<p>What are the daily routine in the course?
Should I do something to prepare during summer break?</p>
<p>Derivatives and integrals.</p>
<p>^I couldn’t have said it better myself.</p>
<p>Just practice your Algebra (factoring, common denominator, logs, simplifying, exponents, long division, synthetic division, complete the square). I tell my friends that Calculus is 75% Algebra and 25% Calculus because the hard part is doing what I mentioned above. The concepts are easy as long as you understand the mathematical process behind derivatives and integrals.</p>
<p>Theres also some trig, but thats more in Calc BC.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This is the new concepts that the whole class is revolved around but is very easy. It is the simple algebra that gets me ;)</p>
<p>Every teacher and AP class will be different. But I agree with RPreZZ that having sharp algebra skills will help you a LOT in avoiding careless mistakes, because the theory behind calculus is not as difficult as people think it is. Learning about limits on your own so that you have a good basis for the first lessons can also help you get ahead. </p>
<p>In terms of actual material, derivatives are 1st semester and integrals are 2nd, at least in my AP class. Derivation seems easier than integration to me so far, since the derivative is a redo of the old concept of slope. </p>
<p>If you’re not already comfortable with your calculator, then familiarize yourself with the functions, especially graphing, because the AP exam expects you to know how to do basic tasks with graphing functions on the calculator.</p>
<p>As others have said, algebra skills and a good grasp on mental math (a good portion of the AP test is non-calculator) will serve you well. Do not use your calculator as a crutch - try to do all arithmetic without it, to strengthen your skills.</p>
<p>As far as the routine of the class, expect to have homework every night, which you will actually need to think about to accomplish (as opposed to something like English, which I find I can often do mindlessly). Don’t blow off your homework. Calculus is based on two new concepts, the derivative and the integral, and everything you do in class will either work up to or build on those two concepts. In short, every piece is crucial. </p>
<p>You shouldn’t need to prepare over summer break unless your teacher gives you a summer assignment. Mine did, and it was a review of basic algebra and trig, which is just all-around good stuff to know. </p>
<p>Most importantly, have fun! I absolutely loved calculus, and I’m sad not to be able to take it this year (my school doesn’t offer anything higher than AB). When you learn to harness it, you can do some fabulously exciting stuff. Hopefully you have a good teacher and a good class.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! This helps.</p>
<p>it’s harder than Satan’s @sshole.</p>
<p>^ Lies. </p>
<p>And how would you know? <em>crosses self</em></p>
<p>urban dictionary:
[Urban</a> Dictionary: ap calculus](<a href=“http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ap%20calculus]Urban”>Urban Dictionary: AP Calculus)</p>
<p>I was referring to this…
</p>
<p>I smell Facebook status lol.</p>
<p>experience</p>
<p>you don’t want to know lol. Don’t take the course and you’ll be lucky.</p>