<p>I think it’s MVC and then DE, but you can take LA after or before. I’m pretty sure, but not certain (like 95% sure).</p>
<p>@Episteme I think your answer makes sense, though I’ve also heard of people taking MVC and DE concurrently. I’m not really sure how that works, though…</p>
<p>Just graduated HS this year. I’m pretty fluent with single-variable calculus (e.g. AB/BC), and know some multi-variable calculus but not that solid yet.</p>
<p>I qualified to USAMO, so I’m also pretty familiar with number theory, combinatorics, geometry (USAMO-level, not the stupid “two-column proof”), inequalities, and functional equations. Didn’t understand projective geometry that well, and I was usually able to find non-projective solutions to problems.</p>
<p>Haven’t taken linear algebra or differential equations yet so I’ll most likely take that in college :)</p>
<p>@elf4EVA, I think that works in two situations: 1) if you’re taking a class that is both of them combined (I know UMD has a two-semester course that’s the three classes condensed for brighter kids) or 2) if the place you’re taking them is aware that people frequently take them concurrently, so they adjust the coursework accordingly. However, the general rule is that you take MVCalc first unless you plan on working hard and doing extra preparation outside of class.</p>
<p>As for linear algebra, I took it last year and there was extremely little calculus used and none strictly necessary. I feel like I could’ve taken it after pre-Calc and been fine.</p>
<p>Also, here’s my opinion about two-column proofs: They suck. No one uses them in higher-level mathematics. For example:</p>
<p>Two column proof question: ABC is a triangle and D is the midpoint of BC such that angle ABD = angle ACD = 90 deg. Prove that triangle ABC is isosceles.</p>
<p>2010 USAMO #4: ABC is a right triangle with right angle A. D and E are on AC and BC respectively so that BD and CE are angle bisectors of angles B and C. BD and CE meet at I. Is it possible for AB, BC, BI, CI, DI, EI to all be integers (with proof).</p>
<p>Unsolved: Are there infinitely many pairs of twin primes?</p>
<p>Yeah, I think the two-column proof is a key highlight of the stupid math curriculum in America, and thus in turn the lame general education system.</p>
<p>@ameliab12 Thanks for the info! I looked at the university’s website, and MVC is not a prereq for LA/DE, so hopefully I can take them all next summer.</p>
<p>I know about half of Calculus I…limits, derivatives, and indefinite integrals, mostly. And I learned all the proofs of the derivative rules so I wouldn’t have to memorize anything.
I tested out of honors pre-calc at my school, but I’m still unfamiliar with some of the topics in the very back of the book.
My non-honors geometry class never did proofs. The closest I ever came to writing a proof in class is when my Algebra II teacher asked the class to essentially go home and Google the proof that the square root of 2 is irrational and write it down. Lol.</p>
<p>My geometry teacher last year wrote THE hardest proofs for his tests. You’d literally have to stare at the paper for half the period to figure one of them out. But then again, I’m not really a geometry person, so maybe that’s just my slow geometry brain failing me once again :P</p>
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<p>Well yeah, two column proofs are a way of understanding and visualizing the basics of deductive logic. They really aren’t meant to be used for anything complicated.</p>
<p>The problem isn’t that they teach them, it’s that people don’t understand why they’re teaching them.</p>
<p>@ThisCouldBeHeavn, true. The other problem with two-column proofs is that they teach them and then done. They don’t go into any more advanced problems or other proof techniques well enough.</p>
<p>I’ve always loved mathematics. As a 2 or 3 year old, I understood fractions. Early I picked up multiplication and square roots by observing the answers on similar multiple choice questions. The same for learning some Calculus in Algebra 2. I pick things up here and there and retain it as I go as I just think about it. However, I never truly spent the time studying math other than some of the hard to figure out Calc BC topics for a competition–I spend more time tutoring than studying (it helps me understand mathematics more rather than know how to do problems). </p>
<p>I haven’t skipped a year in the math sequence and shall be taking BC in my upcoming senior year. This might also be my last year to compete in competitions such as the AMC/AIME/likewise problem sets. I would love to brush up my skills if I find time; I score in the 90s on the AMC and want to finish my final shot with a hit.</p>
<p>@Halcyonheather just assume sqrt(2) = a/b where gcd(a,b) = 1, eventually you get a contradiction. Your teacher asked you to Google the proof instead of try to prove it on your own?</p>
<p>@rspence
Yes. And on the final he put a question something like this…
Which is equal to the absolute value of x?
a. x^2
b. x^3
c. (sqrtx)^2
d. sqrtx
With a giant smiley face next to C, because we’d never gone over that in class. Either he was really incompetent or he thought we were.</p>
<p>Weird…that’s pretty dumb IMO.</p>
<p>Technically, C is not correct. If x < 0 then sqrt(x) is imaginary, square that and you get a negative number for an absolute value. The correct answer is sqrt(x^2). Teacher got pwned.</p>
<p>bump…</p>
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<p>halcyon probably just misremembered the question and the teacher wrote it fine…</p>
<p>I don’t know that much math very well, but i’m familiar with some stuff.</p>
<p>also rspence has intimidated me by writing gcd(a,b).</p>
<p>I’ve had a traditional math track so far with algebra 1 freshman year, geometry sophomore year, and algebra 2 junior year.
I’m a huge fan of algebra to the point where I took a college algebra courses this summer and did fairly well in it.
My geometry class had integrated trigonometry in it and I LOVED trig. I only liked that and the triangles stuff though; I wasn’t a huge fan of geometry…
For senior year I’m taking pre-calculus, AP Statistics, & Calculus AB! Wish me luck! I love math!</p>
<p>@enfieldacademy, I doubt it, unless if one of the answer choices was sqrt(x^2). (sqrt(x))^2 is clearly wrong.</p>
<p>Also, gcd(a,b) is just shorthand notation :)</p>