I have finished my first semester of Calculus BC at my high school. We have covered material up to applications of integrations.
I am planning on taking a math course at my community college next month. I’ve heard that Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra and Calculus D are options for me. Can someone clear up what I can take, and what I should take?
Thank you!
What is Calculus D?
Like you said, you’ll probably be able to take multivariable calculus and/or linear algebra. Multivariable calculus is like AP Calculus in three dimensions, and linear algebra deals with matrices and tends to be more proof-based.
You might also have the option of taking differential equations, discrete math, or a calculus-based statistics class.
Most colleges will allow you to take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations in any order. For example, I took multivariable calculus after taking linear algebra and differential equations together. (I think the most “logical” order is linear algebra, multivariable calculus, differential equations. This is because multivariable calculus uses linear algebra, and differential equations uses linear algebra and multivariable calculus. However, you can take these classes in any order because you can learn what you need as you go.)
I’ve never heard people mention it as Calculus D, more like Calculus IV (which I think is both Linear Algebra and Ordinary Differential Equations).
I’m gonna echo much of what halcyonheather is offering: take Linear Algebra first before all else. It may be different that what you’re used to, but it does have many applications that you will need in your future math classes (as well as others).
In my school, we are allowed to take Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations at the same time. If you can also do so, then I’d recommend this. If your school offers Ordinary Differential Equations as your pre-reqs instead of Partial Differential Equations (I’ve heard some schools offering one or both, so can never be sure), then you can do both classes at the same time (I’ve done this).
If it instead Partial Differential Equations, then you’ll need Multivariable Calculus first.