I’m planning on taking bridge (advanced algebra 2/pre-calculus) my sophomore year, although I’m a little worried. What’s your experience with the class? Is it hard?
Hello?
This is a math class that combines algebra 2, trigonometry, and Precalculus.
Are you asking about college level or high school level? Most people take precalc in high school, I thought, but you posted this in College Life. That’ll change your answers.
I’ve never heard of Algebra II in college (that’s usually a high school designation) - in college, the sequence is typically Remedial to College Algebra to Precalculus and so on. In high school, Algebra II and Precalculus are usually thought of as relatively challenging - compared to Calculus, Precalc is seen as more confusing/complicated for a lot of people.
@bodangles - I just saw that OP posted other threads after this in high school life, including questions about which AP classes to take, so I think they’re talking about high school and posted in the wrong thread.
Oh, I meant to post this in high school life. @preamble1776 and @bodangles
But yes, it is a high school math class called Advanced Algebra/Trig. Typically, this class only teaches algebra 2 and trigonometry, however, my school combines algebra 2, trigonometry, and Precalculus as well into the course.
The first year that this class was offered at my high school was the year I was ready to take it, my sophomore year. I found precalculus more confusing than calculus (the class I took my junior year). I’m not sure why, because the teachers I had for honors algebra II/precalculus and calculus were both excellent teachers. Take that into consideration.
I really enjoyed the class, overall. It may have been because of the teacher though. That’s a huge part of it. Do you know who’d be teaching the class at your school next year?
My school didn’t combine Alg II with trig or calculus. I really enjoyed Algebra II; I learned a lot, and the material wasn’t that hard to understand. It mostly added onto what I learned in Algebra I. I can’t speak for the calculus or trigonometry portion because I never took them, but Alg II was pretty easy.
Algebra II & Trig can be challenging for a few reasons:
- You're expected to really remember all that stuff you learned in Algebra I. For many people, it's been a year of geometry since they did any serious algebra. You'll be expected to remember how to factor, solve Absolute Value equations and inequalities, and so on. In my school, there's a huge emphasis on verbal problems, so you'll need a solid handle on those skills as well.
- The trig is the real issue. It's not that it's particularly difficult, it's that it builds and builds and builds. Missing one class can really set you back in terms of understanding (yes, even if you get the notes). Something like Strep throat or Mono can kill you in the class. You've got to keep up with the trig, to understand each day's lesson before you come in the next day.
- As to combining it with Precalc, that's hard to determine. "Precalculus" is a very vague term; each school defines it pretty much as they choose. But adding a third topic to Algebra II and Trig means the other work will need to be covered even more quickly.
No, the course is described as a class which teaches Precalculus and assumes algebra 2. I’ve talked to the teacher who teaches the class and he explained that it’s very doable. I’m currently in geometry and during the summer we’re given a packet to practice our algebra skills. My school has offered this course for six years now and the majority of the current geometry students have signed up for it. So, back to my actual question. Would taking a course which combines algebra 2, trigonometry, and Precalculus be difficult. I mean, I can imagine it being pretty difficult and I already have a course load next year. So, would it?
Also, my current geometry teacher has previously taught the class and thinks I’ll will do great. Even with the extremely heavy course load I have planned along with it. @bjkmom
In my son’s school, why not the most advanced math, it is considered one of the hardest classes offered.
@onceuponamom I’m not sure what you’re trying to say. However, these would be the math courses I would take, depending on whether I take regular Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra/Trig my sophomore year.
With Algebra 2:
•Freshman Year- Geometry
•Sophomore Year- Algebra 2
•Junior Year- Precalculus
•Senior Year- AP Calculus AB (maybe BC if I take a summer course)
With Advanced Algebra/Trig:
•Freshman Year- Geometry
•Sophomore Year- Advanced Algebra/Trig
•Junior Year- AP Calculus AB (maybe BC if I take a summer course)
•Senior Year- AP Calculus BC (maybe multivariate calculus if I take a summer course)
By the way, my school offers no honors math classes at all.
@onceuponamom So, yes. Taking Advanced Algebra/Trig would be the more challenging route of the two.
My bad, I meant to say while not the most advanced course. Sorry