<p>physics is my favorite subject and i am in science bowl studying physics from 10-25 hours a week</p>
<p>i already took algebra 2 and will be taking precalc/trig while taking ap physics B, do i need a precalc/trig background before i attempt ap physics b or can i take it while im taking precalc/trig?</p>
<p>Algebra II is really all that is needed. If you can do fairly basic trig you will be fine on the ammount of math you know. That being said you may not be fine at how well you do math. If you feel confident in your math that you already know, you can definitely do it. The only other thing from Pre-Calc that I can think that is used is the dot-product, and it takes like 2 minutes to learn.</p>
<p>Physics B works with basic algebra (substituting in for all known variables and solving for the unknown) trig & vectors. </p>
<p>The stuff like vectors (a quantity w/ both magnitude and direction) will be covered in the physics class and will also be seen in Precalc. It’s actually really simple stuff. But, basically, w/ vetors you draw the vectors, paying special attention to angles given (this is the direction part). Then u break it down into components by using SOHCAHTOA, then feel free to add components (if they’re in the same direction) and subtract components (if in opposite directions) until u have the net components, then find the resultant of the 2 vectors (Pythagorean Theorem)</p>
<p>The only advancd math I remember was using the Law of Sines & the Law of Cosines in some vector and pendulum probs (though I know there were other ways to do it, I just sometimes pick quirky ways of aproaching probs) and some intense systems of equations (not so much advanced as complicated) w/ currents.</p>
<p>I also took Physics B concurrently w/ Pre-Calc, and I got a 5 on the AP test.</p>
<p>My school requires kids to have completed precalculus before taking AP Physics B. However, I think that’s a pretty silly rule. There’s nothing mathematically rigorous; you should have learned basic right triangle trigonometry in algebra 1, which is what you need. Also, there are some pretty hairy systems of equations for circuits. That doesn’t require mathematical talent as it requires being careful and meticulous.</p>
<p>I would recommend that one have completed geometry just beacuse there’s some area and volume stuff I wouldn’t have known in algebra 1.</p>