<p>So I gotta take differential calc, (408K) and I was just wondering how hard is it at UT? Some say it depends on the professor but I can't even choose the professor when signing up for a time in the class.. I heard calc was killer at UT, with 408L being the tough one. My plan is to take 408K here at UT and 408L at a community college later, but should I take 408K at a community college as well?</p>
<p>For it to be a killer you have to both be very bad at math and have a hard teacher. How did you do in math in high school? Did you already take calculus in high school? If you are absolutely horrible at math then you may consider taking it at community college. If you are slightly below average or average at math then you would still be able to do well if you are dedicated and you attend office hours or tutoring.</p>
<p>I hadn’t taken a math class in six years, and the lass math class I took was Algebra II.</p>
<p>I studied like hell to pass the ALEKS to get into 408C, which was too fast paced for me, so I dropped down into 408K.</p>
<p>At first it was a struggle because I didn’t know anything about Trigonometry, and UT focuses very heavily on having a solid foundation on Algebra (exponential functions, logarithms, etc). After watching endless videos on Youtube, and doing every homework assignment 3 or 4 times, I ended up getting Mid C’s on the first two exams, and A’s on both the 3rd exam and final exam. My overall average was an 86 at the end of the semester which curved me up to a B+. </p>
<p>It’s not so bad, but if you have a hard time with math and grasping concepts, accept that you need to make practicing problems your hobby. I usually would start doing every homework over and over again about a week before the tests, because the test is made of the same types of problems in your homework. If you have a friend, swap homework assignments with them so you can see a variation of problems.</p>
<p>Oh, and look up PatrickJMT on YouTube if you get stuck. He went to UT and has posted hundreds of mini-lectures on how to solve problems.</p>
<p>If you are not a science major and are extremely concerned about your GPA, I would recommend Calc I and II at ACC or a community college.</p>
<p>That being said, if in your future math is going to hit you again, say, Economics Gradschool, I would stick with UT so you get a pretty thorough understanding of the tricks of the trade.</p>
<p>Thanks propayne, you said you did the homework assignment 3 or 4 times… How many problems are on each assignment? I heard they assign alot, meaning you had to put quite some effort if it really is true, I applaud you lol</p>
<p>In 408K and 408L, your homework assignments will be Quest based (online server). Homework assignments in 408K were generally anywhere from 18-24 problems give or take one on both ends. You are given a week to complete these</p>
<p>Usually the first time you do the homework it is quite difficult because you are applying a new concept. Homework assignments are posted Tuesdays, and are due every following Tuesday by 2AM online. I say I would do them 3-4 times because usually once you’ve done it the first time, the 2nd time is of course, much easier. The 3rd and 4th times would generally be when I would be reviewing for the test.</p>
<p>The hardest concepts you are going to have trouble with are probably going to be the word problems like Related Rates and Optimization. Related rates are going to be what your second (and toughest) exam is all about, so be sure you understand related rates thoroughly.</p>
<p>There are all sorts of ways to get free tutoring at UT whether it is through the Jester center or Kinsolving tutoring nights, or if you decide to use your free Sanger Learning Center one-on-one tutoring credits.</p>
<p>I had 20 homework problems a week and they took me about an hour and a half to two hours each time. I did them in tutoring at Sanger Learning Center and just worked on the problems and asked questions when I got confused.</p>