Ds have survived 3 semesters of Calc (one as physics major in college; one as a high student). They both felt that Calc 3 was probably the most difficult of the three and that opinion has been reinforced by folks I know who teach math/physics/engineering at the university level. They've told me Calc 3 is typically the one that most students have the hardest time with.</p>
<p>Calc 1 is differential Calc, Calc 2 is integral Calc, Calc 3 is multivariable calculus. Differential Eq is a separate course usually divided into ODE (ordinary differential equations) and PDE (partial differential equations).</p>
<p>Both D1 and D2 took linear analysis immediately following Calc 3. D1 then took ODE and PDE. D2 is taking linear analysis now--and loves how much "easier" it is than Calc 3.</p>
<p>calc 1 shouldnt be a problem for you honestly, even having gotten a 75 in calc AB thus far. calc 1 is entirely review of AB, and seeing it for the second time you would most likely do much better.</p>
<p>It depends on the college and your determination to work hard at these classes. I only had trigonometry when I graduated and I had all As on all my math classes. I had 6-7 math classes, up to Fourier and Laplace Transform.</p>
<p>Anybody can survive a class provided they put in the effort, including classes where you need to devote a hell of a lot of time. Calc 1 shouldn't really be hard if you've taken AP Calc AB already. Calc 2/3 on the other hand might be more challenging depending on so many factors: professor, college, your math skills, your work/study habits, your determination, etc.</p>
<p>Personally, I found multi-variable (what you are calling Calc 3) to be the easiest calc. I thought that the second half of single-variable (what you are calling Calc 2) was the hardest. From comments on the engineering forum, I gather that this perception is not uncommon.</p>
<p>Hey,
I've taken all three and I would say that Calc 1 and 2 are the most important in terms of how versatile the information is. Calc 3 rather focused in that it's applications are fewer (and obviously more advanced) than those of Calc 1 & 2. </p>
<p>Calc 3 was by far the easiest of the three because the methods use are precisely the same as Calc 2, but you simply repeat the procedure many times for each dimension. (I'm exaggerating here, but you get the point.)</p>
<p>I think the reason that people would disagree with me here is because Calculus 3 requires a mental perception of the third dimension, e.g. being able to visualize a surface/volume integration in your mind before solving it. If you have difficulty with this, you may have difficulty with Calc 3. </p>
<p>If you don't want to take Calc 3 (multivariable calc) I would most definitely suggest that you take a Differential Equations course. In my post-calculus experiences, Dif-Eq has been the most helpful to me outside of math classes. (I even ended up using it to my advantage in Chemistry...hm.)</p>
<p>I think the best question to ask is this: Do you WANT to take these calc classes? If you want to, you will have the right attitude. Even if they are "hard" for you, you will have the proper frame of mind for success ... you'll be willing to study extra hard, visit the prof, get tutoring, etc. If you hate the classes, success will be harder to come by. If the classes are necessary as a means to an end you desire, you will be able to convince yourself to do what it takes to get through them. If you don't need them, you might find more interesting classes to take. This might sound like a no-brainer, but I have been surprised to find students who hate calc, don't need the advanced calc classes, and still seem to think they "have" to take them. I can't figure out why! There are many other classes they might enjoy instead, so why not investigate some of those, instead?</p>