<p>I am a high school Junior who has the opportunity to take community college classes my last 2 years of high school. I will be taking 6 quarters of math in the next 2 years and I am not sure what order I should take them in. They are: Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Calculus 3, Calculus 4, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. I plan to take Calculus 1-3 the first three quarters, but I am not sure what to do after that. Also, I want to go into computer science or business when I transfer to a 4 year university. Thanks in advance for your help.</p>
<p>Yes, you should start with Calc 1-3. Then I recommend you do linear algebra, as a good grasp of it is needed for more advanced multivariable/vector calc (4). </p>
<p>If you want to have time to take all these courses, it would be possible to take differential equations along with another course (at the same time, that is). The prerequisites for differential equations largely depend on how its taught and the course rigor; in this case, though, I would assume a knowledge of Calc I-II would be enough. You can take it concurrently with Calc III, IV, or linear algebra. </p>
<p>Good luck 
</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Actually, I would take calc 4 before linear algebra. That is the way it was at my high school and the way the course numbers go at my university. Linear/multivar can be taken interchangeably. Multivar is helping me immensely in my linear class. You don’t need linear for multivar. They don’t build on one another. I’d take them in the order you listed them. The reason I recommend taking multivar/ calc 4 before linear is because you want to make sure you don’t forget your calculus, since linear is based more off of extending precalc than it is calculus (you still use calculus though). Its a different field of math, centered around matrices and vectors. It makes more sense IMO to finish all of calculus first before you go on to the next field. Diff eq curriculum varies, but many schools will require you to take multivar and/or linear first because of the mathematical maturity required for it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input. Does anyone else want to give their opinion to support one of these two answers so far?</p>
<p>I agree with the above. Switching topics between semesters can be quite confusing, and you may forget some things. Go solely on one path, and then go on to the next. Calc 4 doesn’t have to be taken…only if you want.</p>
<p>Except, if you do computer science, you’ll need calc 4 at some schools, so I would just take it now before you go on to linear.</p>
<p>I agree that you should take Calc 4 before linear algebra. Linear algebra is not needed for calc 4, and it’s best to do alc 4 while calc 3 is still fresh in your mind.</p>
<p>What is Calculus 4?
You should take Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 before anything else, and I’m assuming Calculus 3 would have to go before Calculus 4, but other than that you can take these in any order. For example, I took linear algebra and differential equations before multivariable calculus. </p>
<p>@halcyonheather it looks like because the school is on a quarter system they take 3 quarters to cover what is normally calc 1-2. What im wondering is if calc 3 in this case also covers some of multivar.</p>