Math 31B

<p>I have a bit of a problem.</p>

<p>I took Calculus 101A, which is basically Math 31A, at a community college.</p>

<p>I simply took the class for a learning experience and so that I wouldn't have to take AP Calc in my senior year.</p>

<p>However, now, when I'm applying for classes at UCLA, I hear that I can't retake Math 31A since I already have the credits for it.</p>

<p>Therefore, I signed up for Math 31B. However, I do not remember much from my community college calculus course, and I am worried that I will be behind in Math 31B. </p>

<p>Is this a major problem? Can I still review everything for Math 31A in the one month I have left before classes start? Any inputs or suggestions?</p>

<p>That sucks; I'm having a bit of a problem too...I didn't have the chance to take Calculus in high school (I took up to Math Analysis) and I'm taking Math 31a. Worried. I'm only taking it because my orientation counselor advised me to...and I passed the math placement test. I hate math, and I don't think I'm very good at it...</p>

<p>Good luck to you. You might as well just try going over it anyways =]</p>

<p>you sound kinda screwed :( </p>

<p>If you don't know the stuff from 31A cold, the problem is that almost everyone else in 31B fall quarter will have just finished AP calculus and will be raring at the bit. You can try to review it on your own which is definitely possible, but tough. But if I were you, here's what I'd do. Find some other class to take instead of 31B fall quarter, a class that will help finish your GE's. Then audit 31A. ucla doesn't really have a formal way to audit classes, but 31A is so big that if you just show up to lecture (and even a discussion section) nobody will know or care.</p>

<p>And there are 2 other benefits of skipping 31B in the fall. There are few sections of 31B in the fall since it is "off-quarter". Most people are taking 31A. So the class and discussion times are limited compared to 31A. If you wait until winter to take the class, you'll have a much bigger choice of class and discussion section times. Plus you'll be in the regular pool, instead of competing on the curve against all those people who got 4's and 5's on their AP test.</p>

<p>yeah uh i took calc AB my junior year and i think i forgot almost everything :D don't worry so much, actually a lot of people will probably forget AB stuff during the summer. i dont know how competetive ur college calc course is but if u need to brush up on calc skills try self learning using an AP review book or THIS site: <a href="http://www.math.hmc.edu/calculus/tutorials/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.math.hmc.edu/calculus/tutorials/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>and yes its from Harvey Mudd, a very good undergrad engineering college :)</p>

<p>Actually, I think you'll be okay.</p>

<p>Since you took a course already at a community college, it shouldn't be too hard to go through it the second time unless you're really not a math person. 31A is basically the limits, derivatives, application of derivatives, and introduction to integration, which isn't a whole lot actually if you put some time into it.</p>

<p>However, mikemac seems to have a very valid reason. You'll have much more time to absorb 31A material and then be able to compete in a class of students that did not pass the AP Calculus exam or even take it - thus giving you an advantage.</p>

<p>cocoa - I don't think you have too much to be concerned about. 31A is for students with no prior experience with calculus. You wouldn't pass the exam if you didn't really know your stuff. I'm curious, what is Math Analysis? I've never heard of that.</p>

<p>Math Analysis is a mixture of Pre-Calc and Trigonometry (sp?) given at some schools.</p>

<p>ya i would say that integration is the hardest party of cacl. good thing they only cover it lightly. :)</p>

<p>Hmm...I signed up for 32a cause of the 5 on Calc bc, but the problem is i took that test my junior year. Is taking 32a not such a good idea without reviewing beforehand? I really dont think I remembered all that much from junior year...and also, after taking that test i was pretty much done with math in high school, so i didnt take math my senior year...anyone have any suggestions? =)</p>

<p>does anyone know what book we need for math 31B cuz i tried looking for it using the ISBN trick and couldn't find it</p>

<p>Calculus by James Stweart, 5th edition
053439339X</p>

<p>Single Variable Calculus Solutions Manual, 5th edition (optional)
0534393691</p>

<p>You're still working with only 2 variables in 31B. You'll be fine.</p>

<p>Multivariable Calculus, by Stewart, 5th Edition, Study Guide</p>

<p>the ucla store said this book is optional for 32a, but does it help you all that much in class if i got it?</p>

<p>if u are struggling to understand the stuff and have no clue how to do the homework then u should get it. are u sure its a study guide and not a solution manual? ssm is solution manual</p>

<p>yea its a study guide...it said sg on the site</p>

<p>I hated Math 31B.
Integration by parts took me for a ride, and rode me hard.</p>

<p>eh beats me. i wouldnt get it. solution manual should be more helpful</p>

<p>Its worth getting a study guide that has worked solutions; there are lots of them out there. But you have to use it correctly.</p>

<p>The correct way is NOT as crib notes to finish your homework; sure, you can find a problem like the one in your homework that's solved and make the necessary substititions to get the answer you need. This doesn't help anyone; the teacher doesn't need the correct answer from you (she has the solution guide already), the purpose of assigning homework is for YOU to learn how to solve the problems. And you're not going to be able to bring your solutions book into the exam.</p>

<p>The right way to use these books is to read your text and then find the section appropriate for what you're studying. Cover the answer and solve the problem. If you get it right, great! If not, read their solution carefully and make sure you understand each and every step. Then cover the answers and solve the next problem. Repeat until you can solve them correctly. At this point, the homework becomes easy because you KNOW how to do the problems.</p>

<p>the solution manual should include steps on how to do it. of course im not talking about just getting the answesr to every problem. and anyways u kno that the prof rewards more points for the steps than answers</p>

<p>Well I can't audit Math 31A because I have to take a math course every quarter. The reason is because I am trying to get a change of major into engineering and that requires a math course every quarter.</p>

<p>ayaneko, you'll be fine in 32A. I thought it was much easier than high school calculus (I took Calc BC my junior year too, and didn't do any math senior year). You'll find that once you get into it, calculus comes back to you pretty quickly.</p>